A fraction of the cost of a regular shelter, these ladies actually have a very good idea, IMO. They are surrounded by reinforced concrete below ground on all sides except the top. Ladies, a suggestion to consider,use the plastic lid to keep out water and insects, but anchor a thick metal plate to the concrete and use gas pistons (like on the truck or hood of your car) to help raise it, and secure it from inside the can to hold it down. Top protection is all your idea needs, IMO. Good luck!
I'm not so sure you'll be sucked out, but there is a great danger of something heavy (furnace core, refrigerator, even a microwave would ruin your day) dropping on you. The flimsy plastic lids offer almost zero protection and will not last 5 seconds. With the concrete in place, it shouldn't be hard to replace them with something more robust. Even something like a thick sheet of OSD or plywood would help a lot. You'll also need some way to latch the lid, preferably at multiple points.
lol for real? that wouldnt last in an EF2. That lid would come off if i passed gas near it im sure...sorry, but this is NOT safe!!!!!! Invest in a real shelter, it is WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!
Please have one professionally installed. This company will install one and it will increase the value of your home. tswstormshelters"dot"com/saferooms.html
Hi I had a thought. What about putting some kind of handle on the inside of the lid so you can hold the lid down if the wind starts blowing too hard? Is there a way to attach a handle, like a cabinet handle or something like that to the inside of the lid? Again, it is just a thought.
I've lived through a terrible tornado, and I have to say that I think you did a wonderful job of preparing. No, it isn't perfect, but it is strong, and underground, and around here, that is exactly what was needed, and saved lives. This could be the only solution for some, so I'm really glad that you posted it. Too bad there are so many nasty people in the world, but this is one lady that thinks your idea is wonderful. God bless you and your family.
All these tornado and shelter "experts" are so fast to call names and pass judgment . If your really that concerned why not just leave a nice suggestion on how to make the shelter Better . Sometimes you just have to use the resources you have , not the ones you wish you had , not the ones other people think you should have
@lcaneer like I commented , this shelter design is not perfect. But its better to have this than have no shelter. Not everyone can afford thousands of $ for a "proper" shelter. With a little more thought and ingenuity the top could be redone and it would be more safe than being in a basement or in the bathtub .
This is a bad idea. I lived in western PA during the spring of 1985. On May 31, 1985 an EF5 touched down in Wheatland, PA. There had to be close to several miles of industrial plants located on that strip. The tornado swept through the town and leveled the buildings to the concrete, Houses were tossed like toy houses. A tornado is to be taken seriously. Seek a basement or sturdy structure. I hope the family seeks a safer shelter in event of a tornado. Please don't use this idea.
OMG are they serious!! this has to be a joke. That will so not work. A tornado can pull trees out of the ground, and pick up cars. I don't know why they think those trash cans will protect them.
SERIOUSLY??? It's obivious these people have no clue what a tornado is really like. You'd get sucked out of those suckers in a heartbeat, never mind the fact of running out of oxygen. Even small tornados can drive tree limbs and smaller objects into solid walls and trees, that lid won't protect from anything.
This has to be a joke, and not a very good one. PLEASE DONT TRY THIS
Brilliant Idea !!!!....somethings better than nuttin !....however, I do hope the Cans are anchored into the ground to avoid getting sucked out of the holes. The lids need reinforcement with a 3 sided latching system inside. ...and last but least, Give "Myth Busters" a call, let them be the judge......
You may have those cans encased in concrete "below ground", but in an EF2+, all you need is for it to pick it up and throw it, or for something to impale the top, which would kill you despite having a helmet. Look at the Vilonia, Arkansas tornado last year... that was rated only EF2, yet that scoured pavement. You also have that Mobile Home there to contend with. The best thing to do is to evacuate to a safe area if you know you're close to being under the gun.
The scary thing is that a bunch of people who commented before Reed tweeted it actually thought it was a good idea. How many of these things are out there now? Although if you are choosing between this and a mobile home to ride out a tornado in, neither option is looking great.
Ladies! This really worries me :-( For several reasons. If there is heavy rain, it will fill up. The lid could blow off. If debris lands on top, the lid could cave in and crush you. If debris land on top, and you can't open the lid, you'll run out of air quickly. You'd probably be better off in your bath tub! Please be careful.
