Safe rooms recently gained popularity due to a popular film, but their use is traceable all the way back to ancient Egypt. They were also popular during Prohibition and the Underground Railroad, further highlighting their versatility and usefulness. Modern uses of safe rooms, also known as panic rooms, primarily include cases of severe weather, natural disaster or home invasion.
Severe Weather: Certain parts of the country are more susceptible to severe weather incidents than others. Whereas tornados might wreak havoc throughout the southernmost states, much of the north avoids their devastation. Instead, the north is prone to freezing conditions, severe ice storms and damaging hail. It doesn’t matter what kind of weather you’re trying to combat — the modern safe room provides a secure space for you, your family and your most valuable belongings.
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes and windstorms aren’t the only threats posed by Mother Nature. Earthquakes, flash floods, landslides and wildfires regularly affect some regions, too. Extreme heat can even be an issue in some areas, which means ventilation is critically important within your safe room.
Home Invasion: Burglaries are scary situations to live through. The threat is worse if you’re home during the incident, which always has the potential to result in personal injury. A fully secured safe room — which is quickly and easily accessible in case of an emergency — is the ideal way to separate yourself from any immediate threat and contact the local authorities.
With so many options available, it’s crucial to take some time to research all your options. Not only does this ensure you’re making the right investment, but it also guarantees you’ll get exactly what you need out of a modern safe room.
Researching and Building Your Safe Room
Although movies and television portray safe rooms, many of their depictions are inaccurate or highly dramatized. They’re entertaining to watch, but this sort of Hollywood fluff is seldom useful when planning a real safe room in your own home.
Consider the Location: The first choice you’ll make involves the actual location of your safe room within the floor plan of your home. It’s an important choice, to say the least. Although it’s important to have a room that is easily accessible to you and your family, you can’t ignore the primary purpose of safety. Some homeowners choose to hide their safe room, either in a garage or basement, but these areas have pros and cons to consider, too.
Select Your Materials: Most safe rooms feature solid concrete. This works well when built in a garage or basement, but it might not be an option for a safe room on the main floor or in an attic. Some safe rooms are built from wood or steel, but they lack the security and durability of concrete.
Add Luxuries and Special Features: The final step involves adding luxuries and special features to your safe room. A reliable communication device is a necessity, such as a spare cellphone, ham radio or even a landline telephone. Intercoms, alarms, surveillance cameras and viewing monitors, and supplies of food and water are also critical components. Additional options include air conditioning units, heaters, plumbing and electrical systems.
Now that you know what you want, it’s time to find a professional builder. For best results, try to locate one in your area. Not only will the job get done quicker, but you’ll also be able to communicate more consistently during the project.
What to Expect When Working With a Contractor
The modern safe room is not a do-it-yourself project. You’ll certainly want to enlist the help of an external contractor or builder, so it’s nice to know what to expect from the process.
Initial Consultation: Most contractors and builders offer a free consultation. This benefits them as well as you, as they will visit your home, assess the layout and help you plan the project. You’ll also receive a quote or estimate at this time, which can be compared to others when shopping around for the best deal.
Payment Arrangements: You’ll agree to the exact terms of payment before the project begins. An upfront fee is typical, but most will let you pay the remainder in installments over the course of time.
Build Your Safe Room: The process of building your safe room begins after the contractor receives payment. Depending on the size of your safe room and the amenities you choose, the project could last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
It’s a good idea to prepare your safe room immediately. Stock your groceries, water, consumables or sundries to ensure your readiness if disaster strikes. Verify any electronics, including communication devices, to ensure their operability and take steps to rectify any issues as soon as possible.
How to Make the Most of Your Safe Room
Although it’s an expensive investment, a safe room is something you never really want to use. The peace of mind it provides is enough to justify the cost for many homeowners, but others are still hesitant. Don’t let a severe weather incident or burglary become the incident that changes your mind — act now to secure your family’s well-being right away and well into the future.
Comments(3)