ABSTRACT
The 2002 Hollywood thriller Panic Room featured Jodie Foster as a mother who sought refuge from intruders in a specially designed room that was supposed to withstand any threat. It turned out to not be so safe, of course, giving filmmakers lots of ways to scare viewers. In real life, there is a growing demand for safe rooms, possibly spurred on by the movie’s popularity. Safe rooms used to be built to withstand fires or tornados, and still boast these protections but tend to add more. Kevlar lining in walls was first used in Israel to help make spaces blast proof and this feature is gaining popularity in the United States as well. Communication devices are considered important additions, and often include cellular equipment and even ham radios in case phone lines are cut. A self-contained power generator and an air filtration system for protection against biohazards are other desirable features. Rooms can start with a price tag of $10,000 to $15,000 for a closet-sized space. Naturally they can be more spacious and offer additional amenities with the price tag going up accordingly. Fears of home invasion, terrorist attacks, and other threats will continue to inspire demands for technology to preserve personal safety in the once taken-for-granted sanctity of homes.
