"I decided to design and create a steel shelter that would fit into our under-stairs closet," David explains. The concept was revolutionary: instead of adapting homes to accommodate bulky shelters, why not create shelters that adapted to existing home spaces?
The first prototype was far from perfect. David describes it as "extremely bulky and each portion weighed about 500 lbs." Installation required "two hardy men" to maneuver the heavy components into the closet space. But despite its limitations, this first unit proved the concept worked and inspired months of refinement.
When 17 tornadoes roared through the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2012, one...
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Learn From Us
From Personal Tornado Scare to Industry Innovation
2025-06-21 Armored Closet
A Guide to to Your New In Home Shelter
2024-05-30 Armored Closet
Assembling an ArmoredCloset is a straightforward process that ensures your space is secure and fortified. This guide will walk you through each step, providing detailed instructions to help you achieve a perfect assembly. Whether you're installing it in a room, closet, or another designated area, this guide is designed to make the process as smooth as possible.
Let's get started - To Assemble an ArmoredCloset is an efficient process with the right tools and detailed instructions. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your ArmoredCloset is securely assembled, providing you with a robust and reliable safe space.
1
Preparation
Before you begin,...
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See Outside Safely with Bullet-Resistant Acrylic
2023-04-28 Armored Closet
ArmoredCloset Tornado Shelters & Safe Rooms, a company specializing in designing and manufacturing safe rooms and tornado shelters, has announced a new add-on feature to their products - the Ballistic Window. This acrylic window is bullet-resistant for 9mm and 45 Caliber handguns, providing added protection to those inside the safe room or tornado shelter.
What is a Ballistic Window?
A ballistic window is a type of window designed to resist ballistic impact, such as bullets fired from firearms. Ballistic windows are made from materials such as acrylic and polycarbonate that are known for their strength and durability. These materials have been engineered...
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Meets FEMA Criteria for Safe Rooms / Storm Shelters
2022-06-01Updated: 2022-09-29 Armored Closet
Armored Closet™ invented the first totally modular, multi-functional safe room in the industry while also creating and engineering features unique to tornado safety — like F-5 Impact Channels, Finger-Safe Door Jam, Triple-Post F-5 Latch bolts and the F-5 Lever-Guard. All exclusive to the Armored Closet™ tornado shelter and safe room and tested to meet FEMA standards at the Texas Tech University National Wind Institute.
Specifically designed to exceed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria for safe rooms, the Armored Closet™ can withstand category F-5 tornado winds!
Watch as an air cannon fires a 14ft, 15lb 2’x5" board at 100 mph at...
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Stops 9mm and 45 caliber ammunition
2021-09-01Updated: 2022-09-29 Armored Closet
The Armored Closet is a viable, bullet-proof safe room that gives you tornado protection in season and peace of mind throughout the day and into the night because it doubles as an accessible, in-home safe room.
Have you ever heard a noise in the night while you were sleeping and wondered if there were an intruder in the house? Well, now you can rest assured knowing that you have a safe room that you can run to – custom –built into the closet of your choice – in the comfort of your own home.
The truth is the most vulnerable time in...
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Know Where To Go And How Armored Closets Can Help Keep You Safe
2021-09-01Updated: 2025-05-13 Armored Closet
Tornadoes are among the most destructive weather events in the U.S., especially across Tornado Alley. In 2024 alone, over 160 tornadoes touched down in Texas, with Dallas and Tarrant counties continuing to rank in the top 10 for tornado frequency statewide. Oklahoma City saw 34 confirmed tornado events, further highlighting the need for serious preparedness in our region.
Having a clear emergency plan and knowing where to shelter can mean the difference between life and death. At Armored Closet, we specialize in helping families protect themselves with in-home safe rooms that are tested to withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
Where To...
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The Best Supplies To Keep You Safe
2021-09-01Updated: 2025-05-12 Armored Closet
Preparing your safe room or storm shelter is just as important as installing it. While Armored Closet provides superior in-home tornado shelters and safe rooms, keeping your unit fully stocked with emergency supplies ensures you're truly prepared for any situation—whether it's a tornado, power outage, or home invasion.
Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare. You can also download our printable supply checklist to keep on hand as you build your kit.
Food and Water
Store at least 72 hours’ worth of food and water for each person (and pet). Prioritize:
Canned goods (vegetables, beans, tuna)
Non-perishable dry items (granola bars, pasta)
Powdered milk...
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Keep Your Family Safe With A Custom Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms
2021-09-01Updated: 2022-09-29 Armored Closet
Texas residents know the importance of being prepared for severe weather and the possibility of tornadoes in their area. Disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and violent crimes are all too common. Fortunately, you can take action to protect yourself and your family from these events by installing a custom-built safe room and storm shelter inside your home.
Our custom-made Armored Closets have been certified by professional engineers to both meet and exceed the specifications set forth by FEMA and the National Storm Shelter Association. Armored Closet has provided peace of mind to homeowners throughout Texas, as well as businesses, communities, and government...
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