By Gregory Colvin
As promised in my earlier article about safety at home, here is additional information about how to prepare for a determined intruder or severe weather. Though rare, there are times that someone could enter your home when you are present. There is a haven that you can invest in that can protect you and your family if this occurs. This investment is the safe room. The safe room is a secure internal room in the house that the burglar cannot enter.
A well designed safe room should have a metal door and frame, making it harder for the intruder to kick in the door or tear it from the frame. The door should be equipped with a keyless deadbolt.
This room must contain a telephone. A land line is good. During inclement weather, the phone company continues to have power to operate the phone. However, in the case of a home invasion, a cell phone is better. Land lines to the house are often the first thing that the intruder will disable. Be sure that the cell phone is charged. The power to the house may also be disconnected.
An emergency first aid kit is important. Check the kit periodically, replacing outdated supplies. Children love to play with bandages, so it is a good idea to check and resupply as needed.
Usually the crisis is over very quickly, most burglars don’t want spend a long period of time in someone else’s home. This only increases the likelihood that they will wind up in jail. Their intention may be kidnapping. If kidnapping is their aim, you may be in the room for an extended period awaiting rescue.
The safe room is also an excellent haven in the case of hazardous weather. Many commercially built safe rooms can withstand tornadic force winds. If you live in an area of the country that experiences tornadoes or hurricanes, you may want to seriously think about investing in a well constructed safe room.
You will want to keep some, if not all, of the following supplies:
• Fire extinguisher
• A week’s worth of drinking water
• A week’s worth of food
• Flashlights, at least two
• Extra batteries
• A battery powered lantern or two
• Toilet facilities. They can be an installed commode or a portable toilet
• Bedding or cots for sleeping
• Stove. You may not have electricity for a period of time, in the case of a severe storm. The stove should be a camping type. A note of caution: Be sure that the room has adequate ventilation.
• A portable radio so you can monitor weather conditions.
• Candy and snacks make life in the room more bearable.
• Books and magazines help pass the time.
• You may want to keep some defensive weapons. If children are present in the house, the weapons should be unloaded and locked until needed. If the weapon is a firearm, take a course to familiarize yourself with its operation. Occasional practice wouldn’t hurt either.
The safe room is an excellent investment.
Remember: Your Safety Is Up To You!
