What it is
An above-ground safe room is a small, reinforced room that's anchored to a concrete slab. Common options for existing homes are prefabricated steel rooms installed in the garage, a corner of a room, or a closet area. In new construction, a safe room can be built from reinforced concrete or concrete block, often as a pantry or closet.
Why choose above-ground
- No steps. The best option for seniors, wheelchair users, and anyone who can't safely climb down into a pit.
- Fast to get in. If it's inside the house or garage, you can be inside in seconds.
- Everyday use. Many families use it as a storage room or closet the rest of the year.
- No flooding concerns from being underground.
Anchoring is everything
A tornado tries to lift, slide and tip a safe room. FEMA's safe room foundation and anchoring criteria set out how the room must be connected to concrete that can resist those forces. Many existing garage slabs are too thin or lack reinforcement. Your installer should evaluate the slab and, if needed, pour a new reinforced pad or footings. Ask how they confirm the slab is adequate.
Door and hardware
The door is often the weakest point. The door, frame, hinges and latches must be tested as an assembly to resist debris impact and wind pressure. Ask for the test documentation that covers the complete door assembly.
Size and ventilation
Plan for at least 3 square feet per person (the ICC 500 residential minimum), plus room to sit comfortably. Tested safe rooms include protected vents so air can circulate without letting debris in.
New home in Amarillo or Canyon?
If you're building, it's usually easiest and cheapest to plan a safe room into the design from the start. FEMA P-320 includes construction plans that builders and engineers can use as a starting point.
Questions to ask
- Is the room tested to FEMA P-361 and ICC 500 for tornadoes, including the door assembly?
- How will it be anchored, and is my slab adequate?
- How many people is it designed for?
- What permit is needed and who pulls it?
Sources: FEMA P-361; FEMA P-320; FEMA foundation and anchoring criteria for safe rooms; ICC 500.