SAFER ROOMS®

We prefer the term “safer” rather than “safe” – Safer Rooms® in an office (or perhaps even a home, school, or other business) are areas where people can go during any shelter-in-place event or incident, ensuring they are safer than they would be at their usual work, residence, or school location. Safer Rooms® are less elaborate and expensive than “Panic Rooms” (which typically share similar features, except one critical aspect: they usually lack a second way out – an emergency exit). The design of Safer Rooms® should incorporate specific safety features that make them suitable for multiple individuals to shelter-in-place, or even to conceal themselves during an active assailant attack, providing both cover and additional safety options to escape from potential threats—all within the same building space. Another essential aspect of Safer Rooms® is their readiness for all types of sheltering-in-place hazards, allowing individuals to consistently know where to go regardless of the threat necessitating the shelter-in-place action. Just as building occupants would use fire stairways instead of elevators for evacuations due to fires, chemical spills, or gas leaks, they should utilize Safer Rooms® for tornado warnings, blizzards, hail storms, and as the designated location in case they cannot safely evacuate from an active assailant or need to find safety during an active shooter situation on or near their facility's campus. It’s important to understand the real differences between a “Lockdown”—when the active assailant is present—and a “Secure and Hold” when the threat is nearby. Always follow the instructions of emergency management officials regarding actions to take, and if there is no clear intelligence (or conflicting information), trust your judgment in determining the best course for your personal safety.

Safer Rooms® must:

- Have a second way out.

- Feature solid walls and a door that locks from the inside.

- Include additional safety features as part of the proprietary Barton Dunant Training and Design package.

Best Case - A new or redesigned room created by an architect, with training specifically designed by us. Architects and building designers play a crucial role in ensuring structural supports within buildings against severe weather threats, for instance. Additionally, regular emergency management training for staff on the effective use of these Safer Rooms® should be conducted on an all-hazards, all-threats basis.

SAFER ROOMS® is a registered trademark of York Drive, LLC. Used with permission.