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David J. Phillip / AP
Work continues on the construction of a hurricane dome at Edna High School in Edna, Texas, on Dec. 6.
Most of the time, the windowless building with the dome-shaped roof will be a typical high school gymnasium filled with cheering fans watching basketball and volleyball games.
But come hurricane season, the structure that resembles a miniature version of the famed Astrodome will double as a hurricane shelter, part of an ambitious storm-defense system that is taking shape along hundreds of miles of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Its brawny design — including double-layer cinder-block walls reinforced by heavy duty steel bars and cement piers that plunge 30 feet into the ground — should allow it to withstand winds up to 200 mph.
"There is nothing standard" about the building, said Bob Wells, superintendent of the Edna school district, as he stood inside the $2.5 million gym, which is set to be completed by March. "The only standard stuff is going to be the stuff we do inside."
The Edna dome is one of 28 such buildings planned to protect sick, elderly and special-needs residents who might be unable to evacuate ahead of a hurricane. First-responders and local leaders will also be able to take refuge in the domes, allowing them to begin recovery efforts faster after a storm has passed.
Storm-defense structures are getting increased attention in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which inflicted heavy damage on the East Coast in October. The city of New York, for instance, is considering a multi-billion-dollar system of sea barriers.
For Texas, a state always in danger during hurricane season, the domes offer the extra benefit of serving as recreation or community centers when not needed as shelters. They are being erected with help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
David J. Phillip / AP
Bob Wells, superintendent of the Edna Independent School District, shows the new domed gym under construction in Edna, Texas.
"I think it's good for FEMA, and I think it's good for us. And I think it's good for the taxpayers," Wells said.
The gym in Edna, a town of 5,500 people about 100 miles southwest of Houston, is the second hurricane dome in Texas. The first was built in 2011 in Woodsboro, near Corpus Christi. Most of the domes will be around 20,000 square feet.
The plan calls for structures in 11 counties in the Rio Grande Valley, around Corpus Christi and along the coast from Victoria to Newton counties, said Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
So far, $34.5 million has been awarded. This month, FEMA approved funds for a hurricane dome that will serve as a community center in Brownsville, one that will serve as a wellness center and physical rehabilitation facility in Bay City and two that will serve as multi-purpose training centers in Kingsville.
Inside the gym in Edna, Wells' voice echoed as he pointed to the ceiling, which has layers of sprayed-on concrete, insulation and rebar, all of which are under a heavy duty fabric that gives the structure its distinctive wind-resistant shape.
The doorways are covered by awnings of heavy gauge metal and supported by concrete girders that go 15 feet into the ground.
FEMA is paying for 75 percent of the dome structures, with local communities picking up the remaining cost.
The funding is part of the agency's initiative to help homeowners and communities build hardened shelters that provide protection from extreme weather.
Nationwide, more than $683 million has been awarded in 18 states, including Texas, Alabama, Michigan and South Carolina.
Walking around the gym, Wells said it reminded him of when, as a teenager, he first walked into the Astrodome after it opened in 1965 in Houston.
"It was like, 'Oh, wow, this is so cool,'" he said. "I'm still kind of in the 'Oh, wow' stage with this."
NBC News' Richard Engel investigates what experts say can be done to better protect coastal cities from storms like Sandy. Sandy sent a record 14-foot storm surge into New York Harbor, flooding subway tunnels and airports.
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Leave a Comment:
Great idea but only hope they don't build the shelters in a low flood area. !
Ever called support for your computer and they ask if it is plugged in? Sadly they ask that for a reason.
There is going to be demand for concrete dome houses to. Insurance costs will be a driver to adopt more durable construction practices across the board.
Of course, everyone is overlooking what a shelter like this really is--a gathering place for a displaced group of people from all economic levels and with various health conditions, gathering in one big space during a disaster, crowded together with inefficient supplies of food, water, bedding and medical supplies for long-term relief.
The Astrodome was described as hell during Katrina, and had any number of issues--people arrested, toilets that didn't work, trash that didn't get taken out, etc.--that made it less than ideal to be in. People should not be fooled into thinking any of these other newly-built gathering spots will be any better in a major disaster.
Stand Up, I am not sure, but do you mean the Superdome? it is located in New Orleans, whereas, the Astrodome is in Houston. Houston, Galveston, and the upper Texas Gulf cost was evacuated and no one was shepherded to the Astrodome, if I recall. The Superdome was where all the problems occurred.
