Building a residential safe room

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Most Oklahomans are familiar with the destruction and chaos tornadoes can cause and may opt to build a safe room for an added level of protection.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency publication P-320, “Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business,” provides detailed guidance for building a residential safe room designed to serve up to 16 people.

“It’s critical to follow the plans provided in FEMA P-320 standards to ensure the structure meets design requirements,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

FEMA P-320, which can be accessed online and downloaded for free, includes various safe room designs and complete materials lists.

“You want to be confident your builder/contractor will construct your safe room to the right quality standards,” Peek said. “This publication shows you and your builder/contractor or local design professional how to construct a safe room for your home.”

For more information about residential safe rooms, contact the nearest county Extension office, download FEMA P-320 and visit www.fema.gov.

Story by Leilana McKindra