Safe room - Revision history

Editor: Reverted edits by Editor (talk) to last revision by Designing Buildings

2022-01-28T12:49:27Z

Reverted edits by Editor (talk) to last revision by Designing Buildings

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:49, 28 January 2022
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	== Above ground safe rooms ==		== Above ground safe rooms ==

−	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can provide protection from windborne debris.	+	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can provide protection from windborne debris.

−	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages ~~or in an external location adjacent or near the primary dwelling~~. ~~They~~ are typically made from ~~from steel and fibreglass or~~ reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.	+	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.

	== Underground safe rooms ==		== Underground safe rooms ==
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	Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).		Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).

−	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a ~~stairwell (which may be~~ covered ~~to prevent debris from coming into the room)~~. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.	+	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.

−	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, ~~a cellar~~ may not be a suitable ~~place~~ for taking refuge.	+	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge.

−	It may ~~also~~ be ~~impossible~~ to construct a storm cellar in urban areas, due to planning restrictions.	+	It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas due to planning restrictions.

	== In ground safe rooms ==		== In ground safe rooms ==

−	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.	+	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.

−	These structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the ~~primary structure~~ overhead collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.	+	These structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the overhead structure collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

	= Safe room considerations =		= Safe room considerations =
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	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owner of an existing building.		Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owner of an existing building.

−	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling ~~should have~~ a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:	+	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:

	* What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?		* What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?
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	* How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?		* How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?

−	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve ~~multiple~~ members of a community. According to the [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room FEMA guidelines], “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”	+	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve several members of a community. According to the [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room FEMA guidelines], “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 12:47, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T12:47:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:47, 28 January 2022
Line 16:		Line 16:
	== Above ground safe rooms ==		== Above ground safe rooms ==

−	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed ~~from steel and fibreglass~~ to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can provide protection from windborne debris.	+	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can provide protection from windborne debris.

−	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. ~~These~~ are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.	+	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages or in an external location adjacent or near the primary dwelling. They are typically made from from steel and fibreglass or reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.

	== Underground safe rooms ==		== Underground safe rooms ==
Line 24:		Line 24:
	Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).		Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).

−	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a ~~covered~~ stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.	+	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a stairwell (which may be covered to prevent debris from coming into the room). They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.

−	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, ~~the basement~~ may not be suitable for taking refuge.	+	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, a cellar may not be a suitable place for taking refuge.

−	It may ~~not~~ be ~~possible~~ to construct a storm cellar in urban areas due to planning restrictions.	+	It may also be impossible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas, due to planning restrictions.

	== In ground safe rooms ==		== In ground safe rooms ==

−	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.	+	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.

−	These structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the ~~overhead~~ structure collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.	+	These structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the primary structure overhead collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

	= Safe room considerations =		= Safe room considerations =
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	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owner of an existing building.		Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owner of an existing building.

−	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling ~~needs~~ a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:	+	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling should have a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:

	* What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?		* What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?		* How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?

−	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve ~~several~~ members of a community. According to the [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room FEMA guidelines], “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”	+	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve multiple members of a community. According to the [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room FEMA guidelines], “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Designing Buildings at 07:56, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T07:56:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:56, 28 January 2022
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	A safe room is a ~~hardened~~ structure ~~specifically~~ designed to provide protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. A properly constructed safe room will have a very high probability of shielding its occupants from injury or death during natural disasters associated with dangerously high wind speeds and forces.	+	A safe room is a structure designed to provide protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. A properly constructed safe room will have a very high probability of shielding its occupants from injury or death during natural disasters associated with dangerously high wind speeds and forces.

	= Types of safe rooms =		= Types of safe rooms =
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	== Above ground safe rooms ==		== Above ground safe rooms ==

−	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can ~~also~~ provide protection from windborne debris.	+	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can provide protection from windborne debris.

	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.		Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.		Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.

−	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas ~~either,~~ due to planning restrictions.	+	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge.
		+
		+	It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas due to planning restrictions.

	== In ground safe rooms ==		== In ground safe rooms ==

−	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway ~~is installed,~~ if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.	+	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.

