A panic room can provide temporary safety during a home invasion, until help can arrive. This guide will tell you how to build a panic room.

A panic room can provide temporary safety during a home invasion, until help can arrive. This guide will tell you how to build a panic room.

• A panic room is designed to be a safe space that provides protection from intruders or attackers for limited periods of times. It should be in a location that's easy to access, be fortified, and contain supplies that will help you stay safe. It does not need to be stocked with food and water, as it is not designed to be used for long periods of time.

• The safe room should be located where it can be accessed quickly without being detected by the intruder.

1. High-profile individuals concerned about kidnapping may have a room specially constructed.
2. Some people may have more than one, if their house is very large.
3. Existing rooms can be modified to serve as panic rooms.
4. A hidden room provides the most protection.

(Creative Commons photo by AlbySpace)

• In order to be a safe place, the room needs to be fortified to make it difficult to break into. The level of fortification needed depends on the threat expected.

1. Rooms can be covered with bulletproof materials, such as Kevlar.
2. At a minimum, the room should have a solid core door with a lock and a deadbolt.

• You'll want the room to contain tools needed to call for help, and to defend yourself.

1. Install a panic button that goes directly to your alarm company or the police.
2. Keep a charged cell phone in the room.
3. You may also want to prepare the room with defensive weapons, such as pepper spray.

• By properly selecting, fortifying, and supplying your panic room, you can help protect your family from injury by intruders during a home invasion.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Select a Location
• Step 2: Secure the Room
• Step 3: Stock the Room
• Conclusion