If you plan to stay at home during a hurricane, identify the safest room in your home as your "Safe Room." This is generally an interior room on the first floor with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Having a designated "safe room" in your home can help you protect your family from the dangerous forces of extreme winds. It can also relieve some of the anxiety created by the threat of an oncoming tornado or hurricane.

• Closets, bathrooms (the best choice) and small storage rooms with only one door and no windows are well suited for use as “safe rooms.” Interior bathrooms have the added advantage of having a water supply and toilet.
• A space selected as your “safe room” should be free of clutter for quick and easy entry, so occupants will not be injured by falling objects.
• If you have the option, your “safe room” should not be in an area subject to flooding.
• Your “safe room” should be readily accessible from all parts of your house.

Updated May 2008

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