This year's harsh string of tornados that passed through Oklahoma in April resulted in a dramatic increase of storm shelter loan requests, said FAA Credit Union in Oklahoma City.

In response to this greater demand for shelters, the 47,000-member, $527 million credit union said it held a promotion to help provide one of its members with a free storm shelter.

Steve Foster recently received his award from the credit union and had a shelter installed in his home in Moore, Okla., by Smart Safe.

“We are proud to be able to give back to our community,” said Steve Rasmussen, president/CEO of FAA Credit Union. “This promotion was a way for us to show our community we care. That is our mission as a community credit union and we are pleased to be able to continue to give back.”   

Foster said that the shelter will provide a refuge for him and his family during any alarming weather conditions.

“I've never won anything,” said Foster. “This is amazing and now we have peace of mind should a storm head our way.”