Tornado shelters can save lives. Designs and engineering drawings are available from the Wind Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University. Just call 1-888-565-3896 and ask for the booklet, "Taking Shelter From the Storm" (FEMA 320), which is free of charge. This phone number was established exclusively for requests for this booklet. Just follow the instructions to leave your name and address and you will receive a copy of FEMA 320 in the mail.
For added protection, a qualified contractor can fasten down the roof of your house with metal hurricane clips or straps attached to the top plates or beams. You can also download plans for a tornado room from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St. SW, Washington DC 20472, or call FEMA at 800-480-2520. They also have a booklet available on "Building Performance During Hurricane Andrew."