Tornado Safe Room Design Review Checklist

for use with FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)

FEMA Region VII
The purpose of this checklist is to ensure that the Safe Room Project Architects in FEMA Region
VII have included all the necessary information in their submitted Construction Plans and
supporting documents for a full grant subapplication review with respect to the design and criteria
as detailed in FEMA 361 Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms, Second
Edition 2008 and the prescriptive safe room in FEMA 320 Taking Shelter from the Storm; Building
a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business, Third Edition 2008. In order to assist the project
architect and designers with their designs, cross-references to the FEMA 361 and the ICC/NSSA
Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters (ICC-500, August 2008) are included
in the checklist where appropriate. The majority of the references are to FEMA 361; however, the
project architect and designer will also need to be familiar with the requirements of ICC-500.
FEMA 361 references ICC-500 on certain issues, but where there is a conflict between the two
documents, FEMA 361 governs. ASCE 7-05 should be used and the structure must be in
compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local building codes.

Project Architects, designers, and owners must understand the importance of each component of the
checklist. All items must be addressed and the proper information provided in the initial submittal.
If a checkmark is in the column under "Required in Construction Documents," then that line item
must be included in the construction documents submitted to FEMA or the submittal will be
considered incomplete. For this reason, the Project Architect must acknowledge the accuracy
and completeness of each item by placing his or her professional seal on the checklist as is done
with the construction plans. The checklist is submitted to FEMA, whose reviewers will check the
architect's response to each item as well as the location in which it is provided (the plan number,
subapplication sheet number, or attachment included in the submittal). If the space provided in the
response column is not sufficient for the architect, the supplemental sheet may be used to provide
additional response and commentary. If the information provided is deemed insufficient by FEMA,
a response will be sent to the architect with a request for the missing information.
A copy of FEMA 361 may be obtained from
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/fema361.shtm.
Contact the International Code Council to obtain a copy of ICC-500: www.icc-safe.org.

FEMA financial assistance policies for the design and construction of a tornado safe room may require
the submittal of an operations and maintenance plan prior to the start of construction. The owner
should consult the grantee (typically the State emergency management agency) for specific
requirements. Failure to address the operations and maintenance plan requirement may result in a
construction delay.
Submittals
A full set of drawings, the project manual, peer reviews, and other documents identified must be
submitted to FEMA for review. Half size drawings are preferred, and the project manual may be
provided in an Adobe pdf format. FEMA is unable to accept electronic drawings.

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Tornado Safe Room

Using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)

Design Review Checklist

Region VII

Submittal Date
1st submittal
2nd submittal

Yellow - FEMA Input Only

Project Name:
Subapplication No.:
Location:

Date Received by FEMA

1st submittal
2nd submittal

Project Architect:
Phone:

FEMA
Determination (initial)

E-mail:

Accepted

Signature:

Date:
Project Architect

Incomplete
Packet
Insufficient
Information
Date of Determination:

Name:

License No.:
Print Name

FEMA Signature:

Company:

PROFESSIONAL SEAL
Checklist Instructions:
Title Block: The Project Architect must fill in all information. This includes the Project Name, Subapplication Number, Project Location,
Project Architect's Name, Phone Number, E-mail, and the date the entire packet is submitted to FEMA for review.
Checklist: For each line item, the appropriate response must be entered under Architect Response. If additional space is required, use the
included Supplemental Sheet. The architect must also input the plan sheet number, attachment name, or location within the
subapplication where the requested information can be found for verification. Once all the items have been answered and
initialed, the Project Architect must stamp, sign, and fill in the appropriate information with the appropriate and active
professional license seal.
If the response or provided information for any line item is determined insufficient during the FEMA review, FEMA will
inform the Project Architect of all line items requiring modification, additional information, or clarification. The Project
Architect must update the checklist with the required information and input the date for the second submittal.

3 of 15

FEMA Input:
The reviewer for FEMA will input
the received date (under the
"Received" column below) and date
each line item it was accepted. For
incomplete information, corrections,
or omissions, FEMA will contact the
Project Architect with a request for
additional or clarifying information.

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

Project Architect:

Item

Reference

Architect Response

Required in
Construction
Documents

General Design and Drawings

1

Clearly identify and show the location of the safe

room within the building and with respect to other
structures in the plans.

Section 3.9.1 (p. 3-36) of FEMA 361

Has the safe room been designed to FEMA 361

criteria and indicated in the construction plans?

Section 3.9.1 (p. 3-36) of FEMA 361

Is space provided for safe room supplies within each

safe room area? Describe the space and purpose. Is it Section 8.9 (p. 8-10) of FEMA 361
clearly shown on the plans?

Is an emergency escape opening included in the safe

room?

