My House Has a Basement. Do I Need a Safe Room?

Some strong tornadoes have resulted in loss of floor framing, collapse of basement walls potentially leading to death and injuries to individuals taking refuge in a basement. The acceptable level of protection is an individual decision. A basement may be the safest place to seek shelter in a home without a safe room, but the basement will not provide the same level of protection as a safe room unless it has been designed and constructed in accordance with the criteria in FEMA P-361.

A basement is a good location to install or build a safe room, but access for handicapped or physically challenged individuals may be limited. The flood risk of your location may also help determine whether your basement is an appropriate place for a safe room. If your house or neighborhood is prone to flooding, the basement may not be suitable for taking refuge.