If something heavy like that wall falls on top and if the lid doesn't collapse you'll need to worry about suffocation. Not to mention if you become incapacitated and rain runoff manages to funnel it's way in somehow you could be looking at the possibility of drowning.
This is a horrible idea. The lid will not withstand an EF1 or higher tornado. If its an EF3 or higher I am pretty confident that those cans will be lifted straight out of the ground. They would have to be bolted into the ground pretty deep to be able to withstand the forces of a twister.
I also reported the video, because this is dangerous and should NEVER be done. The worst thing that could happen is others seeing this and believing it to be a good idea.
This is an example of POOR DECISION MAKING in REGARDS TO BEING SAFE DURING A TORNADO! You have absolutely no protection over you heads or spinal column! That trash can lid will not withstand even the smallest of tornados. I know I've been in or close to more than one tornado. You would be more protected in a solid foundation home in the smallest
space, putting as many walls between you and the storm as possible and putting a mattress over you. A helmet does nothing to protect your spinal column.
Trust me, those trash can lids will not stay on, not without a very good lock on every side. In addition, those cans will not hold something heavy flying straight down on top of them. Finally, those cans are cemented into the ground, so. They probably won't move, but that doesnt mean the people inside are attached.
so, ignoring the fact that there is a thin plastic roof that will be no help, if something falls on your lid (assuming it doesn't fly away) you are going to be 100% unable to get new oxygen... and don't forget compartment syndrome!
Better yet... bury a sealed 18-24in drainage pipe that is 6.5 ft long or more horizontally that leads into your trash can. That way you have a place to lay down and have no chance of being sucked out. Thank you for the video. It made me laugh at first. But, its a great idea to build on and thanks for sharing.
Yea this isn't SACNORAD but I have to agree, I'd rather be in one of those trash cans than in a bath tub! If your in a storm like in Joplin you are screwed any way you look at it. Statisticly how often does that happen?
I like the idea!! ..and I like how the can lids are there to keep rainwater out when not in use, ...HOWEVER, I would go one step further and also dig and set 4 steel posts (in concrete) for each unit, and design a 2nd more reenforced top that bolts on to those in ground anchored posts which would sit a few inches above present lid. It would reduce chances of debris collapsing in on person, or sucking the person out of the hole if in a direct path.
I live in Joplin Mo where an F5 just destroyed 1/3 of our town. I see where you think you are safer in these than not, I may have thought that too before being in one, but I can tell you for a fact that you would not be safe & I am concerned that it would give a false sense of security. The lids would not last a few seconds. We had people in basements who were killed because the doors were ripped off or the ceiling was the floor of the house & they got sucked out or crushed. Tornados are strong
Consider some things: A tornado could suck the tops off the cans and suck you and granny out at breathtaking speed OR falling debris could easily be driven right through the tops of the cans and on to your heads. But I have to say that I like your drive and ingenuity! I would suggest burying a large shipping container with more than one entrances....
None of these criticisms have much of a point. These ladies are showing a method of avoiding injuries during a tornado, for you, for free. No methods are full proof. Professional storm shelters have had many fatal flaws in design over the years and they are hugely more expensive than these trashcans. The most impressive part of the video is the older lady's ability to get in and out of it. It shows that she would be able to perform this operation if she were alone in a tornado.
The government tested and approved model is $ 2 million and change. The whistle is $50,000 extra; you don't even want to know the price of the bottle of water. Good old American ingenuity at work. Thanks for sharing.
What a loving, creative thing to do and impressive agility for an older lady. An improvement over a mobile home bathtub for sure and readily accessible .Well done and thanks for sharing your great idea.
It is very apparent that they have never been anywhere close to a tornado. The structure of the lid will not sustain any impact, the helmet has more integrity than the whole rest of it. Just visit a site with some pics of Tuscaloosa or any of the most recent ravaged areas. Ever seen a huge tree ripped out of the ground and thrown, or a house moved off it's concrete foundation. The concrete around this can would not hold it. This is a tomb. Please Don't try this. Your life depends on it.
Maybe add a handle to the underside of the lid. GREAT IDEA. It would be interesting to have the idea tested. Gotta give her credit for very creative thinking!
