How do you make a tornado safe room in your house?

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent and destructive forces. With wind speeds that can exceed 200 mph, tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage, tearing apart homes, businesses, and anything else in their path. But having an appropriately constructed safe room in your house can help provide protection for you and your family from these dangerous storms.

What is a tornado safe room?

A tornado safe room, sometimes referred to as a storm shelter, is a specially reinforced room or structure designed to provide protection during a tornado. Safe rooms can be built in homes, schools, businesses, or other structures. They are meant to withstand the extreme winds and flying debris that accompany powerful tornadoes.

Well-built safe rooms aim to achieve “near-absolute protection” for their occupants, according to FEMA. While no structure can guarantee absolute safety, properly constructed and anchored safe rooms have been proven to dramatically increase occupant survival rates in the direct path of powerful tornadoes.

Where should you put a safe room in your house?

When considering where to locate your safe room, there are a few key factors to take into account:

• The safe room should be located on the lowest level of your home, either in the basement or first floor. Basements provide the greatest protection.
• The room should be in the interior of the home, avoiding any exterior walls which are more vulnerable to damage.
• It should be easily accessible and located away from potential debris sources like heavy furniture or appliances.
• There should be anchor points to securely fasten the room’s structure to the foundation.

Many experts recommend safe rooms be located in a basement, closet, bathroom, or interior hallway on the lowest level. Garages are not good choices due to potential dangers from debris.

How big should a residential safe room be?

FEMA recommends safe rooms have at least 5 square feet of floor space per occupant. Typically, safe rooms are designed for 2-4 people. A 5′ x 7′ safe room provides space for 4 people, while a 7′ x 7′ room can fit up to 6.

The safe room size should allow people to sit comfortably and safely inside. Occupants may need to stay inside the safe room for an extended period until storms completely pass.

What should the safe room walls be made of?

Safe room walls need to be constructed using reinforced materials designed to withstand extremely high winds and impacts from flying debris. FEMA guidelines recommend the following for safe room wall construction:

• Reinforced concrete walls – At least 6 inches thick
• Reinforced concrete masonry walls – At least 8 inches thick
• Reinforced wood frame walls – 2×4 studs on 16 inch centers with 3/4 inch plywood sheathing

Concrete and masonry walls provide the greatest impact resistance. Wood frame walls should be internally braced for stability. All walls require steel anchor bolts securing the safe room to the home’s foundation.

What about the door and roof?

The safe room door and roof must withstand the same extreme forces as the walls. FEMA guidelines recommend:

• Door – Steel or solid wood core door at least 1 3/4 inches thick; mounted on reinforced hinges; with impact-resistant deadbolt lock
• Roof – Steel reinforced cast-in-place concrete roof at least 4 inches thick; or 3/4 inch plywood sheathing on wood joists bolted to wall top plates

The door must open inward and be able to be securely locked from the inside. A drainage system should be included in case of roof breach during storm.

What should go inside a residential safe room?

It’s advisable to keep certain emergency supplies inside the safe room, in case occupants need to stay for an extended period:

• First aid kit
• Bottled water & non-perishable food
• Blankets
• Flashlights and battery operated radio
• Whistle to signal for help if necessary
• Sanitation supplies

Occupants should wear sturdy shoes and helmet/head protection when inside. Avoid dangers from broken glass by taping windows inside the room before storm season.

Is an underground storm shelter better?

For maximum protection, underground storm shelters provide the greatest occupant survival rates. However, they are also the most complex and expensive option for homeowners to install. Underground shelters must be properly anchored, waterproofed, and drained and may require special permits. Prefabricated shelters can make the process easier but still require heavy equipment to excavate and lower into place.

Above ground safe rooms are much more affordable and feasible for most homeowners to construct. Fortunately, well-engineered safe rooms built to FEMA guidelines can still provide near-absolute occupant protection according to decades of post-storm assessments.

Permits and requirements

Be sure to check with your local building department for any permits required to add a safe room to your home. Provide detailed construction plans as many areas have specific regulations that safe rooms must satisfy.

FEMA also provides detailed specifications and plans for residential safe rooms that serve as a good reference point for local requirements:

• FEMA P-320 – Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business
• FEMA P-361 – Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms

Consider a professional engineer

Given the complex structural requirements involved, it is advisable to consult a qualified structural engineer or safe room specialist when planning your residential safe room.

An engineer can help customize the design based on your home’s unique construction and foundation, select appropriate building materials, and provide advice to meet all code requirements in your area.

They can also provide structural calculations and plans needed to obtain permits. This expertise goes a long way in ensuring your safe room provides the lifesaving protection you need.

Cost of installing a safe room

Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a professionally installed residential safe room, depending on size, location, materials, and local labor costs. Prefabricated shelters can sometimes cost a bit less.

Underground storm shelters often run $10,000 to $20,000 depending on depth and diameter. Overall, safe rooms represent a significant investment but one that provides great peace of mind knowing your family has a safe place to retreat when tornadoes threaten.

Maintaining your safe room

It’s important to properly maintain your safe room once installed:

• Check the door yearly – ensure it opens/closes smoothly and the lock engages securely.
• Inspect anchors – check for any loose bolts or signs of cracking/deterioration around concrete anchors.
• Keep interior clear – remove any unnecessary clutter and keep emergency supplies up to date.
• Check for leaks – inspect concrete walls and ceiling for any moisture or leaks; reseal as needed.

Conduct practice drills periodically, timing how long it takes to comfortably occupy the room. Make any adjustments to emergency supplies or safety procedures based on these drills.

When to take shelter

Monitor weather alerts anytime tornadoes are possible in your area and seek shelter immediately when warned by authorities. Do not wait until the storm is visible to take cover, as tornadoes can develop rapidly and change direction unexpectedly. Planning early safe room access when tornado watches are issued is advised.

Continue monitoring weather alerts even after taking initial shelter, as updated warnings may be issued if the storm changes direction or intensity. Remain inside the safe room until the tornado threat has fully passed for your area and authorities indicate it is safe to come out.

Conclusion

Having a properly constructed tornado safe room built to recommended specifications can greatly enhance safety for you and your family when tornadoes strike your area. While an investment, a safe room provides invaluable and reliable protection compared to simply taking refuge in an interior room or closet. If regularly maintaining tornadoes are a threat where you live, a safe room is one of the best investments you can make.