Hey, I'm sleep-deprived right now. Cut me some slack, LOL.
Same point. Public gathering center turned nightmare.
It's all Al Gores fault. Him and his silly global warming. weather changes? nahhhh must be some silly coincidence. It's nice to build shelters but how about dealing witht he real issue? nahhhhhhh let's build more SUV's instead. /facepalm
Yes it is a good idea, however if Texas wants it then Texas should be paying the Bill..... Instead it is being paid for with borrowed money..... So we the Tax Payers are getting screwed once again..... FEMA really is out of control.....
Hey! A billion here, a billion there - chump change for the feds!
Do you know the difference between a loan and a grant? If it was borrowed money, the taxpayers would at least have a chance of getting it back.
Way overpriced. A geodesic dome made of wood will withstand 200 mph winds. Those concrete things look like they're for withstanding bombs or the overpressure from nukes.
Just found an 80 ft diameter deodesic kit, 5000 sq ft ground floor for $100,000 plus assembly.
Ed: The biggest problem with the geodesic design is they hold too much water and start rotting... Fast. There was a local place that sold them and that is what happened to them, even when they were properly taken care of. These concrete domes will damned near survive just about anything. Tornadoes, hurricanes, brush and forest fires, even earthquakes! I'm guessing they are being ordered from Monolithic Domes, which is a local Texas business. I've been looking into them myself for a multitude of reasons. They've been featured on HGTV on a couple of shows, and they're putting one of those big emergency ones up in Pataskala, Ohio where they are prone to lots of tornadoes. IIRC, prices are comparable to your average stick built house.
and concrete life expectancy is...my guess is it peaks in strength in 25 years...and require periodic core drills to determine structural integrity...ya' know why reactor buildings are round...cause they don't cut corner's...or is that Wendy's hamburgers...any way are they yodler proof...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd4i7ol5lAA
Oh really, ED? Can you provide a source?
Here's what I found - the Dome Guys are claiming strength up to only 100 mph winds:
http://www.domeguys.com/index.php?xsearch%5B0%5D=Frame+%26+Load+Capacities&submit=Go&xsearch_id=faqenhanced_search_category&src=directory&srctype=faqenhanced_lister_noanchor&view=faqenhanced
Actually, plain bob, if concrete is poured correctly, it will last for thousands of years. Look at the Pantheon in Greece. It's made of concrete and has been standing for almost 2000 years. http://amazeingart.com/seven-wonders/pantheon.html
ok, so they build gyms that dub as shelters, and you guys think your being cheated? These are projects that benefit "we the people". this is the kind of thing our tax money should be spent on, not wars. there is a return. the kids get to play sports, and then can use it as a back up shelter to save lives. WHAT PART OF THIS DO U NOT UNDERSTAND? geeezzzzzzusss
The Pantheon is marble, not concrete which was not invented till the 17 hundreds lol They used a clay bonding to create a smooth surface.
So instead of the Fed paying for preventing catastrophes, you'd rather they spend billions on helping to clean it up? Use your head there, son.
"Bob Wells: A Modern Day Noah!"
Dear Friends:
What took you so long? Thank God! I hope other hurricane states follow the suite.
Hey You! Former President George W Bush Sr. I hope you were not talking about my comment? Surely I can oblige and no prayers or get wells next time. Surely I was not trying to play a harp! That angel appears you will know it and it is the end. God Bless ! Amen.
Amen. Amen. Amen. That is a HYMN.
Dear Friends:
Oh Former President Bush SR. due respects I can not warn anyone of hurricanes or other too!
YOU BET!!!!! I am ecstatic that we have finally put human life and suffering from natural disasters as a priority. This makes me SO happy!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!
Let me see if I have this straight. The governor of Texas has talked of seceding and we're pouring even more money into the state. I thought they didn't need no steenking federal government. OK, they don't need it unless they get free stuff.
Exactly. The same group of hypocrites erecting these domes with federal tax payer funds were probably the same ones complaining about their taxpayer funds going to help NYC rebuild from Sandy.
It's a great idea, although it does seem a bit expensive for... cinderblock sides? I've seen basements made of cinderblock that, 50 years after construction, were the consistency of sand. Any water, or salt water (the kind that happens in a hurricane) will eat away at cinderblock, from the bottom up.