Section 501 (p. 21) of ICC-500

SELECT: YES / NO

SELECT: YES / NO / NOT

APPLICABLE
Square Footage Calculation

Provide the gross floor area of all protected areas,

including critical support areas, of the safe room.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361

Provide the non-occupiable safe room area (e.g.,

walls, partitions, columns, fixed or moveable objects,
Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),
furniture, or other features that cannot be removed).
and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361
Was the non-usable area calculated based on
suggested percentages or actual numbers?

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

Provide the total usable square footage (subtract non3.9.1 (p. 3-36), and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of
occupiable area from gross floor area).
FEMA 361

Provide the expected maximum number of

standing/sitting occupants.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361

Provide the expected maximum number of

wheelchair-bound occupants.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361

10

Provide the expected maximum number of bedridden Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),
occupants.
and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361

11

Provide the total number of maximum occupants

described for the safe room (standing/sitting,
wheelchair-bound, and bedridden).

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36), and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of
FEMA 361

4 of 15

Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

12

Project Architect:

Item
Provide the total Required Square Footage (RSF)
based on number of occupants listed above (allow 5
s.f. per person for standing/seated, 10 s.f. per person
for wheelchair-bound, and 30 s.f. per person for
bedridden).

Reference

Architect Response

Required in
Construction
Documents

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

and 8.4 (p. 8-5) of FEMA 361

Wind and Design Loading

13

Verify the use of ASCE Method 2, analytical method,

Sections 3.1 (p. 3-1) of FEMA 361, also
for calculating the wind loads. Simplified Method is
ASCE 7-05 Section 6.5 (p. 24)
not allowed.

14

Verify the safe room design Wind Zone and Wind

Speed is included in the construction documents.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. 6-36), and 6.1 (p. 6-1) of
FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

15

Verify the design exposure category at the safe room

site is included in the construction documents.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36), 6.3 (p. 6-16), and 6.5 (p.
6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
Section 6.5.6 (p. 25)

SELECT: YES / NO

16

How was Atmospheric Pressure Change (APC)

considered in the design?
- Designed as a partially enclosed building?
- Designed as an enclosed building with APC value
added?

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-1), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. -36), 6.3.1 (p. 6-16), and 6.5 (p.
6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
Section 6.5.9 (p. 27)

SELECT: PARTIALLY
ENCLOSED / ENCLOSED

17

Verify the internal pressure coefficient (GCpi) used in

the pressure calculations is included in the
construction documents.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-1), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. -36), 6.3.1 (p. 6-16), and 6.5 (p.
6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
Section 6.5.9 (p. 27)

SELECT: YES / NO

18

Verify the directionality factor (Kd) used in wind

pressure calculations is included in the construction
documents.

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-1), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. -36), 6.3.1 (p. 6-16), and 6.5 (p.
6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
Section 6.5.9 (p. 27)

SELECT: YES / NO

19

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

Verify the Importance Factor (I) used in wind pressure
3.9.1 (p. 3-36), 6.3.1 (p. 6-16), and 6.5
calculations is included in the construction
(p. 6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
documents.
Section 6.5.5 (p. 25)

SELECT: YES / NO

SELECT: YES / NO

5 of 15

Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

Project Architect:

Item

Reference

Architect Response

Required in
Construction
Documents

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36), 6.3.1 (p. 6-16), and 6.5.1
(p. 6-23) of FEMA 361, also ASCE 7-05
Section 6.5.7 (p. 26)

SELECT: YES / NO

20

Verify the topographic effects (Kzt) used in wind

pressure calculations is included in the construction
documents.

21

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

Provide the debris impact criteria used in the design 3.9.1 (p. 3-36), and Chapter 7 (p. 7-1) of
of the safe room. List the missile size, and horizontal FEMA 361, also ICC-500 Sections 305
and vertical missile speeds.
(p. 15), 306 (p. 15), and 804 (p. 31), 805
(p. 39), and 806 (p. 39)

22

Verify the use of a 100 psf roof live load for the
design of the safe room.

Section 3.2.3 (p. 3-6) of FEMA 361 and

ICC-500 Section 303.2 (p. 7)

SELECT: YES / NO

Walls / Openings / Door Assemblies / Window and Window Assemblies

23

Have the doors, alcoves, or baffled entry systems

proposed for use in the safe room area been
successfully tested for the identified hazard criteria
for tornado? Verify that the testing method complies
with ICC-500.

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36), Chapter 7 (p. 7-1), also
ICC-500 Sections 305 (p. 15), 306 (p.
15), and 804 (p. 31), 805 (p. 39), and
806 (p. 39)

24

Have the walls and roof deck systems proposed for

use in the safe room been successfully tested for the
identified hazard criteria for tornado? Verify that the
testing method complies with ICC-500 or that the
proposed walls are one of the tested walls in
Appendix E of FEMA 361?