I like the idea but her 89 yr old mother is going to break a hip getting in and out of that thing just demonstrating it! I would put a step stool in the bottom that she can step down on and also sit on.
How do you prevent the tornado from ripping the lid off and you out? Maybe put a lock or something on the inside.
@Mallory1013 Trust me, a lock won't help. I am from Joplin Missouri...if you have never been near a tornado, then there is no way you could understand it's power. Before May 22nd, I too may have thought if the lid were locked, it would be safe....I know better now.
Fabulous! This is sure to stump the smug and snotty archeologists of the distant future! No doubt they will say it is for human sacrifice. Oh how wrong they will be! Fabulous fabulous fabulous! I wonder how many people will do their own. It would be awesome if they would post their own videos, with possible design improvements. I also would like to see a locking, sturdier lid.
I think this is a great idea, but would feel better if I could "lock" the lid closed. I'd be afraid I'd get sucked out if the lid came off. Any ideas?
The “Trash Can” shelter has not been challenged by tornado or testing authority… common sense may be an exterior submerged “Trash Can” over a 70 mph structure with an above ground bathtub.
@lesdubb I don't care what your rational maybe, you're an idiot; And I hope you're found culpable if someone is injured or worse because of your absolute stupidity. Even if this meant as a joke, it's not funny to say the least. People can lose their lives over retarded bullshit like this.
@lesdubb Dont listen to the Naysayers You have a great idea here
The people saying that it wouldnt work are idiots
and Probably have never truly experienced a Bad Storm or tornado Sure the Idea Isnt "fool proof" But like you stated Its way better Than having nothing . Anyone who is not a Idiot Can see that ...
What if they park a car over it
Raylacad2197 6 days ago
if a tornado comes in the lid will not stay on for 10 seconds...
rarbiart 1 week ago
A fraction of the cost of a regular shelter, these ladies actually have a very good idea, IMO. They are surrounded by reinforced concrete below ground on all sides except the top. Ladies, a suggestion to consider,use the plastic lid to keep out water and insects, but anchor a thick metal plate to the concrete and use gas pistons (like on the truck or hood of your car) to help raise it, and secure it from inside the can to hold it down. Top protection is all your idea needs, IMO. Good luck!
JeffInDFW 2 weeks ago
I'm not so sure you'll be sucked out, but there is a great danger of something heavy (furnace core, refrigerator, even a microwave would ruin your day) dropping on you. The flimsy plastic lids offer almost zero protection and will not last 5 seconds. With the concrete in place, it shouldn't be hard to replace them with something more robust. Even something like a thick sheet of OSD or plywood would help a lot. You'll also need some way to latch the lid, preferably at multiple points.
geonerd 3 weeks ago
"If the lid blows off in the tornado" You mean "when the tornado sucks me out."
chasercentral 3 weeks ago
lol for real? that wouldnt last in an EF2. That lid would come off if i passed gas near it im sure...sorry, but this is NOT safe!!!!!! Invest in a real shelter, it is WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!
Barderella 3 weeks ago
@Barderella I WILL say that something below ground is better than nothing. That's the only redeeming quality of this shelter.
Barderella 3 weeks ago
Please have one professionally installed. This company will install one and it will increase the value of your home. tswstormshelters"dot"com/saferooms.html
KD0LAL 3 weeks ago
You WILL get sucked out with a lid like that! Trust me.
DEANWARREN43 1 month ago
Hi I had a thought. What about putting some kind of handle on the inside of the lid so you can hold the lid down if the wind starts blowing too hard? Is there a way to attach a handle, like a cabinet handle or something like that to the inside of the lid? Again, it is just a thought.
WhiteTeaRoses315 1 month ago
I've lived through a terrible tornado, and I have to say that I think you did a wonderful job of preparing. No, it isn't perfect, but it is strong, and underground, and around here, that is exactly what was needed, and saved lives. This could be the only solution for some, so I'm really glad that you posted it. Too bad there are so many nasty people in the world, but this is one lady that thinks your idea is wonderful. God bless you and your family.
Sheila6325 1 month ago
All these tornado and shelter "experts" are so fast to call names and pass judgment . If your really that concerned why not just leave a nice suggestion on how to make the shelter Better . Sometimes you just have to use the resources you have , not the ones you wish you had , not the ones other people think you should have
Patriotsurvival 1 month ago
@Patriotsurvival Well said...
