The Reasons Why You Need a Safe Room
Have you ever considered that you would like to have a safe room, whether for home security or the weather? But, you were not quite sure how to incorporate into your design aesthetic? For some, the thought of an unattractive concrete box in the basement, garage, or backyard is most unappealing. However, did you know that you can integrate a safe room right into the design of your home? Furthermore, did you realize that not only could you assimilate seamlessly, but that it will also meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria? What are the guidelines, then, what quantifies a safe room? And what are the reasons why you need a safe room? We have the answers to all those questions.
The Safe Room Standards
FEMA defines a safe room as a structure designed to meet the FEMA criteria. It must provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events which include tornadoes and hurricanes.
Near-absolute protection means, “based on our current knowledge of tornadoes and hurricanes, the occupants of a safe room built following FEMA guidance will have a very high probability of being protected from injury or death.” Typically created as a small, windowless room, safe rooms are entirely encapsulated in concrete.
The room must be located in a central area of the home. This provides for additional protection as well as accessibility.
The Reasons Why
Comfort No matter what is going on outside your safe room will always be a place of solace and comfort. It will have backup power, supplies, a water source, and is climate controlled.
Weather Here in the Chesapeake region, the weather is unpredictable. A safe room ensures you and your family will be safe no matter what Mother Nature brings your way.
Protection from Intruders Never worry about safety again. A safe room provides security and a place for your family to safely stay until the authorities arrive.
Securing Valuables A safe room is an ideal place to store valuables such as antiques, jewelry or firearms. If you don’t have a safe room, you might want to look into a safe from somewhere like https://www.stockinger.com/en/large-safe/.
Secret Get Away Hidden rooms are a growing trend in the luxury home market. While many use them as a retreat or an office, they can be fortified to double as a safe room in an emergency.
Artful Integration
This is the element we love the most. There are so many options that allow homeowners to transform their favorite space into a safe room. For example, we have upgraded master bath suites, man caves, and closets.
Smart Security
Because of the Internet of Things (IoT) smart home security has improved in many ways. One being that it can be installed subtly and controlled/ monitored on your smart devices, from anywhere.
Peace of Mind Do you travel for business? Never worry again about your family’s safety while you are away. A safe room will ensure they are secure, offering you peace of mind.
Safe Room Federal Funding
Did you know that you may qualify for certain types of Federal Funding for building a safe room in your home? Some of the available funding include:
Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG)
FHA Mortgage Insured Financing
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds (HMGP)
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program Funds (PDM)
Contact Creative Spaces today to learn more about Safe Room design. We have experience both integrating into new construction as well as retrofitting a room. Our team is resourceful and will work with you to bring your vision to life. All of our completed Safe Rooms meet the required FEMA criteria. Allow us to assist you in providing your family’s ultimate safety.