Daylighting for Storm Shelters
The Power of Daylighting in Storm Shelters
We understand the critical role storm shelters play in protecting building occupants during extreme weather. In recent years, the adoption of stricter codes—most notably ICC 500 and FEMA P-361—has driven innovation in how these spaces are designed and built. These regulations demand greater structural integrity and occupant protection, and component manufacturers have responded with solutions that meet these evolving needs.
But in most cases, storm shelters are not just emergency sanctuaries, they’re multi-purpose rooms used daily in schools, offices, gyms, and community buildings. This dual-purpose use makes it essential to think beyond just structural safety. Daylighting in storm shelters adds tremendous value by making these spaces more welcoming, usable, and psychologically supportive, especially during high-stress events.
That’s why tubular daylighting for storm shelters is gaining traction as the optimal solution. Unlike conventional windows or skylights, tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) can deliver natural light in storm shelters located deep in the building’s interior without compromising the shelter’s integrity. When paired with the right materials and tested components, TDDs offer an ideal balance of safety, functionality, and comfort.
Solatube’s 750 DS-O:
The first & only rooftop daylighting product in the world that is both ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 compliant.
When it comes to daylighting in storm shelters, not all products are created equal. Many traditional daylighting solutions—such as skylights or perimeter glazing—fail to meet the stringent requirements outlined in ICC 500 and FEMA P-361. They often require additional protection systems, which increase cost, reduce space efficiency, and still introduce potential vulnerabilities.
The Solatube 750 DS-O changes that. It’s the first and only tubular daylighting device on the market that is fully compliant with both ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 for use in storm shelters and safe rooms. This model has been rigorously tested to withstand the extreme forces generated during events like EF-5 tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes. It passed these tests without the need for any external blast protection, shutters, or shields—simplifying design and reducing cost.
For building owners and design professionals, this means tubular daylighting for storm shelters is now a code-compliant, efficient, and low-maintenance solution. The 750 DS-O can be safely installed in interior spaces and still deliver high-performance daylighting, even in rooms with no direct roof exposure or external walls.
Its proven performance in federal blast testing, Factory Mutual assessments, and hurricane zones makes the 750 DS-O a trusted choice for schools, community centers, and public buildings. It offers unmatched value by combining energy efficiency, code compliance, and a safer, healthier environment—all in a compact and durable package.
Introducing Our ICC 500 Compliant Curb
While the Solatube 750 DS-O delivers exceptional performance on its own, proper integration into a storm shelter roof system requires a curb that meets the same level of protection and durability. That’s why Daylight Specialists developed a proprietary ICC 500 compliant curb—specifically engineered to work in tandem with the 750 DS-O for storm shelter applications.
By pairing Solatube’s 750 DS-O with this tested and approved curb, Daylight Specialists offers a complete rooftop daylighting solution for storm shelters that meets the most demanding safety standards. This integrated system eliminates the guesswork and coordination challenges of trying to match third-party curbs with high-performance daylighting products. It also streamlines the specification and approval process for design teams working in tightly regulated jurisdictions.
With our curb system, architects and builders can confidently specify tubular daylighting for safe rooms, knowing every component is tested, compliant, and ready for the realities of severe weather.
This curb system has undergone the same rigorous testing required for ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 compliance, including projectile testing with a 15-pound 2×4 launched at 100 miles per hour. The results? No breach, no failure—just reliable, code-compliant performance.
Caution: Videos are loud!
Application Examples
Rosewood Elementary School in Broken Arrow, OK. The gym doubles as a FEMA safe room where the entire school population will be safely sheltered in case of a tornado or a disaster. Six Solatube 750 DS-O units were successfully installed and students benefit from natural lighting in the gym year round.
New London Educational Learning Center in New London, MN includes a gym that doubles as an ICC 500 storm shelter, built to meet Minnesota’s state shelter requirements. Solatube 750 DS-O units were installed to safely introduce natural light into the shelter space without compromising structural integrity.
AIA-Certified Lunch & Learn: Daylighting Storm Shelter Facilities
For architects and design teams looking to deepen their understanding of daylighting in code-compliant shelters, Daylight Specialists offers an AIA-approved Lunch & Learn course: Daylighting Storm Shelter Facilities with Tubular Daylighting Devices.
This one-hour course qualifies for 1 LU/HSW and examines the role of tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) in ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 storm shelters. Attendees will explore how specific TDD models, including the Solatube 750 DS-O, are engineered to meet the unique demands of emergency shelters while also enhancing daily usability. The course includes insights into code compliance, testing protocols, design strategies, and product integration—including a review of our ICC 500 curb system.