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36), Chapter 7 (p. 7-1) and
Appendix E (p. E-1) of FEMA 361, also
ICC-500 Sections 305 (p. 15), 306 (p.
15), and 804 (p. 31), 805 (p. 39), and
806 (p. 39)

25

Has the glazing or glazing systems used for the safe

room area been successfully tested for the identified
hazard criteria for tornado? Verify that the testing
method complies with ICC-500.

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

3.9.1 (p. 3-36) and Chapter 7 (p. 7-1) of
FEMA 361, also ICC-500 Sections 305
(p. 15), 306 (p. 15), and 804 (p. 31), 805
(p. 39), and 806 (p. 39)

26

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

Have all openings been protected? If yes, have the
3.9.1 (p. 3-36) and Chapter 7 (p. 7-1) of
protective devices (such as louvers, vents, etc.) been
FEMA 361, also ICC-500 Sections 305
tested to the appropriate requirements? Verify that the
(p. 15), 306 (p. 15), and 804 (p. 31), 805
testing method complies with ICC-500.
(p. 39), and 806 (p. 39)

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Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

Project Architect:

Item

Reference

Architect Response

27

Is any portion of the safe room receiving debris

impact protection via soil cover?

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12) of FEMA 361,

also ICC-500 Sections 305 (p. 15) and
804 (p. 31)

SELECT: YES / NO

28

Have all pressure test results been submitted to the

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?

Section 3.7 (p. 3-33) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

Required in
Construction
Documents

Flood Hazards
29

Is the safe room located in a Special Flood Hazard

Area (SFHA)? If no, skip to Item 32.

Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), 3.9.1 (p. 3-36),

and 4.4.3 (p. 4-17) of FEMA 361

30

If the safe room is located in an SFHA, identify the

flood zone.

Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), 3.9.1 (p. 3-36),

and 4.4.3 (p. 4-17) of FEMA 361

31

Is the safe room located in the 1% floodplain? If so,

provide the BFE for the safe room location.

Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), and 4.4.3 (p. 417) of FEMA 361

32

Is the safe room located in the 0.2% floodplain? If so, Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), and 4.4.3 (p. 4provide the BFE for the safe room location.
17) of FEMA 361

33

Provide the elevation of the lowest floor of the safe

room.

Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), 3.9.1 (p. 3-36),

and 4.4.3 (p. 4-17) of FEMA 361

34

Provide the elevation of the lowest floor supporting

the mechanical and electrical equipment, if different
from the lowest floor of the safe room.

Sections 3.9.1 (p. 3-36), and 8.3 (p. 8-2)

of FEMA 361

35

Verify the vertical datum used for the elevations

provided, and that the datum appears in the
construction documents.

Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), and 4.4.3 (p. 417) of FEMA 361

36

If the surrounding area is flooded, is access to the safe Sections 3.6 (p. 3-28), and 4.4.3 (p. 4room possible, and if so, how?
17) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

SELECT: NGVD29 / NAVD 88 /

OTHER (Specify)

Other Hazards
37

Verify the potential for a collapse hazard onto the safe

Sections 4.3.2 (p,4-10), 4.5 (p. 4-21),
room from an adjacent structure has been considered
and 7.6 (p. 7-28) of FEMA 361
in the design of the structure.

SELECT: YES / NO

38

Verify all exposed components, cladding assemblies,

and roof coverings not required for life safety
protection been designed to resist rainwater
penetration during the design windstorm event per
ASCE 7-05 (90 mph).

SELECT: YES / NO

Section 3.3.1 (p. 3-7) and 3.5.1 (p. 3-24)

of FEMA 361, ICC-500 Section 307 (p.
26) and ASCE 7-05

7 of 15

Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

Project Architect:

Item

Reference

Architect Response

39

Have the penetrations of the safe room for systems

and utility lines been properly protected?

Section 3.3.1 (p. 3-7) and 3.5.1 (p. 3-24)

of FEMA 361 and ICC-500 Section
310.1 (p. 17)

SELECT: YES / NO

40

Is the safe room designed in accordance with the

latest National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program (NEHRP) seismic recommendations?

Section 4.4.4 (p. 4-18) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

Required in
Construction
Documents

Mechanical/Ventilation/Electrical
41

Indicate whether ventilation is provided by passive or Sections 3.3 (p. 3-7), 3.5 (p. 3-23) and
mechanical methods.
8.3 (p. 8-2) of FEMA 361

SELECT: PASSIVE / MECHANICAL

42

If ventilation is provided by passive method, verify

Sections 3.3.1 (p. 3-7), 3.5.1 (p. 3-24),
the total venting area and venting area per occupant is 3.9.1 (p. 3-36), 8.3.1 (p. 8-3) of FEMA
in the construction documents.
361

SELECT: YES / NO

43

How is emergency lighting provided for the safe

room?