The trouble with the whiners who don't like help for Sandy victims is that they don't realize that those victims are dealing with freezing temperatures and snow at the same time. They also get all their news from Faux... I wonder if Faux is carrying this story. I hope that Texas shows these on their local news and other media.
Texas is the only large population state that gets these kinds of Federal grants; most of the other states happen to be red states, and then they complain about the money spent by the Federal government. A lot of that money has come out of the New York area in the last 40 years, starting with Nixon's initiatives.
Look at the history of bank "red-lining," where money that was deposited in the northeast was used to build businesses in all those areas that now complain: these weren't just loans either. The first investigations of the banks were over the red-lining issue.
Huh? I agree with you. I am from Texas and live here and our governor is a total moron. And his followers are a small minority. With about 26 million in population (legally counted), the approximate 800,000 who signed the secession petition is a tiny, tiny minority. Just consider them the +/- standard deviation from the norm. If you cannot fathom how stupid this governor is, just google the great trans Texas corridor.
You do realize the money the federal government is building these projects with, came at least in part from the taxpayers of Texas. You, like many "sheeple", believe the federal government has unlimited "government money". I am all for slashing government spending, but until that time comes, I expect to get some value from the taxes I am compelled to pay.
Some of these domes that are also used as gyms are not to be used as shelters except for the first responders. In order to shelter people the gym floor would have to be removable, but most are fixed floors and thus can not be used because they would scuff up the floor. This might not be true for all domes, but it is for some if not most.
Refugio is thinking of building one and can not be used except for the first responders. Pure waste of money as far as I am concerned. If counties want to build such a structure then they should have a bond election to fund the construction.
There are less expensive and equally strong designs. Not just counties, but individual homeowners should look at some of those designs, on a smaller scale. It doesn't make sense to build an English cottage with an overhanging roof where there are wind storms.
Years ago, some people were camping where there was a terrible wind storm. All the tents were blown away but the yurts, which are made by a circular criss-cross lattice tied with metal straps, and then the roof is circular and almost dome-shaped, and material is on the outside. People who had staked and tied down the edges had nothing to worry about, and the winds were high, which is why this design is popular in very windy parts of this earth. A building built in a similar way is much more stable than our "balloon" houses.
A cement block structure is the strongest and most fire retardant. But the lumber industry just wont have it. welcome top planet earth.
Randall... In a natural disaster, if your concern is getting a scuffed floor, obviously you're not familiar with natural disasters. If the administrators of this structure are worried now about the potential of getting scuffed floors, it's time now to rid your community of those administrators. When the rest of your community is demolished in the storm, I'm sure someone can arrange to get a new floor in the process of getting the rest of the community rebuilt.
If it is built with federal money, the federal government can demand it be used as a shelter for people.
If it is built with state or local money, same thing.
I agree that if the leaders in a community want to stop it from being used for a shelter, then that community needs different leaders.
why the hell would you NOT want to use it in an emergency? are u kidding me?
What a bunch of bull!!! Texas wants no part of the U.S., and few Texans want anything to do with the feds but when it comes to building a shelter/gymnasium, ... bring it on Uncle Sam. Typical hypocrites. FEMA should only go where they are not scoffed at. Let these communities build their own shelters.
Easy, you can't judge a state by its elected officials, when that state has been brutally gerrymandered. There are lots of folks in Texas who are also proud to be Americans. Where do you think Molly Ivins came from? And Ann Richardson?
Ann Richards, actually. But you're right about Texans. Few people - as a percentage of the whole - signed the ridiculous secession petition.
How does any of this translate to a "LOAN"? "CHUMP CHANGE" comment is senseless as are the hymn or prayer references. Get the sentiment of victims out of the picture and get down to facts and common sense. Rebuilding and protection from the elements is a no-brainer, but the rebuilding must be inclusive with the latter. This is an issue for the communities, the construction industry and the insurance industry to resolve. The Federal pot is empty and has been for many, many disasters. PS - Try to stop voting for your own comment!
No, it isn't. Where you guys get the idea the US is broke is just weird.
Wow! You have received some indoctrination. But thanks for the verification of limp citizenry.
Sounds like a great idea...and, how much is a life worth???
