Safe room in a residential use

[Bryant]

Wondering how other jurisdictions interpret the language of a "safe room" in a residential environment VRC/IRC 323.1 Storm Shelters . The code is silent on the concept and defers to the standard ICC/NSSA-500 of which is very strong criteria to be met in order to qualify as a storm shelter.
My question is, if the intended room in the basement is called a safe room, but does not follow the criteria outlined in the standard, then it is just another room in a SFD and would need to meet, if any, the intent of a habitable space or just call it a day and consider it a closet in the basement. any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[steveray]

I would have a discussion with the HO, but I would likely let them build it however they want basically.....I would advise them on heat/light/ vent(habitable)...but not necessarily require it depending on how they actually intend to use it....

 

[Bryant]

I would have a discussion with the HO, but I would likely let them build it however they want basically.....I would advise them on heat/light/ vent(habitable)...but not necessarily require it depending on how they actually intend to use it....

Don't disagree, but if they call it out as a storm shelter, then it would need to meet the standard outlined in the IRC 323. Interesting enough, FEMA has requirements based on this standard and are pretty intense, especially if the occupant load goes over 16

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1418837502817-920f09bb8187ee15436712a3e82ce709/FEMA_P-320_2014-ConstructionPlans_508.pdf

http://www.iawe.org/Proceedings/11ACWE/11ACWE-Kiesling.pdf

FWIW, the contractor indicated it was a gun vault. No need to shoot myself in the foot over this one

 

[north star]

% ~ % ~ %

IMO, ...be very careful on designing \ constructing
any space intended for use as a Safe Room
"below grade".

Egress components should be considered very carefully,
as storm debris could potentially trap occupants.
Water tables should also be considered.

% ~ % ~ %

 

[steveray]

Don't disagree, but if they call it out as a storm shelter, then it would need to meet the standard outlined in the IRC 323. Interesting enough, FEMA has requirements based on this standard and are pretty intense, especially if the occupant load goes over 16

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1418837502817-920f09bb8187ee15436712a3e82ce709/FEMA_P-320_2014-ConstructionPlans_508.pdf

http://www.iawe.org/Proceedings/11ACWE/11ACWE-Kiesling.pdf

FWIW, the contractor indicated it was a gun vault. No need to shoot myself in the foot over this one

Correct...Had a friend around here do a "gun vault" in his basement....

 

[cda]

And the plug and play???


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Swisher...al-Tornado-Safety-Shelter-SR84X144G/300203011

 

[mtlogcabin]

A "safe room" to hide from the bad guy home invader would be way different than the "storm shelter" to protect from a tornado. What is the purpose for the room?

 

[classicT]

A gun safe room is just that. A fortified closet if you will. They are not intended to be any more habitable than a walk in closet.

Move along, let the homeowner build it as they want.

 

[tmurray]

The only way I would enforce the standard is if there was a requirement for a safe room to be construction to that standard in every home in the code.

Otherwise, it is just a room.

 

[jar546]

And the plug and play???


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Swisher...al-Tornado-Safety-Shelter-SR84X144G/300203011

Requires a concrete slab and anchoring so inside a house that is not a slab on grade is about the only option as a basement is not a good idea and not recommended. Not rainproof so I don't understand how they would install outdoors.