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Natural disasters, riots, home invasions: having a safe room could be the single thing that keeps your family from harm. Will you ever use it? Perhaps not. But, if a potential threat becomes a reality, you’ll be thankful for its shelter.
Why Have a Safe Room in Your House?
A safe room is designed and built to protect people, and the way you go about building one depends on the nature of the threats you face. For example, in the USA, people living in areas that are subject to tornadoes will construct their safe rooms to withstand extreme winds.
Then, there are the all-too-human threats we might encounter. Malcontents often make use of riots to loot and pillage. Economic inequality is a source of resentment, and violence against “haves” from “have-nots” is a reality we can’t overlook. It’s even condoned in certain circles.
Of course, “ordinary” burglars can also threaten families. There have been several notorious cases in which burglars threatened to harm children unless the homeownerdisclosed important details like safe combinations. Sadly, there are horrifying cases when intruders injure, or even kill, people in their own homes.
While a safe room is no guarantee of safety, it offers a protected place where you and your family can wait for help to arrive. If the need ever arises, you’ll be glad to have one.
How to Build a Safe Room in Your House
The risks you face will determine how to choose and build a safe room. For example, if flooding is a concern, you would want to site your safe room in an attic or upper floor with roof access.
If intrusion or robbery with violence are your top concerns, you would choose a room that allows everyone in your family the shortest possible journey to it. Since there’s a small but real chance of using your safe room to defend your family against dangers that include both violent attacks and natural disasters, it should have:
- Means of contacting emergency services
- A panic button to alert security service providers
- Secure, preferably bullet-proof and fire-resistant, doors and windows
- Strong walls - brick and mortar are good, but there are other options - for example, bulletproof safe room Kevlar walls
- A first aid kit and emergency food and water supplies
- Emergency lighting and a battery-powered radio in case of natural disasters or conflict situations
- Toilet facilities
- A well-secured means of escape
Even though most houses don’t have safe rooms, adding a safe room to an existing home is entirely possible and worth considering.
Safe Room Doors and Windows
If you’re facing a home invasion or attack, the door to your safe room will be the primary barrier between you and danger. It should withstand fire, brute-force, power tools, and maybe even bullets. A reinforced door and doorframe is the first line of defence. Equally important, a locking system that won’t easily give in is a potential lifesaver.
Windows are also up for consideration. While some sources recommend a windowless safe room, your window will admit light when the power is off and it’s a potential escape route. Bullet-proof glass on an unbarred but securely locked window can withstand attacks while leaving you with a possible means of egress. Consider your threats and your options before deciding on a safe room design.
Time is of the Essence
In most scenarios, a bulletproof safe room need only block attacks for a short time. Attackers know that noise is alerting neighbours - and any panic alarms you may have are summoning help. If they’re making a lot of noise, intruders will want to leave the building as quickly as possible. You just need to survive those few crucial minutes.
If you don’t present an easy or accessible target, it’s likely that intruders will make their escape as soon as possible. This helps you to save a little on costs. Your escape room must serve its purpose, but in most instances, it needn’t be absolutely impervious - just hard to breach.
Next-Level Safety Rooms
Some people take safety rooms to the next level. They’re thinking of nuclear attacks and biological warfare. However, for most of us, a safety room that offers a mustering point and safe-haven in the event of home invasions or common natural disasters is sufficient. This is a matter of personal choice, and every family needs to decide what they’ll do in an emergency, and which types of emergency they want to address.
Safety-Room Doors and Windows From Stronghold Security
At Stronghold Security Doors, we strike the balance between security and cost efficiency, and we do it with style. Choose security doors and windows that keep undesirables out and decide whether bulletproofing is an option you want to explore. Never sacrifice aesthetics, convenience or comfort. Always stay safe with us. Contact us today and let’s work together to safeguard your home.