A government with no money, overcrowded classrooms, and underpaid teachers make for a "dumb dome"
It could be worse. It could be Bio-dome with Pauly Shore. *shudder*
Wow that floor in the picture looks like it would be extremely difficult to play basketball on. Actually it looks like it would be difficult to even stand on. I bet the children will like it.
My first thought also but I believe it is the lens distorting reality. Or it was the mushrooms, we could ask Alice.
Or maybe the building isn't finished yet? Didn't the article say the building would be completed in March?
wide angle lens distortion
They should be in the shape of a Texas Sized, Ten Gallon Hat, and should be called Climate Shelters. The only problem is slowing the traffic down, as thousands of Texas try to drive into one.
Where in H__— are the feds getting all of this money to continue to just give away. Did anyone mention we had a surplus???? Oh! I forgot we just borrow more money from China. Obama has sh_— for brains. Near $17 TRILLION DOLLARS in debt(bankruptcy) and he is still giving money away!! Then there is Boehner who is afraid to take a stand against Obama and Harry Reid and DEMAND BIG CUTS OF SPENDING.(There are 52 nonessential programs that should be cut.) Here are a few 1)U.S agency for International Development--$1.39 BILLION ANNUAL savings 2) Department of Energy Grants to States for Weatherization---$530 MILLION ANNUAL savings 3)Hope VI Program $250 MILLION ANNUAL savings. Obama wants us to go over the cliff so he can legally raise taxes.....yes on the middele class as well as the rich. His so called $1.2 trillion in cuts are $760 BILLION TO MEDICARE(thanks to Obamacare) and $500 BILLION TO THE MILITARY. Now add the 20+ new taxes in OBAMACARE and the middle class is getting the shaft. Since alot of you liberals voted for him, I hope you enjoy being poor!!!
Ummm.... get real... most funding for this local shi.t comes for locals. This has NOTHING to do with Obama or Boner. This is more on the State (Gov. Loser Perry) level and local level. If they want to build a shrine to the local armadillo... they CAN.. as along as it is ok with the local citizens.
Obviously a FAUX News watcher...totally clueless.
If you're such an expert why aren't you in Washington doing something?
Nice gas chamber, where is FEMA staging the coffins?
Google Chrome Dome
Cost Air = reap whirlwind
There really is no good reason for the $2.5 million price tag. The materials are relatively inexpensive, the design is not unique, the labor is plentiful, the land siting presents no unusual challenges. The reality is that most contract companies and independents will overcharge and under perform. They are among the worst people I've ever encountered and I've worked for mobsters and government employees that embezzled. It is the rare one that truly cares about product quality, or expeditiousness. In fact, it is typical of them to purposefully slow a project in order to maintain a more steady flow of income in order to hold on to sub contractors, and to allow for mistakes and sub par work in order to gain the repair work later, blaming someone else for the issues.
Despite that, I've been pushing dome homes and shelters for years because they simply make sense. Every neighborhood or mobile home lot in a tornado zone should have one or more.
Where was your counter bid?
Claws? Dragons have claws? Why would they want a light bulb anyway? Besides I thought stainless steel nail clippers for use on a sailboat in salt water environments were used to trim claws.
Why should we taxpayers here in Maine help pay for the "domes"? One would think that after going through tornadoes year after year, they would smarten up and more elsewhere, or at least build a stronger building. What makes these "builders" think that their dome will withstand a major tornado? Have they been tested, or is this the bright idea of some contractor to make himself some easy money? Especially when the money comes from good ol' Uncle Sam! From what was said, the domes should withstand winds up to 200 mph. what if the winds are higher...which they are likely to be, as we have already seen many such storms with winds much in excess of 200 mph!! Sounds to me like the Big Dig goes West!! "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature!" I can just imagine what county these "umbrellas" will wind up in.................
Build the shelters waterproof and build them underground except for the dome. Then they can withstand winds over 500 mph and be useful in the event of a nuclear war as well. Jeeze they never do things right!
Hobbits are a lot smarter than mankind!
These are a smart move and benefit a lot of people with the tax dollars spent. Good move.
Why is Texas taking federal money? I thought they wanted to secede!
yep, see my comments on Perry above at 7.3. or look for the article posted today in the Dallas Morning News, How will Rick Perry's national ambitions affect his legislative agenda?
for more of Perry's idiocy.
what part of that agenda did he think was a winner for the Republicans in the last election?
Will guns be allowed inside in the case of a hurricane? If so, I'll take my chances with the hurricane.