Plan CO, fire safety and a second way out
A strong, small room can become dangerous if fire, smoke or carbon monoxide reaches it. Plan for this from the start.
How
- Never run a generator, stove, heater or any fuel-burning device inside or next to the safe room or its vents. Fire and CO planning for the whole house is in safety-10.
- Fit a battery CO alarm inside the room and near the vents. CPSC advises CO alarms on every level and near sleeping areas, testing monthly and replacing batteries yearly (US guidance).
- UK example: HSENI advises buying a CO alarm that complies with EN 50291 and fitting it where the maker's instructions say.
- Fit a smoke alarm inside and keep a small fire extinguisher by the door.
- If people could sleep or shelter for long periods, ask the engineer about an emergency escape opening. US safe room guidance (BASC) lists an emergency escape opening among optional features; check what your local code requires.
- Do not store fuel, solvents or large battery banks inside the safe room.
- Make sure the inside release on the door works without power, keys or codes.
Safety: Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. A CO alarm inside the room is essential.
Sources
- CO Alarms. US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), accessed 2026-11
- Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters (Building America Solution Center). US DOE / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, accessed 2026-11
- ICC 500: Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters (summary of the 2014 edition). Ready.gov / FEMA, accessed 2026-11
- Which carbon monoxide alarm should I buy?. Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), accessed 2026-11