NuDawgontheblock 1 week ago
@lcaneer like I commented , this shelter design is not perfect. But its better to have this than have no shelter. Not everyone can afford thousands of $ for a "proper" shelter. With a little more thought and ingenuity the top could be redone and it would be more safe than being in a basement or in the bathtub .
Patriotsurvival 1 month ago
Your better off putting a condom over your head and laying in a ditch. this shit dont work
joshthefootballgod 1 month ago
at least you have a plan. most of the people on here either have no plan or do not know what they are talking about. i hope you never have to use it.
jawbone83 1 month ago
This is a bad idea. I lived in western PA during the spring of 1985. On May 31, 1985 an EF5 touched down in Wheatland, PA. There had to be close to several miles of industrial plants located on that strip. The tornado swept through the town and leveled the buildings to the concrete, Houses were tossed like toy houses. A tornado is to be taken seriously. Seek a basement or sturdy structure. I hope the family seeks a safer shelter in event of a tornado. Please don't use this idea.
58muzzy 1 month ago
OMG are they serious!! this has to be a joke. That will so not work. A tornado can pull trees out of the ground, and pick up cars. I don't know why they think those trash cans will protect them.
326bella 1 month ago
SERIOUSLY??? It's obivious these people have no clue what a tornado is really like. You'd get sucked out of those suckers in a heartbeat, never mind the fact of running out of oxygen. Even small tornados can drive tree limbs and smaller objects into solid walls and trees, that lid won't protect from anything.
This has to be a joke, and not a very good one. PLEASE DONT TRY THIS
lcaneer 1 month ago
@lcaneer so your saying Just sitting in your house under the table is safer ?
Patriotsurvival 1 month ago
@Patriotsurvival no, a proper shelter and survival plan is safer, this is just pure stupidity
lcaneer 1 month ago
This is a very dangerous idea, and I seriously hope no one actually tries this at home.....
jfryan 1 month ago
Brilliant Idea !!!!....somethings better than nuttin !....however, I do hope the Cans are anchored into the ground to avoid getting sucked out of the holes. The lids need reinforcement with a 3 sided latching system inside. ...and last but least, Give "Myth Busters" a call, let them be the judge......
mkeupsr 1 month ago
Oh God...please dont tell me people actually think this is a good idea!
LtCrunch01 1 month ago
Realization, they died during this last tornado season. Sorry to break it to you but the shelter was taken out with 100mph winds.
CHSGUY2013 1 month ago
I wonder how long it took her to get out??
CHSGUY2013 1 month ago
Darwinism lives.
alastormspotter5 1 month ago 2
Looks like a job for the Mythbusters. My money is on "BUSTED".
georgiaroadgeek 1 month ago
You may have those cans encased in concrete "below ground", but in an EF2+, all you need is for it to pick it up and throw it, or for something to impale the top, which would kill you despite having a helmet. Look at the Vilonia, Arkansas tornado last year... that was rated only EF2, yet that scoured pavement. You also have that Mobile Home there to contend with. The best thing to do is to evacuate to a safe area if you know you're close to being under the gun.
MaqAttaq 1 month ago
this is dumb
Tacobell146 1 month ago
How dumb can you be? Honestly. I hope you are joking. I guess you can not fix stupid.
Austink1973 1 month ago
I hope for the sake if the dog they don't do this.
dannagarrison1 1 month ago
Hell Effin' NO!!!! How dumb can you be?
Penske5150 1 month ago
The scary thing is that a bunch of people who commented before Reed tweeted it actually thought it was a good idea. How many of these things are out there now? Although if you are choosing between this and a mobile home to ride out a tornado in, neither option is looking great.
kyleahoff 1 month ago
Not good..
mrmike98x 1 month ago
Ladies! This really worries me :-( For several reasons. If there is heavy rain, it will fill up. The lid could blow off. If debris lands on top, the lid could cave in and crush you. If debris land on top, and you can't open the lid, you'll run out of air quickly. You'd probably be better off in your bath tub! Please be careful.
astrantia2k 1 month ago
If something heavy like that wall falls on top and if the lid doesn't collapse you'll need to worry about suffocation. Not to mention if you become incapacitated and rain runoff manages to funnel it's way in somehow you could be looking at the possibility of drowning.
jimmywix 1 month ago
This is a horrible idea. The lid will not withstand an EF1 or higher tornado. If its an EF3 or higher I am pretty confident that those cans will be lifted straight out of the ground. They would have to be bolted into the ground pretty deep to be able to withstand the forces of a twister.
