Above-ground tornado safe rooms in Jonesboro

An above-ground safe room is a small, very strong room, usually steel or reinforced concrete or masonry, anchored to a concrete slab. It can go in a garage, a closet, or a corner of the house. Built to FEMA criteria, it's designed to stay standing and protect the people inside even if the house around it is gone.

FEMA notes that people cleaning up after tornadoes often find small interior rooms still standing when the rest of the house is destroyed (FEMA P-320). A safe room is that idea built to a tested standard.

Who they suit

• Homes on low or wet ground. FEMA points to above-ground safe rooms when flood hazards or high groundwater rule out going underground, which is common on the delta around Jonesboro.
• Anyone who can't do stairs. No ladder or steps down. Easier for older family members, kids, and wheelchair users.
• People who want it inside. In the garage or the house, you don't go outside to reach it.

The slab is the key question

The safe room is only as good as what it's anchored to. FEMA says most slab-on-grade house foundations weren't designed to carry safe room loads, so the foundation is a primary concern when adding one to an existing home (FEMA P-320). Depending on the product and your slab, the installer may:

• check slab thickness and condition,
• use the manufacturer's tested anchor pattern, or
• pour a new reinforced footing or slab section under the room.

Adding a safe room while a house is being built is easier and cheaper than retrofitting one. If you're building in Craighead County, bring it up with your builder early.

Sizing

For a one- or two-family home, FEMA P-320 says at least 3 square feet of floor space per person is enough for a tornado safe room. Plan for everyone who might be home, plus anyone who'd come over, like a neighbor or family next door.