Do you remember the 2002 movie, “Panic Room,” starring Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart and Forest Whitaker? In the story, mom Jodie buys a new home that has a panic room,, also known as a safe room. When three burglars break in, she and her daughter Kristen hide in the room. While you may not need a room as high-tech as in the movie, a safe room can protect you from home invasion, storms and earthquakes.

A safe room is simply a room that’s been reinforced to provide you with safe shelter. When building a safe room, the walls need to be sturdy, so they can resist high-velocity objects thrown about during a tornado or hurricane. Concrete or reinforced steel are good material options for wall construction. The walls also need to be anchored for added support. Windowless shelters are the best, but you also can use Plexiglas windows. For the best protection, the doors should be solid wood or metal; and the door frame should be reinforced.

A well-constructed, basic panic room can keep your family safe from storms and burglaries, but you may want to consider the following high-end additions:

• Keypad lock on the door – Provides instant locking so you don’t have to throw deadbolts. Also, you can use your panic room as a safe for your valuables.
• Video monitoring system – Allows you to watch and know where the intruders are in your home at all times. Plus, you can alert the police.
• Ventilation system – Enables you to filter the air, especially during storms when the air can get dusty or smoky.
• Hard-wired phone – Provides another means of contacting the police and others. Plus, you may not have your cell phone with you when you reach the safe room.

There are several places in your home that you can install a safe room. Basements are a great option, especially if you live in an area prone to tornados or hurricanes. However, if you live in an area that floods, the basement may not be the best location. A garage can be another good option since you may have more space to add a room there. If you decide to install a panic room within the main part of your home, it’s safer to place the room on the ground floor and along interior walls. Also, you can build a safe room shelter outside of your home, too.

Since you may be stuck in your safe room for several days during a storm or natural disaster, you need to make sure it’s well stocked, include 3-days’ worth of food and water for each person, a power supply, a first aid kit, flashlights or lanterns, batteries, a radio, sanitation bags or bucket, toilet paper, cash, copies of identification and important documents, and other supplies.

Make sure everyone in your family knows where the safe room is located and when they should head to it for safety. By being prepared for home invasions or natural disasters, you’ll know your family is protected.

If you need a home remodeling loan to build a safe room addition, give Grandview Lending a call. We can work with you to find a loan that meets your needs.