Fema Approved Safe Room Plans

Safe rooms or storm shelters can be built any size you want as long as you build them with the specifications described in the fema booklet.

Fema approved safe room plans.

The prescriptive plans for safe rooms provided in fema p 320 are not intended to be a substitute for a licensed design professional. To obtain an equivalent level of protection safe room designs not meeting the specific requirements of the designs in these plans should be designed to meet the fema safe room criteria set forth in the 2015 fema p 361 design and construction guidance for community safe rooms 13. Contractors individuals or firms shall not state they are or produce products that are fema approved or fema certified door assemblies and components the following links are maintained by their respective organizations and provide lists and information on safe room door assemblies and components that have passed previous missile impact. There are 5 levels of tornadoes and 5 levels of hurricanes for instance each demanding different levels of protection.

However a safe room can be customized to meet your individual needs. The safe room s construction and design must be reinforced and built to withstand storms and threats of attack. Other considerations for safe room design when reviewing safe room designs it is important to reference up to date guidelines especially when considering construction and material technology. Fema p 320 has prescriptive safe room plans for safe rooms sized between 8 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet and 14 feet x 14 feet x 8 feet.

Due to the intended function of safe rooms and site specific conditions that need to be addressed it is fema s recommendation that a licensed design professional be involved. Be sure you understand these factors as you plan and build the safe room. Therefore a safe room can be sized differently as long as it complies with the guidance in fema p 361. While old construction designs approved by fema are likely safe using more advanced materials means a more resilient structure with added benefits.

Funding opportunities are available for individuals wishing to build a residential safe room. This storm cellar room measures 7 x 8 ft but it could just as easily be 4 x 4 ft. Key details of our storm shelter design. Guidance for community and residential safe rooms 2015 which provides the design criteria and commentary used.

For project eligibility and financial assistance questions please contact your state hazard mitigation officer shmo.