Tornadoes

[F.U.]

I don't get it.

From what I understand, it's because the ground is comprised mainly of clay, and would simply allow water to seep into your basement. Thus, no basements.

Some of our older homes up here also have a seeping issue. We just install a sub pump and call it a day.
The friend that did have that storm shelter did have a water issue with it. He just used a litle giant portable sub pump and pumped the water once a month so it would dry. I think the seeping problem is a poor excuse ,when it comes to saftey during a event like this.

I've got a sump as well, and it's actually been working overtime for the last 3-4 days. Nearly 4 inches have fallen here since Friday.

That being said, it's got to be more than just a 'little seepage' being the problem there. I think if it were feasible to have basements, they would.

The friend I mentioned with the storm shelter pumped his once a month. At that point he would have a foot +- of water in there. I think the trade off would have ben a fair one.
I think the issue is more a case of fast paced building of homes. Most of the homes were built during the Oil boom and as a result of lack of housing they were just thrown up in a hurry. Concrete slabs are faster to pour than basements and foundations are to build. It would save the builder a ton of time to just pour the slab and slap up the home.