Should You Invest in a Safe Room?

Did you see the movie Panic Room starring Jodie Foster? In the movie, she purchases a home in which a recently deceased millionaire had installed a safe room or panic room. One of the burglars who broke into her home was the installer. If you like suspense movies, you may enjoy this one.

A safe room is a secure location in your home where you and your family can go if someone breaks in and you can call for help. People who have the money install rooms that have steel walls and a steel door. These rooms can be expensive.

If you consider having a safe room in your home, you will need a fortified door that opens outward with fortified walls. The door can be constructed of wood with a steel doorjamb to prevent it from being kicked in. The room should be opened only from the inside. The keys should be kept inside the room.

Your safe room should be windowless so that burglars cannot break in that way. You should install a phone connection in the room along with water, first aid kits, and food. If a family member has special medical needs or medications, you should make sure those are stored in the room as well.

Since you may not be able to predict how long you will be in the room, you should also have hygiene supplies in the room as well. You may want to consider adding a half-wall toilet stall and a sink. Ventilation and lighting are also important.

If you decide to invest in a safe room in your home, you should make sure that each member of your family is aware of it, its purpose, and know what it contains. The room should never be used for any other purpose than the safety and security of your family. You should check the supplies periodically to make sure none of them have expired. If so, replace them.

A safe room can protect you and your family from intruders until the local law enforcement authorities arrive. You should not open the door until you are assured it is safe to do so.

Having a safe room in your home is an added expense. Depending on where you live, you may want to consider it for the safety of your family.