In areas subject to extreme-wind events, building owners, schools, hospitals, neighborhood associations, and others responsible for public safety should consider building a community safe room.
Since wind hazards (such as those associated with tornadoes and hurricanes) vary throughout the United States, the decision to build a safe room is largely based on the magnitude of the wind hazard in a given area and on the level of risk considered acceptable.
Learn more about building a community safe room:
- Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms (FEMA P-361)
Guidance for selecting the best available refuge area until a safe room can be constructed:
Community Funding Opportunities
Grants, funding opportunities, and various initiatives are available for communities wishing to build community safe rooms. See the links below for additional information:
Examples and Case Studies
Learn how others have benefited from community and public safe rooms.