How Are Safe Rooms Different from Storm Shelters?

The terms “Safe Rooms” and “Storm Shelters” have been used synonymously over the years, but when it comes to your family’s safety and protection against deadly tornadoes and hurricanes, it is of utmost importance to know the difference between the two.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we want our customers to be well-informed about the types of shelters so that they make informed decisions for themselves. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is The Difference Between a Safe Room And a Storm Shelter?

A safe room is a fortified building specially created to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) safe room requirements. It offers nearly complete protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. The doors, windows, and walls are made of heavy concrete to withstand high winds, bullets, and debris. Moreover, it is equipped with communication devices and a panic button. They are insulated to maintain a neutral temperature inside.

In contrast, a storm shelter is constructed using reinforced concrete to resist the impact of tornado debris, hurricanes, and winds of up to 250 mph. There are two types of storm shelters:

1) Community Storm Shelters: They can serve as a dwelling unit for a group of homes or an apartment building because their design occupant capacity is over 16.

2) Residential Storm Shelters: These serve as dwelling units for a single-family home and have a maximum design occupant capacity of 16.

Most of the storm shelters come with additional space for chemical toilets and sinks since they cater to a large number of refugees.

Which One Is the Correct Choice For You?

The main difference between safe rooms and storm shelters depends on the level of protection they both provide.

Safe rooms are better for any untoward accident ranging from fire and bullets to various other threats. In contrast, storm shelters are specifically designed to protect you against natural calamities and EF5 tornadoes.

Homeowners can make the right choice based on where they reside. For instance, if you are a resident of Tornado Alley, then you might experience tornadoes all year round. In this case, a concrete underground shelter should be your choice.

Let Us Help!

There is no clear choice to make when it comes to choosing between safe rooms and storm shelters. Ultimately, you need to choose a safety unit that best suits your needs.

Let our team at Oklahoma Shelters help you more on how to go about this.

Learn more about our products by contacting us today.