Interest Soars In Safe Rooms
Release Date: May 16, 2003
Release Number: 1464-15
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Nashville, TN -- The rash of destructive tornadoes that ripped across Tennessee this month is generating fresh interest in the construction of residential safe rooms where families can seek shelter when warned of approaching tornadoes.
"As Tennessee endures its worst tornado season in decades, many people are asking about safe rooms," said John D. White, state coordinating officer for recovery operations.
White said there are some funding sources available, such as certain types of U.S. Small Business Administration and FHA loans, adding, "It's also possible for people to build their own, and they can get information about that from their local hardware stores and home centers."
Safe rooms are fortified spaces that are designed to withstand destructive winds. More and more are being included in the construction of new homes; others are installed as interior modifications or recessed into the ground.
White said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers free information on safe room construction in a publication called "Taking Shelter from the Storm," publication 320. This publication is available through FEMA's website at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-480-2520. It is also available at disaster recovery centers.
He stressed that residents should not call the disaster assistance registration line for safe room information. These calls are impeding the delivery of financial assistance to disaster victims. "We want to distribute safe room information to all who are interested but our first priority at the moment is helping those who suffered property losses in the storms," said White.
Last Modified: Monday, 19-May-2003 15:08:38