Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Are Your Facilities Prepared for Hurricane Season This Year?

  • 06/11/21

The 2021 hurricane season is upon us, and once again, the U.S. can expect an above-average season. The experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict anywhere from 6-10 hurricanes, with 3-5 of those at a CAT 3 level or higher. As we continue to see year-in and year-out the higher frequency and increased intensity of hurricanes, experts agree that we must continue to strive for greater preparedness for our communities.

One way to do this is for local governments to dedicate portions of public space facilities to ICC 500 storm shelters and FEMA P-361 safe rooms for communities to use during hurricane events. These facilities are built to provide safety and protection in the event of a hurricane using tested and verified building materials, as well as construction methods that will ensure occupant safety while sheltering during the storm.

FEMA P-361 Safe Room with daylighting
Photo Credit: Yellow Dog Design Works, LLC

Many community storm shelters serve dual purposes as recreation centers, senior centers, gymnasiums, etc. The challenge is to create a space that meets the storm shelter code without sacrificing the overall design. Some elements of storm shelters (such as windows) can be very expensive in storm shelters, as they either have to pass the rigorous ICC 500 testing or additional penetration protection to keep occupants safe. The high price tag can often get windows pulled from a storm shelter project, leaving these spaces without access to beneficial daylight.

Until now, the only daylighting products that have been compliant for use in an ICC 500 storm shelter or FEMA P-361 safe room were very costly window systems and storm doors.

Today, Solatube International is proud to have achieved another daylighting-industry first with their ability to daylight an ICC 500 storm shelter and even a FEMA P-31 safe room using the SolaMaster 750 DS tubular daylighting device (TDD). The Solatube 750 DS-O is the only rooftop daylighting device in the world compliant for use in an ICC 500 storm shelter and FEMA P-361 safe room—even in CAT 5 territory. In addition, the 750DS-O adds perfect daylight to your shelter without the costly additions of penetration protection such as window systems or storm shutters. Now, daylighting your shelter does not have to level your budget. The device is effective, tested and safe.

Have a commercial project requiring ICC 500 storm shelter or FEMA P-361 safe room compliance? Please contact us 1.888.765.2882 to learn how Solatube can help.

Featured

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Phoenix High School Completes First Phase of Campus Renovations

    Metro Tech High School, part of the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) in Phoenix, Ariz., recently announced the completion of the first stage of a campus renovation project, according to a news release. The school reopened a series of public-facing business operations spaces including credit union, daycare, floral, cosmetology, and culinary services. It also includes new CTE learning spaces for the school’s nursing assistant, pharmacy, and sports medicine programs.

  • Georgia State University Opens New Research Tower

    Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new, nine-story, 155,000-square-foot Research Tower, according to university news. Amenities include academic classrooms, a large lecture space, teaching labs, faculty research space, and the uppermost floors reserved for future expansion.