Ultimate saferoom design upgrade#
If cost is an issue, the best way to manage it is to take a methodical, measured approach over time that allows you to upgrade as you go and avoid a major financial hit at the outset. Reinforcing walls to be bulletproof with other advanced features related to ventilation and communication will extend into the thousands. Retrofitting and reinforcing the walls of an existing first floor walk-in closet to withstand a tornado or hurricane for a few hours will cost hundreds of dollars. This will be driven by the ambition of your project and what kind of disaster or threat you are preparing for. If some tasks are beyond your capabilities, you could always meet in the middle and hire a contractor to do the more complex installations and finish it yourself.Īt the end of the article, we’ll provide links to more information and resources on Safe Room design and construction. There’s also the do-it-yourself option that you can gradually upgrade over time. Prices vary, although they tend to be expensive propositions mostly due to the costly and somewhat unique materials and installations they use including bulletproofing, complex ventilation, secure communication, and reinforced walls and ceilings. There are companies solely focused on the design and construction of safe rooms. Are you preparing to survive a tornado or the end of the world as we know it? Contracted Construction or DIY It all gets back to that question of degree. In fact, both FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security offer specific instructions and guidelines for building a Safe Room, and they recommend it for many people. Do you have a safe and secure place to store weapons and vital records?Īll of those situations could be a reason to consider a dedicated area in your home for a Safe Room.Do you believe civil unrest could represent a danger to you and your family?.Have you ever considered a nuclear attack or nuclear accident as a possibility?.Are you concerned that someone may try to violently enter your home?.Do you live in a neighborhood subject to crimes and violence?.Do you live in a home without a basement?.Do you live in an area with weather extremes?.Whichever means you choose, taking the steps to incorporate a safe room is a great way to ease the mind and increase the safety of your home for your entire family.Whether or not you choose to design and build a safe room depends on your situation and, to a large degree, your location. These safe rooms are highly recommended for those on a budget or those who may not possess the knowledge of safe room construction. Even easier, prefabricated safe rooms are widely available and built according to FEMA standards. Safe rooms are not required in building codes, but your region may offer incentives if a safe room is included in your building plans. It is also important to note that safe rooms are not suitable in flood situations evacuation is crucial in these natural disasters. Additionally, safe rooms in flood prone areas should never be installed in the basement. Tornadoes are known for appearing quite suddenly and the safe room is only functional if it can be reached hastily. However, keep in mind family members that may experience accessibility issues. Must be operable by all family members (within reason)įor homeowners with basement foundations, it is possible to place your safe room in the basement.Door locks must work so that no person is locked in or out.The door requires three or more latches.Anchored securely with special grade anchor bolts to resist overturning despite the force placed upon it.Must be able to withstand penetration by storm forced projectiles.Should be tested and able to withstand storm forces of the highest degree yet experienced.
Must be quickly accessible from major living spaces.Smaller interior room that is located above grade.Either way, safe rooms of varying sizes all require the same basic components: For retrofitted homes or those desiring a more designated space, it is also a possibility to add on a safe room. When building new, the safe room can play double duty, often serving as a master closet or spacious bath. What more could a homeowner want? If you have ever experienced a natural disaster up close and a little too personal, then a safe room should be on top of that list.Ī safe room is a designated space designed specifically for family members to retreat for high protection from whatever nature decides to throw your way. It has the perfect amount of space, plenty of storage, the kitchen is divine, and the laundry room is massive. It's official: you are building a dream home and nothing is getting in your way.
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