In 1966, Topeka was struck by an F5 tornado which started on the southwest side of town, heading northeast. This massive tornado passed over a local landmark named Burnett’s Mound. A local Indian legend warned this mound would protect Topeka from tornadoes if left undisturbed. A few years before the devastating 1966 tornado strike, there was development near Burnett’s Mound including a water tank constructed atop the mound against the warnings of local Native Americans. The June 1966 tornado ripped through Topeka, hitting downtown and Washburn University. At the time, this was one of the costliest tornadoes in American history. Even to this day, with inflation factored in, the Topeka tornado stands as one of the costliest on record. It also helped bring to prominence future CBS and A&E broadcaster Bill Kurtis, who became well known for his televised warning to “…take cover, for God’s sake, take cover!” on WIBW-TV during the tornado. Topeka and the surrounding area have experienced more tornado strikes since.

Storm Defense Shelters serves Topeka and all of Kansas to provide the most extensive line of Tornado and Safe Rooms available. The most important key to survival, as most residents of Topeka, KS already know is to keep one eye on the weather (especially during the peak of tornado season) and to have a designated shelter to go to quickly. Even though Topeka is blessed to have a National Weather Service right in town with all the latest technology to predict and warn of the threat of severe weather which can produce tornadoes, they can drop down quickly with little warning and do incredible damage. Eric Stolfi started Storm Defense Shelters to provide Kansas residents real protection.

Storm Defense Systems knows that every home, school, business and church in Kansas has its own unique issues which affect getting the best protection for the people you are responsible for. That’s why Eric keeps up with all the latest research concerning the best possible shelters. He knows the right storm shelter or Safe Room will save lives.

Eric with his Storm Defense Shelters is the premier dealer for the new innovative Vortex Vault Shelter Bed by Life Lift, which was recently featured on ABC’s Shark Tank. The Shark from Texas, Mark Cubin, invested—realizing it was the most accessible indoor shelter-to-date because it is right in your own bedroom. Storm Defense Shelters also offers many other Storm Shelters, tested to FEMA standards, such as:  Above Ground Concrete Safe Room, Concrete Slope Front Shelter, Concrete Flat Top, Under Ground Garage and Above Ground Garage Shelters, Community Shelters (for schools, businesses, apartments, Mobile Home Parks, and churches) and even Pet Storm Shelters. Every model of Shelter and Safe Room available through Storm Defense has been rigorously tested by Texas Wind Institute to meet or exceed FEMA protocols.

Eric Stolfi started Storm Defense Shelters when he and his family lived in the Kansas countryside and had nowhere to go for protection from a tornado except a weedy ravine. He needed to protect his family. Now his mission is to provide safety for your family, students, employees and all Kansas residents at an affordable price.