First in Arkansas to earn NSSA Certification
Arkansas-based Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage announces that wholly-owned subsidiary, STORMBOX, is the first company in the state to earn membership in the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA). NSSA is recognized as the premiere association for providers of safe rooms and tornado shelters that meet criteria set forth through the standards of FEMA and the International Code Council.
Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage created STORMBOX to offer community safe rooms for schools, municipalities, nursing homes, industrial employers and other businesses during tornadoes and other devastating storms. STORMBOX is typically less expensive than shelters constructed utilizing traditional building methods. Because the safe room is built off-site in a prefab environment before delivery to the site, installation of a shelter is performed very quickly.
Jim Hugg, President, said the process of gaining admittance in the NSSA is extensive and not easily attained.
“The design must be provided by an engineering professional who identifies that standards are met, then the NSSA must approve through a third-party evaluator who reviews the design and analysis. The shelter must then pass testing for debris impact and pressure at the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center located at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas,” Hugg said.
“Fabrication and construction of STORMBOX is performed by highly skilled Arkansans with quality assurance inspections. Reutilizing existing shipping containers allows for a very sustainable, green building approach while providing a cost effective life safety product to our customers.”
Since the STORMBOX is constructed above ground, it is fully accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and others with mobility challenges.
“The STORMBOX is an excellent choice for schools and large employers since multiple units can be strategically located on a campus to ensure quick access to shelter,” Art Kinnaman, Vice President said. “Our current designs are large enough to accommodate up to 50 people.”
Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage also provides portable steel storage containers and offices for rent or sale to the construction, manufacturing, government, retail, hotel and business industry that provide short- or long-term temporary storage delivered directly to the customer’s location. The company was founded 19 years ago and has 6 locations serving Arkansas and surrounding states.
The NSSA was formed in 2001 to ensure the highest quality of manufactured and constructed storm shelters for protecting people from injury or loss of life from the effects of tornadoes, hurricanes and other devastating natural disasters. The association is self-policing to maintain public confidence and respect for the storm shelter industry.