How To Build A Panic Room

HOW TO BUILD A PANIC ROOM REASONS TO HAVE A PANIC ROOM: - Home invasion Battered woman and the victims of spousal abuse - Terror alerts - Weather-related catastrophes - Nuclear attacks Surveillance - Biological war Weapons Communication Plumbing Sound Proofing Air Circulation Power Kevlar Panels Keypad Lock Foundations Entrance Electro-magnetic Lock Supplies Features are explained clockwise from the door. Entrance, Keypad Lock & Electro-magnetic Lock Door reinforcements are critical. This could be a steel door with mortise locks built into it. Steel hinges, bolts and door jambs make the door less able to be kicked in. The door lock could feature interior deadbolts, combination retinal or fingerprint scanning devices, Flectros or Weapons Weapons can range from pepper sprays to a gun for each occupant. High voltage stun devices can be installed under the carpet in case an intruder gets in. O Surveillance Not all panic rooms have surveillance, but a typical panic room will have moniters connected to hidden cameras. Heat-sensing cameras can also be used for night attacks. magnetic locks bond the door and frame together. + Supplies Supplies such as food, water and first aid equipment help occupants survive an attack. Some panic rooms even include items like chemical wash basins d Communication A cell phone or ham radio is recommended inside the panic room. If the panic room is too reinforced for a cell phone, a phone line could be buried or an intercom or alarm button directly connected to a police or secutiy team. and gas masks. A Foundations & Kevlar Panels The ground floor offers the best protection against natural catastrophes such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Concrete floors are the ideal foundation which provides a stable base for blast proof Kevlar panels and a steel ceiling with optional Kevlar panels. A plywood reinforced closet can provide a storm shelter but won't give protection from invaders. Sound Proofing If the panic room is sound proofed, this will prevent intruders hearing your conversations. Power Self contained generators power most panic rooms, but good ventilation is needed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Battery powered or hand- cranked lights and phones may be enough. Y Air YAir Circulation Expensive panic rooms are air tight with temperature and humidity control. They may have air-filtration systems to protect from biohazards. Some panic rooms may include oxygen masks and dummy vents to throw off invaders. Plumbing Basic plumbing is simply a portable toilet but a separate plumbing system and septic tank can be installed. A gallon of water per day is recommend for each occupant. Panic Room Supplies - Non-perishable food - Safe water supply - First aid kit with necessary medications - Flashlights and extra batteries - Battery-powered radio and extra batteries - Clothes - Sanitation supplies Panic Room Costs Construction of a high-end panic room typically starts at $50,000 and can reach beyond $500,000, depending on amenities. On the low end, converting a closet orextra room into a panic room usually starts around $3,000. - Important documents - Extra pair of glasses - Blankets - Credit cards and cash - A roll of duct tape - Potassium-iodine tablets (to prevent radiation sickness) Plywood reinforcements for a closet cost about $2,500. Bullet-resistant electronic doors start at $22,000 Adding bullet-resistant Kevlar, a dedicated phone line, backup generator and keyless entry to an existing room can cost $40,000 to $60,000. Add another $3,000 to $10,000 if it's professionally designed. TIMELINE 1600s 1920s 1960s Present Day *Priest holes", were designed to hide Catholic priests, when Hidden rooms stashed Fallout shelters, which were Modern panic rooms are increasing in popularity among Prohibition-banned booze. created in response to the fear of nuclear attacks. those desiring security in a post-Sept. 11, post-Katrina and post-Enron world. persecution was at its height in England. 1800s 1930s 1970s The modern residential panic rooms began appearing on the West Coast. Underground Railroad, USA, when secret rooms hid escaping slaves. Safe rooms for weather protection have their origins in storm cellars (remember Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz). Developed by neal rodriguer Sources: bankrate.com, howstuffworks.com nealrodriguez.com