Dave Cocchiarella, News 13 Meteorologist
Recent hurricane seasons have taught us some lessons, and it boils down to one thing: Being prepared.
Being prepared for a hurricane is more than just stocking up on batteries and flashlights.
During a hurricane, sheet rock, or even brick and mortar -- let alone humans -- are no match for debris that can become flying missiles.
One of the things you can do to protect yourself is to get a safe room, small, reinforced rooms that can be built inside your home.
Safe rooms are made in various strengths to withstand up to a Category 5 hurricane with winds of more than 155 mph.
The rooms have special ventilation systems. Walls are made of wood, steel or even bullet proof kevlar; ceilings are reinforced with steel trusses, totally embedded into concrete.
Safe rooms no bigger than a small walk-in closet, and can even come with electricity and plumbing -- but will the public buy the idea?
"If the price was OK, if it was affordable, sure," said Lorraine Brugnoli, a homeowner in Orange County.
"As far as a small safe room, an after-market safe room can run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, and on up from there," said Richard Gloss, Jr., building supervisor for Osceola County.
To be prepared, Brugnoli keeps her master closet stocked with food and water. News 13 asked her if she felt safe in there during a storm.
"Yes, I do," Brugnoli replied. "It's the safest part of the house. I think that it would keep anything from collapsing on top of us."
Experts, however, said it is dangerous for anyone to think a closet is a safe place during a hurricane.
Experts say if you install a safe room in your home, do not let it give you a false sense of security, because if the evacuation order is ever given, you still need to leave your home.
This hurricane season you can count on News 13, your Severe Weather Experts, to help your family plan and prepare for hurricane season with your Weather on the 1's Tropical Updates, at :21 and :51 after the hour.
You can also find exclusive stories on News 13 on Demand at no additional charge on Channel 313 on Bright House Networks Digital Cable.
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