−	These ~~separate underground~~ structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the overhead structure collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.	+	These structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the overhead structure collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

	= Safe room considerations =		= Safe room considerations =

Editor at 20:31, 27 January 2022

2022-01-27T20:31:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:31, 27 January 2022
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	= Safe room considerations =		= Safe room considerations =

−	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an ~~owern~~ of an existing building.	+	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owner of an existing building.

	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:		Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:

Editor at 20:21, 27 January 2022

2022-01-27T20:21:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 27 January 2022
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	== Underground safe rooms ==		== Underground safe rooms ==

−	Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.	+	Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).

−	These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).	+	Underground safe rooms are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.
−		+
−	~~These~~ are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.	+

	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas either, due to planning restrictions.		Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas either, due to planning restrictions.
Line 32:		Line 30:
	== In ground safe rooms ==		== In ground safe rooms ==

−	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or ~~flat~~ on the ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by a door (and a stairway is ~~provided~~, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.	+	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or on the flat ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by way of a door (and a stairway is installed, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.

−	These separate underground structures provide additional protection, since they ~~would~~ not be compromised if the overhead structure ~~collapsed~~ or ~~was~~ otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.	+	These separate underground structures provide additional protection, since they are not compromised if the overhead structure collapses or is otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

	= Safe room considerations =		= Safe room considerations =

−	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - be easier to install for an existing building.	+	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - may be easier to install for an owern of an existing building.

	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:		Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:

Editor at 20:14, 27 January 2022

2022-01-27T20:14:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:14, 27 January 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:SafeRoom.jpg]]	+	[[File:SafeRoom.jpg\|link=File:SafeRoom.jpg]]

	This photograph of a storm cellar on the Texas plains was taken in 1937 by Dorothea Lange.		This photograph of a storm cellar on the Texas plains was taken in 1937 by Dorothea Lange.
	\|}		\|}
		+
		+	= Introduction =

	A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to provide protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. A properly constructed safe room will have a very high probability of shielding its occupants from injury or death during natural disasters associated with dangerously high wind speeds and forces.		A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to provide protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. A properly constructed safe room will have a very high probability of shielding its occupants from injury or death during natural disasters associated with dangerously high wind speeds and forces.

−	Types of safe rooms	+	= Types of safe rooms =

	Safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm shelters. The most common types of safe rooms are above ground, underground or in ground.		Safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm shelters. The most common types of safe rooms are above ground, underground or in ground.

−	Above ground safe rooms	+	== Above ground safe rooms ==

	Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can also provide protection from windborne debris.		Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can also provide protection from windborne debris.
Line 18:		Line 20:
	Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.		Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.

−	Underground safe rooms	+	== Underground safe rooms ==

	Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.		Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.
Line 28:		Line 30:
	Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas either, due to planning restrictions.		Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas either, due to planning restrictions.

−	In ground safe rooms	+	== In ground safe rooms ==

	In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or flat on the ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by a door (and a stairway is provided, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.		In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or flat on the ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by a door (and a stairway is provided, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.
Line 34:		Line 36:
	These separate underground structures provide additional protection, since they would not be compromised if the overhead structure collapsed or was otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.		These separate underground structures provide additional protection, since they would not be compromised if the overhead structure collapsed or was otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

−	Safe room considerations	+	= Safe room considerations =

	Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - be easier to install for an existing building.		Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - be easier to install for an existing building.

−	Chapter 2 of ~~FEMA P-320~~ https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf	+	Chapter 2 of [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320] provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:
−		+
−	provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:	+
−		+
−	~~What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?~~	+
−		+
−	~~What existing refuge options do I have if a tornado or hurricane occurs in my location?~~	+
−		+
−	~~What level of safety am I comfortable with?~~	+
−		+
−	~~How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?~~	+
−		+
−	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve several members of a community. According to the FEMA guidelines, “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”	+
−		+
−	~~https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room~~	+
−		+
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	~~<br />~~	+
−		+
−		+
−	~~Italian rationalism~~	+

−	~~Restoration Stories: patina~~ and ~~paint~~ in ~~old London houses.~~	+	* What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?
		+	* What existing refuge options do I have if a tornado or hurricane occurs in my location?
		+	* What level of safety am I comfortable with?
		+	* How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?

