Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms FEMA P-361, April 2021 Fourth Edition

This publication provides guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about the planning, design, construction, and operation of safe rooms. It presents important information about the design and construction of residential and community safe rooms that will protect people during extreme-wind events such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

Introduction to FEMA P-361

A1 Purpose and Background

B1 Application and Administration

B2 Definitions

B3 Structural Design and Testing Criteria

B4 Siting

B5 Fire Safety

B6 Occupant Density, Access, Accessibility, Egress, and Signage

B7 Essential Features and Accessories

B8 Test Methods for Impact and Pressure Testing

B9 References and Resources

Appendix A: Acronyms

Appendix B: Acknowledgments

Appendix C: Designer Checklist

Appendix D: Comparison Matrix of Differences between ICC 500 Requirements and FEMA Funding Criteria

List of Figures

This guidance is intended for architects, engineers, building officials, local officials and emergency managers, and prospective safe room owners and operators.