People all over the world dread the occurrence of tornadoes. That’s because tornadoes damage buildings and other man-made structures, uproot trees, and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. They can also cause deaths and injuries to people and animals.
The extent of the damage caused by a tornado depends on several factors. These include the size of the tornado, how long it stays on the ground, and its path over populated areas or open country. In short, the occurrence of a tornado is a threat to human life.
Sadly, according to Accu weather, the US will experience more tornadoes in 2022 than in the previous years. Therefore, there’s a need to have a tornado safe room inside your house. You can place it in your closet, garage, basement, and so on. This way, if a tornado occurs, your family will be protected.
Here are the qualities of a Tornado safe room
Features that Define a Tornado Safe Room
Tornado Safe Rooms are your best defense against a tornado. When tornadoes strike, it may be too late to get to a safe place. The safest possible place is underground in an underground storm cellar or basement. If you don’t have an underground cellar, a tornado safe room installed in your house or garage may be the next best thing. A tornado safe room should be able to withstand the strongest winds and most deadly debris that a tornado can produce.
Tornado Safe Rooms should have the following features:
Enhanced safety– The rooms are built with safety in mind. They can withstand strong winds and debris of any kind. These safety rooms can be built in homes and schools, businesses, and any other building. They can also withstand strong winds and flying debris. This makes them a great place to hide during storms and tornadoes.
Reinforced walls– These are built with high-strength concrete slabs and steel rebar for added strength. Ensure the walls of your Tornado safe room are reinforced with steel. This is because the winds in a tornado are so strong they can easily rip through an ordinary wall. The steel helps to make the walls stronger.
The walls should be at least 8 inches thick and made of concrete. If you use cinder blocks, then you will need to add steel bars between each block. You can also use bricks or wood, but these materials are not as strong as concrete or cinder blocks.
Reinforced and sloped roofs– The roof of the safe room should be made out of reinforced steel and at least six inches thick. It should be able to withstand winds up to 250 mph. Also, ensure the roofs are sloped. These make it easy for debris to slide off instead of piling up on top of the roof
Air filtration system– This system prevents dust and other harmful contaminants from penetrating the room through air vents.
Fire sprinkler system -This is designed to turn on if there is fire inside the room automatically.
High-wind resistance– This can be done using high-strength steel framing, concrete floors, roofs, walls, and special construction details. These are details like proper anchoring, reinforced corners and joints, proper bracing, and installing windows with shatterproof glass.
Where to Place Your Tornado Safe Room
The safest locations for a tornado safe room are underground, inside a building, or outside (but not near any trees). You can also put your safe room in a basement if there isn’t one already there.
Key Takeaway
Tornadoes are the most violent storms on earth. They can be up to 6 miles wide and have wind speeds of 250 mph. Having a tornado safe room is critical, especially if it is built correctly. It is important to ensure that your room has been built according to the latest FEMA guidelines and standards for tornado shelters.
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