Tornado and Hurricane Safe Rooms

Insulgard Security Products is the industry leader in the design and manufacturing of architectural security solutions for tornado and hurricane safe rooms. Insulgard’s products have been designed, tested and certified to meet requirements set forth by the International Building Code (IBC), International Code Council (ICC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  

During the planning phases of a hurricane or tornado safe room, Insulgard can provide architects with a threat assessment, specifications, drawings, proof of certification, and design assistance.  

Our expertise includes schools, emergency operation centers, police stations and public safety facilities. 

The Need for Safe Rooms 

In regions prone to severe weather, certain types of buildings may be required to have hurricane or tornado safe rooms to provide occupants with secure shelter.  

Requirements vary depending on local building codes and regulations, but our expertise includes: 

• Critical infrastructure facilities like power and water treatment plants 

• Community centers 

• Emergency communication and operations centers 

• Government buildings 

• Hospitals and medical care facilities 

• Multi-family residences 

• Nursing homes 

• Police and fire stations 

• Public safety facilities 

• Schools 

Tornado and hurricane safe rooms are designed to withstand the destructive forces of tornadoes, offering occupants a fortified refuge against high winds, flying debris, and other hazards associated with severe storms.  

Constructed with reinforced materials and high engineering standards, these rooms provide a secure environment where individuals can seek shelter until the danger has passed, significantly reducing the risk of injury or loss of life during a tornado event. 

Design Considerations for Safe Rooms 

For a hurricane or tornado safe room to effectively safeguard lives during a natural disaster, it must undergo thorough design, construction, and testing processes. While FEMA doesn’t provide product certifications, manufacturers of safe room doors and windows must verify compliance by ensuring their products are tested and certified by an independent lab to meet ICC500 and FEMA 361 requirements. 

Building Codes and Regulations 

Tornado wind speeds often exceed standard building codes and engineering norms, which do not account for the powerful wind forces, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, and the impact of flying debris that occurs during a severe storm.  

Effective hurricane and tornado rooms are engineered from durable materials and tested to withstand extreme weather. For example, a standard building might be rated to withstand the pressure of small objects like tree branches or patio furniture and wind speeds ranging from 90 to 120 mph, whereas a safe room for hurricanes and tornados is designed to endure impact from lumber from houses being torn apart, as well as wind speeds up to 250 mph. 

In 250mph wind zones, cities and states that have adopted the International Building Code® from 2015 or later require all new K-12 schools and critical emergency facilities (such as 911 call stations, emergency operations centers, and fire, rescue, ambulance, and police stations) to construct a tornado shelter that can house all occupants of the facility and that meets ICC500 protocols.   

Insulgard’s STORMDEFEND impact-resistant windows, doors, and frames are specifically engineered to withstand extreme winds, meeting rigorous ICC500-20 and FEMA361-21 standards to effectively function in 250mph wind zones, making them ideal for tornado and hurricane safe rooms. 

Features and Components of Safe Rooms  

Doors, windows, and frames are vulnerable points susceptible to structural failure or breach during severe storms, where the intense air pressure differentials can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as roof detachment or wall collapse.  

Insulgard’s rigorously tested and certified security products offer fortified protection, structural integrity, and risk mitigation. 

Features include impact-resistant extruded aluminum 6061-T6 alloy temper frames, glazing to protect against glass shattering, and EPDM sponge rubber gaskets that enhance water resistance.  

Installation Process 

Insulgard security products are available in various configurations, allowing flexibility in installation while meeting stringent certification requirements.