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

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • Chartwells Launches Campus Dining Evaluation Framework

    Contract food-service management provider Chartwells Higher Education recently announced the launch of BLUEPRINT, according to a news release. The evaluation framework was designed to provide a data-driven and customizable roadmap towards optimizing campus dining services and, by extension, the student experience.

  • Girl Sitting at Library Desk, Using Laptop

    How Campus Design Shapes the Finals Week Experience

    Academic performance is not just about preparation. It is closely tied to how students manage stress, maintain their energy, and shift between work and recovery modes. Much of that is influenced, directly or indirectly, by design.

  • Chicago District Completes Construction on New Elementary School

    North Chicago School District 187 in North Chicago, Ill., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Forrestal Elementary School, according to a news release. The new school marks a major investment in military-connected students and families at Naval Station Great Lakes.