Duskrequim 1 month ago
I also reported the video, because this is dangerous and should NEVER be done. The worst thing that could happen is others seeing this and believing it to be a good idea.
Duskrequim 1 month ago
If Reed Timmer says is a bad idea, its a bad idea!
55seddel 1 month ago 5
This is an example of POOR DECISION MAKING in REGARDS TO BEING SAFE DURING A TORNADO! You have absolutely no protection over you heads or spinal column! That trash can lid will not withstand even the smallest of tornados. I know I've been in or close to more than one tornado. You would be more protected in a solid foundation home in the smallest
space, putting as many walls between you and the storm as possible and putting a mattress over you. A helmet does nothing to protect your spinal column.
sasyphras 1 month ago
And I didnt mention suffocation
altidefan1 1 month ago
That's silly, Use common sense!
loveacat25 1 month ago
Trust me, those trash can lids will not stay on, not without a very good lock on every side. In addition, those cans will not hold something heavy flying straight down on top of them. Finally, those cans are cemented into the ground, so. They probably won't move, but that doesnt mean the people inside are attached.
altidefan1 1 month ago
-TERRIBLE IDEA-
taketothesky077 1 month ago
so, ignoring the fact that there is a thin plastic roof that will be no help, if something falls on your lid (assuming it doesn't fly away) you are going to be 100% unable to get new oxygen... and don't forget compartment syndrome!
cofaym 1 month ago
you just killed a million peeps
sejeffusa 1 month ago
you just gotta love the 89 yr. old mother. She's adorable!
2late4me2care 1 month ago
Better yet... bury a sealed 18-24in drainage pipe that is 6.5 ft long or more horizontally that leads into your trash can. That way you have a place to lay down and have no chance of being sucked out. Thank you for the video. It made me laugh at first. But, its a great idea to build on and thanks for sharing.
syknyt 2 months ago
Maybe add harness style seat belts used for racing. They're available at performance car shops or online.
syknyt 2 months ago
Yea this isn't SACNORAD but I have to agree, I'd rather be in one of those trash cans than in a bath tub! If your in a storm like in Joplin you are screwed any way you look at it. Statisticly how often does that happen?
BearClawAK47 4 months ago
good stuff! you should definitely figure out a more sturdy roof though. maybe a rope or handle you can hold while you're in there to keep it shut.
powerhousephg 4 months ago
I don't think the lids on those trash cans would stay shut if the tornado was on that side of the house.
BoudiccaBlanc 4 months ago
Just wonderful!! don't forget your Battery a.m Radio!! Excellent!!! GOD BLESS
spiritartman 5 months ago
I like the idea!! ..and I like how the can lids are there to keep rainwater out when not in use, ...HOWEVER, I would go one step further and also dig and set 4 steel posts (in concrete) for each unit, and design a 2nd more reenforced top that bolts on to those in ground anchored posts which would sit a few inches above present lid. It would reduce chances of debris collapsing in on person, or sucking the person out of the hole if in a direct path.
Good ingenuity so far though,
Vic486 6 months ago
I live in Joplin Mo where an F5 just destroyed 1/3 of our town. I see where you think you are safer in these than not, I may have thought that too before being in one, but I can tell you for a fact that you would not be safe & I am concerned that it would give a false sense of security. The lids would not last a few seconds. We had people in basements who were killed because the doors were ripped off or the ceiling was the floor of the house & they got sucked out or crushed. Tornados are strong
snuzzybug 7 months ago
Consider some things: A tornado could suck the tops off the cans and suck you and granny out at breathtaking speed OR falling debris could easily be driven right through the tops of the cans and on to your heads. But I have to say that I like your drive and ingenuity! I would suggest burying a large shipping container with more than one entrances....
