FEMA’s Building Science Branch presents the recently updated FEMA P-361, "Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms." The publication will also be featured at this year’s National Hurricane Conference held March 30 – April 2, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Among other activities at the conference, FEMA will promote the use of safe rooms through a workshop discussing the updates to the new publication.

FEMA P-361 provides the most current, up-to-date guidance on constructing a safe room that provides near-absolute protection from the deadly winds and windborne debris associated with extreme-wind events for its occupants. The information presented in FEMA P-361 is the culmination of many years of post-disaster investigations into the performance of safe rooms and storm shelters during tornadoes and hurricanes.

FEMA grant programs have provided approximately $985 million in federal funds towards the design and construction of nearly 25,000 residential and 2,000 community safe rooms in 25 states, tribes, and territories. This investment aligns with FEMA’s strategic goal to support disaster resilience and the ability of our local communities to withstand and recover rapidly from disasters. All safe rooms constructed with FEMA grant funds must adhere to the FEMA recommended criteria described in FEMA P-361 and the requirements as described in the most current edition of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Unified Guidance. To review or download the most current HMA Unified Guidance, visit www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.

FEMA’s Building Science Branch develops guidance that supports communities in becoming safer by reducing loss of life and property and becoming more disaster-resilient. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/building-science.