PCA Offers Quick Facts on Safe Rooms, Panic Rooms

3/28/2002

From: Jennifer Grover or Bruce McIntosh, both of the Portland Cement Association, 847-966-6200 or 773-368-3074 (cell); jgrover@portcement.org;

SKOKIE, Ill., March 28 -- With the release tomorrow of Columbia Pictures' "Panic Room," moviegoers will be introduced to the concept of an in-home hiding place more commonly known as a "safe room." Safe rooms are typically built with concrete walls, ceiling and floor, and equipped with a heavy-gauge steel door. Originally designed to offer shelter from tornadoes and other severe weather, they also offer refuge from intruders. Most homeowners choose to use safe rooms as a simple storage space; others outfit them as home theater systems or walk-in closets. Safe rooms often are equipped with an outside phone line and space for food and safety supplies; some homeowners even install security system control centers.

Below are some resources for articles on safe rooms: -- Lionel Lemay, Portland Cement Association: 847-966-6200 (office); 847-922-7995 (cell) -- http://www.concretehomes.com (under Building Systems, click on "safe room") -- http://www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom/index.htm (general information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on safe rooms) -- http://www.fema.gov/mit/tsfs01.htm (consumers can order a free copy of FEMA 320, a guide to building safe rooms, including plans) -- Dorothy Andrake, Mitigation Specialist, FEMA: 202-646-2898 -- Will Oliver, American Polysteel (builds concrete homes and safe rooms): 706-201-1472 (cell); 706-886-5914 (office)

Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the U.S. and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.