The storms that tore through Oklahoma destroyed lives, leveled towns and meant big business for some local merchants.
"A lot of them mention the storm, the tornado," says Joe Ellis, owner of Georgia Tornado Shelters, which provides secure places for homeowners.
Ellis tells WSB that following the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma, his orders have run out of control.
"I worked from nine in the morning to nine o'clock last night," Ellis says. "And we're doing the same business today (Wednesday)."
Ellis, 83, began his business as a distributor in 2008 following 25 years as a general contractor.
Providing security for a home is not that expensive, he says, and can come in many varieties.
Ellis' company installs basement shelters, safe rooms in garages and outdoor underground shelters for people who may not have a basement.
"A shelter will run you, when all is said and done, about $5800, installed," says Ellis.
Georgia does not have a law that requires storm shelters, similar to both Oklahoma and Missouri. But Georgia does have standards for shelters that Ellis, and others, must follow.
"I ask our sellers what they provide," he says. “One sold two panels that were 1/8 of an inch, held together by a bolt. I immediately said no.”
"But another shelter manufacturer told me they consist of wall panels, made from 1/4 inch steel," says Ellis. "I went with them really fast."
Ellis says for the price a storm shelter is worth the investment, especially given what happened in Moore.
"It's better to be safe than sorry," says Ellis. "More and more people are beginning to realize that."