Disaster Prep: Safe Rooms For Ordinary People

Home & Garden Blog

When people think about panic rooms and safe rooms, they often think of wealthy executives hiding from jewel thieves or celebrities concealing themselves from kidnappers; after all, that's the image that movies and TV shows have given us because that's the most dramatic scenario. So why would an ordinary person need a safe room at all?

But even if you don't have the assets to worry about home invasions (or install a complicated, high-tech safe room), don't overlook the fact that safe rooms can provide protection in the event of natural disasters. Tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and severe storms can cause injury or death if you're not prepared; luckily, setting up a safe room is probably simpler than you think.

Choosing A Room – The simplest option for a safe room is to convert an existing space in your home. You should look for a space that is sturdy and would be protected from any flying debris in a disaster; rooms without windows are a good choice.

• If possible, choose a room on the ground floor or in the basement. The upper floors of a home are less protected. If flooding is a worry, the ground floor is a better choice; for tornadoes and storms, the basement is generally safest.
• Look for a space with concrete walls if possible; if you don't have a space like this, it's possible to reinforce walls with steel sheathing for maximum security.
• Avoid windows – and if you can't, make sure they aren't made from glass that could shatter. Materials like Plexiglas or other acrylic glasses are a good alternative.
• For a very simple safe room that won't take away too much usable space in your home, choose a closet on the ground floor. A small space like this will also be the least expensive to reinforce.

Reinforcing A Room – There are a few things you can do to help your safe room stand up to danger.

• The door is the first line of defense for a safe room. Interior doors are flimsy and can be kicked or knocked down; exterior wooden doors are a step up. Metal doors are the best choice – look for steel entry doors for maximum protection.
• Make sure the frame and doorjamb are also reinforced. Steel is a good choice here, too; if you're concerned about burglary or home invasion, also install a heavy-duty deadbolt.
• Base your changes on the weak areas of a room. If you are stuck with wooden walls, look to reinforce them with steel; if you have windows, replace the glass with acrylic. Concentrate your effort on shoring up potential problems.

Stocking A Room – If you're going to have to spend any amount of time in your safe room, you need to be prepared with the essentials.

• Water and non-perishable foods are the most obvious. Consider how many people may be in your safe room, and remember that it could take emergency services a few days to reach you in a natural disaster.
• Don't forget medical supplies. A first-aid kit is key, as well as any important prescriptions or medications.
• In case of loss of power, stock batteries and battery-powered lanterns. A radio and emergency cell phone can keep you connected to the outside world.

Hopefully, you'll never need to use a safe room. But if something bad happened, wouldn't it be better to be prepared?

19 February 2015