Safe Room Successes in Oklahoma 

Release Date: May 20, 2003
Release Number: FNF-03-01

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SBA Official Michael Lampton inside the Golden family's tornado safe room. FEMA photo by Bob McMillan
SBA Official Michael Lampton inside the Golden family's tornado safe room. Also, inside are supplies such as a lantern, radio and cell phone. FEMA photo by Bob McMillan
Danny Golden, Jr., shows the entry into the family's tornado safe room. FEMA photo by Bob McMillan
Danny Golden, Jr., shows the entry into the family's tornado safe room. His father was safe in the shelter, while just feet away a tornado leveled their home. FEMA photo by Bob McMillan

Imagine hearing the howling sounds of devastation and knowing that all your possessions are being lost to a force of nature. Then imagine emerging from the rubble safe and sound thanks to your safe room or storm shelter.

Oklahomans are not strangers to tornadoes coupled with tragic loss of lives, but during the severe storms and tornadoes that began on May 8, many lives were spared. This has been attributed, in part, to the fact that some Oklahoma residents took shelter in a safe room or storm shelter.

Properly built, safe rooms can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour and repel flying objects traveling as fast as 100 miles per hour. Safe rooms can be built within a home or as an addition. Within the home, first floor interior bathrooms and large closets are a frequent choice.

Because warning times for tornadoes can be very short, quick access to the safe room is important in choosing a location. If the owners have any special accessibility needs these should be considered in the location and design of the safe room. Safe rooms can also be built in basements and below ground.

You can find out more about safe rooms by ordering FEMA's publication: Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House and the accompanying construction plans and specifications by calling 1-888-565-3896. Request a copy of publication FEMA 320.

You can also visit the FEMA Safe Room website at www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom for more safe room information.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:00:47