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FEMA 453 - Shelters and Safe Rooms

The objective of this manual is to provide guidance for engineers, architects, building officials, and property owners to design shelters and safe rooms in buildings. This manual presents information about the design and construction of shelters in the work place, home, or community building that will provide protection in response to manmade hazards. The information contained in the manual will assist in the planning and design of shelters that may be constructed outside or within dwellings or public buildings. The safe rooms will protect occupants from a variety of hazards, including debris impact, accidental or intentional explosive detonation, and the accidental or intentional release of a toxic substance into the air. Because the security needs and type of construction vary greatly, users may select the methods and measures that best meet their individual situations. The use of experts to apply the methodologies contained in this document is encouraged.

You can download FEMA 453 from the FEMA Library, or order a copy from the FEMA Distribution Center. To order this or other publications please call 1-800-480-2520 or fax 1-240-599-0525 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. You may also email your request to FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov. Please provide the title, item number, short number, and quantity of each publication, along with your name, address, zip code, and daytime telephone number.

For more information, please email: riskmanagementseriespubs@dhs.gov

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Feb-2011 11:36:13 EST