Originally Posted By: gromicko This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
(September 30, 2004) – Building industry firms are developing techniques to make homes and businesses disaster-proof as more and more storms ravage regions across the nation.
Building codes are being strengthened across the nation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency notes that 75 percent of all homes in the U.S. experience some form of natural disaster damage.
Metal and asphalt are being used in roofing to reduce impact damages, and some firms are developing window coverings that are easier to remove and install before hurricanes hit. Wayne-Dalton Corp. has begun selling a light-weight plastic-coated cloth called Fabric Shield, while SentryGlas, developed by DuPont, is impact resistant and can withstand heavy winds.
DuPont is also pilot testing a safe room kit from Kevlar, which is strapped to the home's foundation and allow homeowners to ride out tornadoes and hurricanes in safety. In various states, insurers are being forced to provide incentives to homeowners that install safer building materials, such as impact-resistant roofs.
Source: Wall Street Journal (09/30/04); Kim, Queena Sook
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
DuPont is also pilot testing a safe room kit from Kevlar, which is strapped to the home's foundation and allow homeowners to ride out tornadoes and hurricanes in safety
There was an article in the past few days in our local paper talking about what big business safe rooms are becoming. Around here they are building them out of reinforced concrete, tied into the slab with rebar, with a full reinforced concrete ceiling and steel entry door. Average size so far is 6' x 9' or about the size of your average jail cell. Supposedly they are "guaranteed" to withstand 200 mph winds.
I will just bet that with the limited storage in the homes down here that most will be so full of junk it will take a day of emptying before they can be used! 
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This past month, they would have been ‘family rooms’ because that’s where the family would have gathered (is “huddled” a better word) together every week.
Originally Posted By: rhinck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In July a tornado tore thru Central Illinois and completely destroyed a manufacturing plant. A few years prior the owner had witnessed another tornado pass just across the street and vowed to build “safe rooms” in his current plant. Well all 150 employees are alive and well today because of this man’s integrity.
