If you are looking for a luxury home that offers you optimum safety, then you should opt for a home that features a built-in panic room. Continue reading this article to learn all that you need to know about panic rooms.
What Is a Panic Room?
A panic room, also known as a safe room, is usually built behind a false wall in a basement or a bedroom. Its walls, ceiling, and floors are made using materials, such as steel, concrete, and ballistic fiberglass, that are bullet-proof and shock-resistant. Designed to provide an ultimate form of security to the residents of the house, panic rooms in luxury homes typically incorporate contemporary architecture and use advanced materials to maximize protection and comfort.
Purpose of a Panic Room
The main objective of a panic room is to protect. In luxury homes, however, this room can be used for multiple purposes such as:
- To keep expensive and valuable things safe such as jewelry, rare books, etc.
- A custom-designed space with a climate-controlled environment where delicate possessions such as artwork, computer hard drives can be stored
- To protect from natural disasters such as tornados, and to withstand hurricane-force winds
- A protective corner in times of emergencies such as a terrorist attack or gun violence
- To guard against intruders or thieves
Features of a Panic Room in a Luxury Home
Panic rooms in luxury homes are distinct from basic panic rooms because they are crafted to not only ensure safety but also to guarantee a stress-free lifestyle for luxury homeowners. The following are some features that are commonly found in some of the best panic rooms.
Fortified Walls
All panic rooms have relatively safer walls than the rest of the home. However, in luxury homes, panic rooms have walls – including the ceiling, floor, and the side walls – made of blast-proof and shock-resistant panels placed on a steel or cement foundation. These construction materials enable protection from storms, hurricanes, gunshots, etc. Panic rooms can be built in any part of the house – those that are built on the first floor or beyond are made using lighter material. But if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, remember that the ground floor is the safest place to have a panic room.
Invisible Entrance
Panic rooms are primarily meant to hide their occupants; therefore, they have an entrance that is not too visible or obvious. Luxury homeowners usually prefer hidden pocket doors or bookcase entries – but you can also customize the entry door according to what you consider safe. Since the door is the most vulnerable part of the panic room, its reinforcements are necessary. If the door has a standard key lock, get it replaced as soon as possible! Some emergencies may necessitate immediate unlocking, and if you misplace the key, you’re doomed. The safest door locks include mortise locks, automatic locks, and keypad-controlled electromagnetic locks that can be easily unlocked using fingerprints, retinal scans, or passwords.
Communication System
Whether you hide from an intruder or straight fires happening in front of your house, you will need to communicate with the outside world instantly. Because panic rooms are made in secrecy and isolated from the entire house, you need to install a reliable communication line. When surveying a luxury home, don’t hesitate to ask if there is an intercom, alarm, or cell phone service available in the panic room.
The best kinds of panic rooms have:
- Secret phone lines that are independent of other lines in the house
- Soundproof walls
- A surveillance monitor connected to all the security cameras in the house
Power & Air Circulation
Basic panic rooms have battery-powered lights and fans, but those in luxury homes have self-contained generators. They are also airtight and have separate air-filtration systems to prevent biohazards or suffocation. Expect a panic room to be as well lit and comfortable as any other room in the house.
Storage Space & Plumbing
You can expect good panic rooms in luxury homes to have a portable toilet and a septic tank. It will also have enough storage space to keep everyday supplies to survive an emergency scenario. These supplies include:
- First-aid box and medicines
- Non-perishable food and drink items
- Extra pair of clothing
- Important documents and some cash
- Sanitation supplies
- Oxygen masks
Final Thoughts
Amid natural catastrophes and terror alerts, modern luxury homes are getting equipped with advanced technological systems that ensure high-level security. We hope that this article helped you understand the purpose and features of a panic room. If you are looking for a luxury home in Los Angeles that features an incredible panic room, contact Pezzini Luxury Home right away! Our team of expert realtors will assist you in discovering the home of your dreams.