It’s a great opportunity for firms working in K-12, municipal, or public safety design to stay informed, earn continuing education credits, and see how storm shelter daylighting can be implemented successfully.
To schedule a session with our team, contact us directly, and we’ll coordinate a time that works for your group—lunch is on us.
Understanding ICC 500 and FEMA P-361
Storm shelter design isn’t just about reinforced walls—it’s about meeting a strict set of performance criteria that protect life during the most extreme weather events. Two key documents govern these requirements: ICC 500 and FEMA P-361.
ICC 500, developed by the International Code Council and the National Storm Shelter Association, outlines the mandatory construction and performance standards for storm shelters. It covers everything from structural load resistance to occupant capacity and accessibility. In many jurisdictions, it is adopted as part of the building code, making compliance a legal requirement for storm shelter construction in schools, community centers, and other public buildings.
FEMA P-361 serves as a companion document, offering detailed design guidance for community and residential safe rooms. It builds on the foundation of ICC 500 and emphasizes best practices for creating shelters that provide near-absolute protection. Together, these documents represent the highest benchmarks for shelter safety in the United States.
When specifying storm shelter daylighting, it’s essential to ensure that all components—daylighting systems, curbs, fasteners, and more—meet these standards. That’s why products like the Solatube 750 DS-O and DSP’s ICC 500 curb are critical. They allow designers to bring in natural light to storm shelters without compromising compliance.
Benefits of Solatube’s 750 DS-O for Storm Shelters
Durability and Impact Resistance
Storm shelters are safest when located in the interior of a building, away from perimeter walls. This makes conventional windows impractical and vulnerable. Unlike thick glass or shuttered openings that only serve external walls, the Solatube 750 DS-O is designed specifically to bring light into interior rooms without compromising safety. It’s tested to withstand the extreme forces of EF-5 tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes, making it ideal for TDD storm shelter installations.
Sealed Design for Severe Weather
The 750 DS-O features a sealed design that prevents water and debris infiltration. During Hurricane Harvey, more than 220 Solatube units at Calk-Wilson Elementary in Texas remained fully intact and leak-free—demonstrating their reliability in real-world conditions.
Reliable Illumination in Any Weather
Even under cloudy skies, Solatube’s technology effectively captures and redirects daylight. This ensures that storm shelter light remains consistent, which can help reduce stress and improve orientation during power outages or shelter-in-place events.
Space-Saving Design
Traditional windows and skylights take up valuable space and require structural accommodations. The compact design of the 750 DS-O allows for flexible installation in tight or fully enclosed areas, making it a practical choice for daylighting for multi-purpose shelters.
Low Maintenance, Long-Term Value
Unlike windows that require ongoing cleaning, sealing, or replacement of moving parts, Solatube systems have minimal maintenance requirements. This lowers the burden on facilities teams and supports long-term operational savings.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
By delivering high-performance natural light in storm shelters, Solatube TDDs reduce the need for artificial lighting, lowering energy costs and contributing to sustainable building goals. While energy efficiency is a secondary benefit in shelter design, it’s a valuable addition for any long-term facility planning.
Why Daylight Storm Shelters?
Most storm shelters are used daily as part of a building’s core programming—cafeterias, gymnasiums, classrooms, and community gathering areas. While their primary function is to provide life-saving protection during severe weather, these spaces often serve as active environments that support education, recreation, or collaboration. Designing them with that in mind is essential.
One of the most effective ways to improve the usability and comfort of these rooms is through natural light in storm shelters. Numerous studies have shown that daylight improves mood, reduces stress, supports better sleep cycles, and boosts productivity. These benefits are especially important during an emergency, when occupants may be feeling anxious or disoriented. Natural light supports a sense of time and orientation, helping people stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
Traditional windows or skylights aren’t usually an option for interior or structurally reinforced areas. That’s where tubular daylighting for safe rooms becomes a practical and innovative solution. TDDs allow architects and designers to deliver storm shelter light to internal rooms without compromising the envelope or requiring bulky protective measures.
Illuminate Safer, More Functional Storm Shelters
At Daylight Specialists, we understand that storm shelters need to do more than just meet code—they need to work for people. The Solatube 750 DS-O, paired with our ICC 500 compliant curb, offers a fully tested, efficient, and durable way to deliver tubular daylighting for storm shelters without compromising safety or performance.
Our team is here to support your project with technical expertise, design assistance, and product guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re retrofitting a single shelter or designing a new facility from the ground up, we’ll help you meet code and improve user experience through smart, safe daylighting.
Contact us to request cut sheets, technical details, or schedule an AIA presentation. Let’s talk about how we can help you bring daylight to your next storm shelter design.