Home  | Application  | Producer Member Roster |FAQ | Index  
 

Printer Friendly Version

 

 

FAQ

 

How can I join NSSA?

Applications for membership to the NSSA are available on the NSSA website for download.  Membership dues vary for each specific membership grade.  There are 7 grades to select from.  Producer Member and Installer Member applications must be accompanied by an application fee, which is deducted from the first year's annual membership dues.  Corporate Sponsorship has the option of adding their company's logo to our Home page for an additional $500.  For more information please see the membership description section of our website.

How much are memberships dues and when do I pay them?

Membership dues vary for each specific membership grade.  There are 7 grades to select from.  Producer Member and Installer Member applications must be accompanied by an application fee, which is deducted from the first year's annual membership dues.  Membership dues are payable yearly on the anniversary month that membership was approved.  A notice or invoice is sent 30 days prior to the anniversary month to allow plenty of time for members to receive and mail their dues to NSSA.  For more information please see the Membership Applications & Fees section or our website.

 

What are the benefits of NSSA for a shelter producer?

  • Identification and visibility as a producer of quality shelters through the NSSA seal program and web listing.
  • Reinforcement that you are "doing it right."
  • Quality verification by an independent 3rd party engineering firm to verify standard compliance.
  • Test procedures for verifying debris impact resistance.
  • Industry standard that delineates quality essentials.
  • Improved position with respect to liability issues through NSSA process for standards compliance verification.
  • Educational Programs

 

What are the benefits of NSSA for a shelter consumer?
  • Identify shelter producers who provide quality-verified products.
  • Labels on quality-sheltered products to recognize quality.
  • Industry standard that established quality criteria.
  • Information and education via seminars, web pages, and responses to inquiries.
  • Checklists of important elements of shelter quality.
  • Advocacy for incentive programs for shelter construction.
  • Increased property values.

What are the benefits of NSSA for a policy decision-maker?
  • Quality verification of manufactured shelters or site-built shelters.
  • Industry leaders available for guidance on mitigation strategies and policies.
  • Involvement with International Code Council (ICC) to develop a comprehensive shelter standard, available for building code adoption incorporated into 2009 editions of IBC, IRC.
  • An NSSA industry standard based on FEMA 320 and FEMA 361 publications and ASCE 7.

 

Back To Top


Is there any financial assistance or grant programs for purchasing a storm shelter?
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects following a major disaster declaration.  The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster.  The HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act.  

When the President of the U.S. declares a disaster, (read about grant programs.)


Where can I find a list of the approved NSSA members for my particular grant program?
An approved members listing can be found under the Producer Member grade on our website. If you are unable to find one in your area you should feel confident in doing business with any producer member listed.  Many travel outside their area or state to install shelters.


Where can I find information regarding test scheduling and costs to test?
You may contact Larry Tanner at Texas Tech University, Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, PO Box 41023, Lubbock, TX 79409, 806-742-3476 Ext 336, or at larry.tanner@ttu.edu.


How can I have my shelter tested for debris impact resistance?

NSSA does not certify any storm shelter design.  Producer members who submit their shelter for debris impact testing and achieve verification of compliance from a 3rd party engineering company may then certify compliance with the ICC/NSSA Standard for storm shelters.  Seals provided to NSSA approved Producer Members make this statement on the seal and are then installed in those shelters certified by the Producer Member.


How can I find out if a particular shelter or product has gone through debris impact testing?
You can find a list of tested shelters, doors, and components through a link on our website under the Testing Compliance Verification, or you may go directly to the Wind Science and Engineering Website under Research/Debris Impact Testing for a complete list.

Back To Top


How can I get a copy of the FEMA 320 publication?

The FEMA 320 publication, "Taking Shelter from the Storm:  Building a Safe room For Your House Or Small Business," is available for download through the FEMA website:  A CD/DVD of the publication is also available upon request at this same site.  Go to the following link to download: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1536


How can I obtain or purchase the ICC/NSSA Standard publication?

The ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters (ICC 500), is available for purchase through NSSA at member and non-member prices.  It is also available for purchase through the International Code Council (ICC) for a price.  Check their website for details: www.iccsafe.org.


Where can I find a particular storm shelter installer/distributor?
NSSA Producer Members have a variety of shelters available for purchase.  You can find specific information or the types of shelters sold or distributed at the members' websites.  See the Producer Member listing for further information.


Does NSSA install storm shelters or sell a particular type of shelter?
NSSA is not a producer or installer of storm shelters.  The primary purpose of the association is to ensure the highest quality of manufactured and constructed storm shelters for protecting people from injury or loss of life from the effects of tornados, hurricanes and other devastating natural disasters.  The association is self-policing to maintain public confidence and respect for the storm shelter industry.


Is there an IRS tax credit for anyone building a storm shelter within guidelines of the standards?
To date there is no known tax credit for anyone who builds a storm shelter within guidelines of the standards.  Check with a tax accountant for any current tax credits.


Does NSSA have a list of community shelters where people can seek shelter if a tornado should occur?
No, NSSA does not have a listing of community shelters.  You may check with your local city government office or with the local FEMA mitigation officers in your area.

Back To Top
 
 


 

For Further Information: