What Should You Keep In Your Safe Room?

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In 2002, Jodie Foster starred in the thriller “Panic Room”. The entire plot of the movie focused on Foster’s character and her daughter having to elude three burglars who had broken into their home. One of the home’s primary features was the “Panic Room”, a high-end safe room that featured two-way communication and other equipment. Foster and her daughter are trapped in the room for the first part of the movie, which leads to a climactic finale.

Though the panic room in the movie was fictional, these types of rooms are often installed in high-end homes. A “safe room” can be any room that has been reinforced to prevent unauthorized entry. The reasons for having a safe room may vary, though most people install them to provide a safe area in the event of a home invasion.

If you have a safe room in your home, it’s essential (as shown by the movie “Panic Room”) to keep it well-stocked with appropriate supplies. Here are a few quick tips about what you should be keeping in your safe room.

Communication
The first priority for your safe room should be some sort of two-way communication method. This may be a land-line phone, or a trac-phone that never leaves the room. In the event that you are using a cell phone for your communication method, make sure that it has a full battery, and that you are able to get a cellular signal from inside of your safe room. Some home security systems also have features which allow you to call the company directly from your safe room.

Food/Water
In the event of an emergency, you want to make sure that there is enough food and water in your safe-room to sustain yourself and any family members who may be with you. It’s best to start with a three-day supply of food and water, since this lets you prepare for a “worst case” scenario.

Medical Supplies
Try to keep a well-stocked medical kit inside of your safe room. If any members of your family have special needs (such as diabetes or a heart condition), keep an extra supply of their medication inside of your safe room. If you use up this medication, replace it immediately.

Valuables
Your safe room should also contain essential items which you want to keep safe in the event of a burglary. Ideally, you should have a wall or floor safe installed inside of your safe room, which is used to hold your valuables. This ensures that even if you aren’t home (or the burglars are able to enter your safe room), your valuables will be difficult for them to steal.

Other Supplies
Try to imagine that your family is trapped in the safe room while burglars occupy your house. What would you want to have with you? If you have small children, you may want to keep familiar items or games to keep them occupied. You may also want to keep  sanitation supplies, or a portable toilet (if there isn’t an attached bathroom). Try to have at least two alternate methods of communication to call for help.

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