CoolHandLuke1970 7 months ago
None of these criticisms have much of a point. These ladies are showing a method of avoiding injuries during a tornado, for you, for free. No methods are full proof. Professional storm shelters have had many fatal flaws in design over the years and they are hugely more expensive than these trashcans. The most impressive part of the video is the older lady's ability to get in and out of it. It shows that she would be able to perform this operation if she were alone in a tornado.
defek286 7 months ago
The government tested and approved model is $ 2 million and change. The whistle is $50,000 extra; you don't even want to know the price of the bottle of water. Good old American ingenuity at work. Thanks for sharing.
lauraclayhatton 7 months ago
What a loving, creative thing to do and impressive agility for an older lady. An improvement over a mobile home bathtub for sure and readily accessible .Well done and thanks for sharing your great idea.
lauraclayhatton 7 months ago
I think it's a fabulous idea! I loved seeing how your mom got into and out of it! Good thinking! Yay mom!
brendafohio 7 months ago
Can you breath in that thing? I think those trash cans are air tight...
jtimpakt 7 months ago
portable death coffin!
1x93cm 7 months ago 13
It is very apparent that they have never been anywhere close to a tornado. The structure of the lid will not sustain any impact, the helmet has more integrity than the whole rest of it. Just visit a site with some pics of Tuscaloosa or any of the most recent ravaged areas. Ever seen a huge tree ripped out of the ground and thrown, or a house moved off it's concrete foundation. The concrete around this can would not hold it. This is a tomb. Please Don't try this. Your life depends on it.
jcbaker5 7 months ago 15
@jcbaker5 I agree. This is one of the most irresponible how-to videos ever. You would be better off running out into a field and lying down.
drape47 4 days ago
Maybe add a handle to the underside of the lid. GREAT IDEA. It would be interesting to have the idea tested. Gotta give her credit for very creative thinking!
oceansoundz 7 months ago
Oh and granger plastics has been selling something similar for a few years.
elTiburon1971 7 months ago
Now I know what to do with my mother-in-law when she visits.
elTiburon1971 7 months ago 3
How about giving the ole girl a hand instead of standing there barking orders and holding your dog? Great idea there, thumbs up!
ggstet 7 months ago
Good Job Ladies!
thegoatman62 7 months ago
I like the idea but her 89 yr old mother is going to break a hip getting in and out of that thing just demonstrating it! I would put a step stool in the bottom that she can step down on and also sit on.
How do you prevent the tornado from ripping the lid off and you out? Maybe put a lock or something on the inside.
Mallory1013 7 months ago
@Mallory1013 Trust me, a lock won't help. I am from Joplin Missouri...if you have never been near a tornado, then there is no way you could understand it's power. Before May 22nd, I too may have thought if the lid were locked, it would be safe....I know better now.
snuzzybug 7 months ago
These ladies are amazing!!
defek286 7 months ago
Fabulous! This is sure to stump the smug and snotty archeologists of the distant future! No doubt they will say it is for human sacrifice. Oh how wrong they will be! Fabulous fabulous fabulous! I wonder how many people will do their own. It would be awesome if they would post their own videos, with possible design improvements. I also would like to see a locking, sturdier lid.
lauraclayhatton 8 months ago
Looks like it would work. Also would like a way to lock lid and be more sturdy if lid was to be struck by falling debris.
anthonywarnock 8 months ago
I think this is a great idea, but would feel better if I could "lock" the lid closed. I'd be afraid I'd get sucked out if the lid came off. Any ideas?
blahblah321ish 8 months ago
The “Trash Can” shelter has not been challenged by tornado or testing authority… common sense may be an exterior submerged “Trash Can” over a 70 mph structure with an above ground bathtub.
lesdubb 8 months ago
@lesdubb I don't care what your rational maybe, you're an idiot; And I hope you're found culpable if someone is injured or worse because of your absolute stupidity. Even if this meant as a joke, it's not funny to say the least. People can lose their lives over retarded bullshit like this.
BitterCanuck 1 month ago
@lesdubb Dont listen to the Naysayers You have a great idea here
The people saying that it wouldnt work are idiots
and Probably have never truly experienced a Bad Storm or tornado Sure the Idea Isnt "fool proof" But like you stated Its way better Than having nothing . Anyone who is not a Idiot Can see that ...
Thank you for posting this Idea and video
Patriotsurvival 1 month ago