Regularly Seeing Severe Weather? Consider a Safe Room

On East Sunday, April 20th, 2020, Andrew Phillips had been keeping a close watch on local weather alerts for his town of Moss, Mississippi. A massive outbreak of tornadoes was sweeping through the state, but what he didn't know yet was an EF-4, one of the two largest tornadoes that would end up touching down across 10 states that day and the next, was about to decimate his family's home.

When he heard news that a tornado was close by, he made the decision to take his wife and two children into their safe room, which also served as a closet. 20 seconds after they were all inside, the tornado ripped through their house, leveling everything, except the little concrete room where they were sheltering.

The family had just bought the house two weeks ago, and one of the main selling points was the safe room that saved their lives.

At least 11 people were killed in Mississippi alone during this tornado outbreak. From Easter Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, over 140 tornados touched down across 10 states.

Tornadoes are far from the only severe storms that have been pummeling the U.S. lately—the summer has been filled with derechos, hail storms, tropical storm-level flooding and hurricanes. It doesn't matter where you live, severe weather that's capable of doing major property damage will likely be in your backyard at some point or another. Having a safe room can help protect you and your family from suffering irreplaceable losses.

Safe room stats

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) a safe room is built to "provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes", and must be built following a set of safety criteria established by FEMA.

The list of criteria is long, but these are the main points: The structure's walls, doors and ceiling must be strong enough to withstand 250 mph wind gusts for up to three seconds without buckling. The structure must be able to withstand penetration of an object like a 2 by 4 being hurled at it at 100 mph. It should be well-anchored so that it won't tip over in high winds. Underground or outdoor safe rooms should be watertight and have a transmitter so rescue crews can locate it and get to its occupants in the event debris blocks the exit. There should also be adequate ventilation.

Types of safe rooms

There are three main types of safe rooms: In-ground, above-ground and within a basement. An in-ground safe room might look like a more traditional storm cellar in that its access is typically outside. Since they're in the ground, they may seem more secure than an interior safe room, but they do require you to go outside, which isn't always a safe option during a severe weather event.

The benefit of an above-ground, in-residence safe room is you can access it as easily as any other room in your house. They're usually made out of concrete or steel, so even though they may end up being more exposed to the elements and debris, this fortifying material is designed to stand up to some of the most intense weather. People in the south may opt for an above-ground safe room more often than not because there are more areas at or below sea level where it tends to be costlier, or unsafe, to create an underground facility.

A safe room within a basement is perhaps the best of both worlds, because it combines the ultimate safety of being underground with the convenience of interior access. That said, they do take up space, so if you use your basement for other things, like storage or recreation, it might not be the best choice for you.

Hurricane or a tornado?

Most safe rooms are designed to withstand a severe, wind-driven storm like a tornado, which means they'll also likely serve as protection against the elements of a hurricane, except, potentially, extreme flooding. If you live in an area that sees considerable flooding from hurricanes, and wish to (and are allowed to) construct a safe room in or near your home, it's a good idea to opt for building material that's water-tight.

Masonry concrete blocks

Steel with a wood frame base

Insulated concrete — the interior is typically insulated with expanded polystyrene foam.

Cast-in-place — concrete is poured into an aluminum form at the site once steel reinforcements are in place.

Precast concrete — same as above, just built off-sight and trucked to your location.

Cost and prep

Safe rooms can range in cost depending on whether you're having one incorporated into new construction or adding one to an already existing house, the latter being more expensive. On average, look to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000.

Regardless of the style or placement of your safe room, it should always be outfitted with basic safety supplies including: A fire extinguisher, flashlights, a first-aid kit with medications for everyone in the household, drinking water (each occupant should have at least a gallon), an NOAA Weather Radio, batteries, warm clothes and/or blankets, non-perishable food (including for any pets) and chargers for phones. It's also a good idea to have some tools in case the door is pushed in by debris and you need to break it down to get out.

While the midwest and mid-southeast certainly see the majority of annual tornadoes, they can and have occurred all across the country. If you live in an at-risk area and don't yet have a safe room, there's no better time to consider getting one than before a big storm hits.