−	~~Basement~~ and ~~sewerage LEGO set~~	+	Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve several members of a community. According to the [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room FEMA guidelines], “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”

−	~~External resources~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

−	~~FEMA, FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm:~~ Building ~~or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home~~	+	* Basement and sewerage LEGO set.
		+	* Basement excavation.
		+	* Basement Excavation (Restriction of Permitted Development) Bill.
		+	* Basement impact assessment.
		+	* Basements in buildings.
		+	* Basement v cellar.
		+	* Basement waterproofing.
		+	* Building evacuation.
		+	* Escape route.
		+	* Managing and responding to disaster.
		+	* Place of safety.
		+	* Restoration Stories: patina and paint in old London houses.

−	~~https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf~~	+	= External resources =

−	FEMA, What Is The Difference Between A Residential Safe Room And A Community Safe Room?	+	* FEMA, [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home].
		+	* FEMA, [https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room What Is The Difference Between A Residential Safe Room And A Community Safe Room?]

−	~~https~~:~~//www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room~~	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]]

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This photograph of a storm cellar on the Texas plains was taken in 1937 by Dorothea Lange.
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A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to provide protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. A properly constructed safe room will have a very high probability of shielding its occupants from injury or death during natural disasters associated with dangerously high wind speeds and forces.

Types of safe rooms

Safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm shelters. The most common types of safe rooms are above ground, underground or in ground.

Above ground safe rooms

Above ground safe rooms are typically constructed from steel and fibreglass to protect the occupants from high winds. These structures are fixed to concrete foundations that serve as anchors. They must be rigorously tested to ensure that they can also provide protection from windborne debris.

Above ground safe rooms are often constructed inside garages. These are typically made from reinforced materials such as cement, rebar and brick, although some can be made from repurposed materials such as modified septic tanks.

Underground safe rooms

Underground safe rooms are sometimes referred to as storm cellars, storm bunkers, hurricane cellars or tornado cellars.

These structures may provide greater protection than above ground shelters, since the storm can only damage the top of the underground structure (while an above ground shelter can be damaged on its sides or can be blocked by debris).

These are often constructed in cellars and are accessible from a covered stairwell. They tend to have a separate exit in the form of a door installed at an angle; this serves to prevent debris from piling on top and blocking access.

Storm cellars may not be practical in situations where navigating stairs could prove problematic for some occupants. The flood risk in certain locations may also determine whether or not a cellar is a suitable place for a safe room. It is possible to waterproof a cellar to some degree, but in areas prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge. It may not be possible to construct a storm cellar in urban areas either, due to planning restrictions.

In ground safe rooms

In some cases, it may be possible to construct evacuation facilities underground in a nearby hillside or flat on the ground. These structures are made by excavating enough space to install a freestanding unit made of concrete, steel, fibreglass or some other suitably strong material. Access is provided by a door (and a stairway is provided, if necessary); then the rest of the structure is covered with earth.

These separate underground structures provide additional protection, since they would not be compromised if the overhead structure collapsed or was otherwise damaged. They also provide inherent protection from windborne debris naturally afforded by the surrounding soil coverage.

Safe room considerations

Interior safe rooms within the cellar or garage have the benefit of being closer to the building occupants, but an exterior safe room - whether in ground or above ground in an adjacent location - be easier to install for an existing building.

Chapter 2 of FEMA P-320 https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf

provides information to help people determine whether their dwelling needs a safe room. Building owners should ask themselves several questions when considering whether to install a safe room:

What is my risk of tornadoes and/or hurricanes?

What existing refuge options do I have if a tornado or hurricane occurs in my location?

What level of safety am I comfortable with?

How feasible is it to construct a safe room and what are the costs?

Safe rooms can be associated with a single dwelling, or they can be designed to serve several members of a community. According to the FEMA guidelines, “A residential safe room serves occupants of dwelling units and has an occupant load of 16 persons or fewer. A community safe room is any safe room not defined as a residential safe room.”

https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room

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Italian rationalism

Restoration Stories: patina and paint in old London houses.

Basement and sewerage LEGO set

External resources

FEMA, FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_taking-shelter-from-the-storm_p-320.pdf

FEMA, What Is The Difference Between A Residential Safe Room And A Community Safe Room?

https://www.fema.gov/node/what-difference-between-residential-safe-room-and-community-safe-room