Sections 3.9.1 (p. 36), 7.1 (p. 7-2) and

8.10 (p. 8-12) of FEMA 361 and ICC500 Section 703.4 (p. 29)

SELECT: BATTERY /
GENERATOR / OTHER (Specify)

44

Verify critical support systems for electrical,

ventilation, and lighting are protected to the same
level as the safe room occupants.

Sections 3.3.2 (p. 3-12), 3.5.2 (p. 3-26),

3.6.1 (p. 3-29), 8.3 (p. 8-2) and Chapter
4 (p. 4-1) and 7 (p. 7-1) of FEMA 361,
also ICC-500 Sections 306 (p. 15), 804
(p. 31), 805 (p. 39) and 806 (p. 39)

SELECT: YES / NO

ADA Compliance

45

How is the safe room accessible to individuals with

disabilities? (Assume a power-off condition, where
the elevator is not functioning, unless a protected
generator or stand-by power source is present.)

Sections 8.5 (p. 8-7) and 8.6 (p. 8-8) of

FEMA 361

Sanitation (Toilets and Hand Washing Facilities)

46

Verify toilets are located in the safe room, and the

number is based on the safe room occupancy.

Section 8.9.2 (p. 8-10) of FEMA 361 and

ICC-500 Section 702.2 (p. 27)

47

Are any of the toilets specified to be a chemical toilet

or other special type of toilet that is not purchased as Section 702.2 (p. 27) of ICC-500
part of the construction contract?

48

Verify hand washing facilities are located in the safe

room, and the number based on the safe room
occupancy.

SELECT: YES / NO

Section 702.2 (p. 27) of ICC-500

8 of 15

Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

FEMA Region VII - Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Design Review Checklist

Project Name:

Line

Project Architect:

Item

Reference

Architect Response

Required in
Construction
Documents

Permitting, Code Compliance, Professional Design Oversight, and Peer Review

49

Has a registered design professional been appointed

for design oversight during construction? If so,
whom?

Section 3.8.2 (p. 3-35) of FEMA 361

50

Verify the structural and non-structural peer reviews

are provided with the construction document
submittal to FEMA.

Section 3.8.3 (p. 3-36) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO
Signage

51

Are the types and locations of signage for the safe

room shown on the plans?

Sections 3.9.2 (p. 3-38) and 9.4 (p. 910) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

52

Verify at least one sign includes the manufacturer or

builder, storm type, and design wind speed.

Sections 3.9.2 (p. 3-38) and 9.4 (p. 910) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

53

Verify the location of all signs are indicated on a floor

Sections 3.9.1 (p. 3-36)
plan.

SELECT: YES / NO

54

Is there a clear and defined route for safe room

occupants to reach the safe room, with appropriate
signage?

Sections 3.9.2 (p. 3-38) and 9.4 (p. 910) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO / NOT

APPLICABLE

Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Special Inspections

55

Is a Quality Assurance plan contained in the

construction documents?

Section 3.10 (p. 3-38) of FEMA 361 and

ICC-500 Section 107.3 (p. 2)

SELECT: YES / NO

56

Do the construction documents include the

requirement for a statement of responsibility by the
Contractor?

Section 3.10.3 (p. 3-40) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

57

Does the safe room consist of construction materials

and systems that are alternatives to traditional
materials and systems prescribed by the applicable
code or contain any unusual design and construction
applications that would require special inspections?

Section 3.10.4 (p. 3-40) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

58

Verify the items that require a special inspection are

identified in the construction documents.

Section 3.10.4 (p. 3-40) of FEMA 361

SELECT: YES / NO

9 of 15

Sheet No. or
Attachment
Name

1st submittal

2nd submittal

Accepted

Accepted

Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
FEMA Checklist Review Supplemental Worksheet

Project Name:

Date:

Subapplication No.: 0

Submittal No.:

FEMA Reviewer:

Line No.

Item

FEMA Response

Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
FEMA Checklist Review Supplemental Worksheet

Line No.

Item

FEMA Response

Tornado Safe Room Design using FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
FEMA Checklist Review Supplemental Worksheet

Line No.

Item

FEMA Response

Tornado Safe Room Design using

FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Review Checklist Supplemental Worksheet
Project Name:

Date:

Subapplication No.: 0

Submittal No.:

Project Architect

Line No.

Item

Designer Response

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Tornado Safe Room Design using

FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Review Checklist Supplemental Worksheet
Project Name:

Date:

Subapplication No.: 0

Submittal No.:

Project Architect

Line No.

Item

Designer Response

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Tornado Safe Room Design using

FEMA 361, 2nd Edition (2008)
Review Checklist Supplemental Worksheet
Project Name:

Date:

Subapplication No.: 0

Submittal No.:

Project Architect

Line No.

Item

Designer Response

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