subject: Home Security Plan: Safe Room [print this page] Home Security Plan: Safe Room Home Security Plan: Safe Room
Even with all of the safety precautions you take as part of your home security plan, there is always the danger of an intruder or other type of danger getting through. Just in case this happens, you should consider creating a safe room in your house where your family can hide in the case of an extreme emergency.
Your home security plan should already include a wide array of safety precautions. Just a few things that should be included are:
Locking the doors and windows
Do not leave extra copies of the house key in hiding spots, and do not give them out to too many people
Have a list of emergency numbers by the phone
Know your neighbors
Install a home alarm system and know how to use it
Take the proper precautions for young children, elders, and/or handicapped family members
Leave lights on inside and outside to let potential intruders know that you are home
When you go on vacation, stop your mail and newspaper
While these safety precautions are so important and seem foolproof, the best intruders may be able to find a way past them all. In this case, you need to have a backup plan. A safe room can be that back up plan for you and your family. A safe room is a place inside your home where you can lock yourself in securely from the inside, contact help, and wait for help to arrive.
To install a safe room you need to find an area of your house where you can install floor to ceiling walls to create a new room. None of the walls should have windows, so choose an interior wall and room to start off of. Using wood or steel, install all the walls and a secure door with a secure lock or locks on it. The more discreet the safe room can be, the better. If an intruder knows that you are in there they may try to break into it. The inside of the room should then be prepared with supplies. You will want to keep a supply of food, water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and some form of communication in the safe room at all times. If you choose to leave a cell phone in there, make sure to also have an electrical outlet and a charger. You can also use a home alarm system panel that allows you to contact the authorities. Whatever you do, do not use the same phone number as the house phones since an intruder can disconnect it. A video surveillance system is not a bad idea, so you can see what the intruders are doing and possibly relay the information to the police.
Make sure that everyone in the family knows all the details of the safe room. Practice runs should be done so that everyone, from kids to adults, know when to go to the safe room, the best way to get to the safe room, and what to do once they are inside. Make sure that the room is always stocked and prepared for an emergency. When used properly, a safe room can be a life saving part of your home security plan.
