What Is A Storm Room in Buildings?
What Is A Storm Room in Buildings?
A storm room is a stand-alone structure that is built above ground and used as a source of protection during severe storms, such as tornadoes or hurricanes.
Storm rooms are typically constructed with Kevlar material, the same material used to make bulletproof vests.
They are designed to provide near-absolute protection from injury or death caused by dangerous weather.
Storm rooms have no windows and must be built on a slab foundation in an area of the home that is free from flooding.
They may also be installed as a separate structure of the home or built into the basement or garage.
Storm rooms are typically stocked with basic emergency and survival items such as a flashlight, blankets, a first-aid kit, water, packaged food, self-defense tools, a gas mask, and a simple portable toilet.
What Is The Difference Between A Storm Room And A Shelter?
The main difference between a storm room and a shelter is that a storm room meets the criteria in FEMA P-361 and meets or exceeds ICC 500 criteria, while a storm shelter only meets the criteria in IC 500.
A safe room is designed to provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes, while a storm shelter is designed to provide protection against killer tornadoes.
Storm shelters are most commonly used as underground bunkers, while safe rooms can be above ground or underground.
Additionally, safe rooms are made out of stronger materials than storm or tornado shelters but can be more expensive and take longer to build.
How To Build A Storm Room?
Building a storm room requires careful planning and consideration of the type of storms that may occur in your area.
The easiest and cheapest way to build a storm room is to put it in an existing basement, as this will require minimal retrofitting.
However, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you should consider building an above-ground storm shelter.
When building a storm room, it is important to ensure that the walls, ceiling, and door are able to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour and flying debris.
Additionally, the room should not have any windows and should not be located in a flood or storm surge zone.
Finally, it is important to obtain the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publication 320 for Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building A Safe Room Inside Your House, which includes construction plans that meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters.
This will help ensure that your storm room meets all safety requirements.
What Is The Best Material For A Storm Room?
The best material for a storm room depends on the purpose of the room, the number of people it needs to protect, and the budget.
Reinforced concrete, reinforced concrete blocks, fiberglass, welded solid steel, wood and steel are all common materials used for storm shelters.
Steel is a strong material that can resist penetration and is more versatile than concrete. Steel storm shelters are also easier to install indoors than concrete ones.
However, concrete is a cheaper option for storm shelters and requires less reinforcement than steel. Wood and steel is also a practical choice for DIY storm shelter designs as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Storm Room?
The cost to build a storm room varies depending on the size and type of shelter.
Pre-manufactured storm shelters can cost as little as $3,000, including installation, while custom-built shelters can cost up to $30,000[2][4].
The average cost of an 8-by-10-foot aboveground structure is around $6,641, while the average homeowner spends around $6,300 for an underground shelter.
Additionally, permit costs can range from $430 to $2,240[3]. FEMA funding may cover up to 75% of the cost of a storm shelter.