Tornadoes can cause massive destruction, so having a dedicated safe room in your home can help protect you and your family. Building a safe room takes careful planning and construction to ensure it meets safety standards. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to build your own tornado safe room.
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What is a tornado safe room?
A tornado safe room, also known as a storm shelter, is a fortified structure specifically designed to provide protection during a tornado. It is an enclosed space built with reinforced walls, ceiling, and door to withstand extreme winds up to 250 mph, flying debris, and pressure changes caused by tornadoes.
Safe rooms can be built in the basement, garage, or even as stand-alone structures in the yard. They are meant to be occupied for relatively short durations, generally only for the length of the storm passing overhead.
Benefits of having a dedicated safe room
There are several benefits to having a dedicated safe room in your home:
- Provides near-absolute occupant protection – Properly built safe rooms have a very high survivability rate in tornadoes. They provide the highest level of protection compared to other options like interior rooms.
- Accessible protection – Having a safe room directly in your home allows quick access to safety compared to community shelters which may be far away.
- Peace of mind – Knowing you have a safe place to go in the event of a tornado can provide comfort and preparedness.
- Potential home value increase – Safe rooms are an attractive feature for home buyers in tornado-prone areas.
Key requirements for a tornado safe room
For a safe room to provide adequate protection, it must be designed and constructed according to guidelines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Here are the key requirements:
- Location – The safe room should be installed in the basement or on a home’s lowest floor for maximum protection. If above ground, it must be properly anchored.
- Size – Recommended minimum floor area is 5 square feet per person. Ceiling height should be at least 7 feet tall.
- Impact resistance – Walls, ceiling, and door must withstand impacts from tornado winds and debris without failing. Concrete or steel-reinforced masonry is best.
- Anchoring – The safe room must be securely anchored to resist overturning and uplift forces.
- Ventilation – Ventilation slots or ducts should be incorporated so trapped air and gases can escape.
- Means of entry/exit – The room needs an outward-opening door that is impact-rated. Ideally a concrete slab slope or stairs outside the door.
Best practices for building a safe room
Follow these recommended practices when constructing your tornado safe room for optimal safety:
- Hire an engineer or architect experienced in safe room design to develop technical plans.
- Obtain necessary permits from your local building department before starting construction.
- Have a qualified contractor install the safe room according to the approved plans.
- Use tested and approved materials that meet impact-resistance standards.
- Pay close attention to anchoring details, ventilation, and door installation.
- Consider a backup exit or escape hatch if the main door becomes blocked.
- Keep some basic emergency provisions inside like water, flashlight, radio, etc.
- Conduct an annual inspection to check for any maintenance issues or improvements.
Safe room designs and layout options
Safe rooms can be designed in several basic configurations to suit your home’s layout and space constraints:
Basement safe room
- A basement corner is an optimal location for reinforced masonry or concrete safe room walls.
- Interior basement spaces can also be converted into safe rooms with added wall and ceiling reinforcement.
- The basement floor slab provides anchoring and protection from undermining.
Garage safe room
- A corner of garage with no windows is a good option for building a safe room.
- Non-masonry garage walls need reinforced core filling for impact resistance.
- Must be properly anchored to foundation and have a sloped concrete pad outside entry.
Standalone safe room
- Freestanding safe rooms can be built in a yard or placed atop a garage slab.
- Must be securely anchored with cables to prevent overturning in high winds.
- Steel reinforcements should be used for concrete walls, floor, and ceiling.
Safe room for wheelchair access
- Doorway and interior space should accommodate wheelchair turning radius.
- Ramp access if safe room is not at ground level.
- Interior grab bars and bench seating for impaired mobility.
Safe room building materials
Choosing the appropriate building materials is key to creating a tornado-proof safe room. The most common options include:
| Material | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Reinforced concrete |
|
| Reinforced masonry |
|
| Steel framing + rebar |
|
Estimated costs
Building a new safe room in your home will involve various construction costs. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Engineering design fees – $1,000 to $2,000
- Permits – $50 to $500
- Excavation and site prep – $3,000 to $6,000
- Concrete materials and rebar – $6,000 to $12,000
- Framing and finishes – $5,000 to $15,000
- Door/hatch system – $2,500 to $4,000
- HVAC/ventilation – $1,000 to $3,000
- Total installed cost – $20,000 to $45,000+
The size, location complexity, and finish level will impact the overall project budget. Get multiple bids from contractors before selecting one to handle your safe room installation.
Increasing safety and peace of mind
Having a properly constructed tornado safe room built to FEMA guidelines provides near-absolute protection for you and your family. Although an investment, a home safe room can give great peace of mind knowing you have a secure place to take shelter during dangerous storms. Be sure to develop a safety plan for getting to the safe room quickly when needed.
Conclusion
Building a dedicated tornado safe room requires careful planning, design, material selection, and qualified installation. Follow the latest safety guidelines and consider options like the basement, garage, or yard for placement. While not inexpensive, a safe room’s life-saving protection makes it well worth the investment for those in tornado-prone areas seeking maximum home safety and peace of mind.