Risk Assessment

Assess your risks based on the threats which exist in your community and geographical area. Remagen safe rooms have the advantage of providing protection against multiple threats because they are located in your home.

Tornado

Click Tornado Damage Photo Sequence to see the actual devastation caused by a full Fujita-scale range of tornadoes.

A record 1,717 tornadoes were reported in the United States during 2004. An average of 1,200 tornadoes strike the U. S. annually killing about 55 Americans and injuring 1,500 [NOAA]. Were an enemy of the U. S. to inflict 1,200 random bomb attacks across wide areas of the country each year, it is likely that no American family would be without a bomb shelter. During the month of September 247 tornadoes were reported, nearly twice the previous monthly record set in 1967 and over five times the average for any month.

Based on FEMA's map of Wind Forces in the United States, it can be seen that every residence lying east of the Rocky Mountain range is susceptible to F4 or F5 tornado damage (destroyed). All other areas are at risk for F3 tornadoes. Whether or not your home is ever struck by a tornado, there is nearly a 100% chance that sometime you and your family will be threatened by a tornado.

Click http://www.disastercenter.com/tornado/rank.htm to learn how your state is ranked for risk of tornado casualties and property loss.

Hurricane

The 2004 hurricane season was the most devastating ever recorded for the United States. More lives were lost and greater property damage resulted due to hurricanes and tropical storms making landfall than occurred during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It is estimated that 20% of homes in Florida were impacted by hurricanes during the season. Over 9.4 million residents were evacuated. An increase in hurricanes making landfall with the United States is predicted by meteorologists for the next several decades. The growing population density in impacted areas makes evacuation the least desirable option for survival during a hurricane except for residents living in storm surge areas." ["Surviving Nature's Wrath and Human Shortsightedness", J. Waller, Southern Building, September/October, 2002]. A storm shelter in your home is the key to safely riding out the danger.

Crime (From the 2002 FBI Uniform Crime Report)

Burglaries in the U.S. increased from 2.06 million in 2000 to 2.15 million in 2002. According to the "Crime Doctor", Chris E. McGoey, "Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property." ["Home Security - Burglary Protection", http://www.crimedoctor.com/]. Time is the burglar's biggest enemy. He needs to get in and out within minutes, and attacking a safe room in a home with a security alarm nearly guarantees a burglar being caught. Most home burglaries occur during daylight working hours. Although violent crimes decreased, forcible rapes increased by 4.2% from 2001 to 2002. Stalking and home attacks are also on the rise. Home invasion robberies continue to increase at a steady rate, even in suburban and rural areas. Many criminals realize that breaking into your home to rob you is easier and less risky than robbing a convenience store clerk. It is usually more profitable to plunder your home than a cash register.

Fire (from the National Fire Protection Association)

A total of $10.3 billion property loss from fires occurred in the U.S. during the year 2002. Although fire department response time has improved, smoke and water damage continue to produce significant property loss for home owners

In the event of a fire you should leave the building immediately. Do not seek refuge in an interior safe room. However, even your paper records can be protected in a safe room which limits the inside temperature to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit.