Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Rooms

1. Does Jim Giles Certified Safe Rooms offer above ground or below ground safe rooms?

Only above ground, steel reinforced safe room anchored to your reinforced concrete slab rated to withstand an EF5 tornado (winds of 250mph)

2. I have an existing house. Where can I install the safe room?

Usually we look to the garage since it has access(garage door 82" min) and reinforced concrete slab.

3. Can I place your safe room in a closet or under a staircase?

Yes, in new construction or in a remodel where access can be given to allow the safe room to be installed. This can not occur if the front or back door is the only access. The area will need to have reinforced concrete to anchor the safe room.(i.e. no crawl space)

4. Can I pour a reinforced slab and place the safe room outside?

Yes, as long as you follow the prescribed concrete requirements for reinforcement.

5. What makes you steel above ground safe room different from your competitors?

Every safe room we install MUST bear the National Storm Shelter Association Seal

and receive a certificate of installation with GPS coordinates that your safe room has been installed. The Jim Giles Certified Safe Room door is the other difference. Half the cost in the safe room is the door and how it functions in a violent tornado. Our door is double skinned, not skinned on one side. The door is framed with 1/3" 1.75"x4" C Channel. This is done to frame and protect all three lock positions in the door. The 3 locks in the door are the MEDECO MAXIM Deadbolts. This means when you buy a Jim Giles Certified Safe Room, you not only have a tornado safe shelter, but a walk in safe, making it a true safe room. Lock up you guns, jewelry, valuables, and important papers. No need to pay the bank for a safety deposit box, you have a safe room that can be locked in the same fashion, without the need to worrying about someone duplicating the key. Your MEDECO locks can ONLY be duplicated by you since they are restricted key access authorized to be duplicated by your signature authorization only.

6. How do I breath? Is there a vent?

Yes, two vents with three inch openings(4x6 model) in the ceiling that are protected from debris entry allow for air to flow in and out of the safe room. Four vents with three inch openings on the 6x8 model and larger.

7. Is this safe room handicap accessible?

Yes, all Jim Giles Safe Rooms come with a 32" minimum door Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant. You can upgrade to a 36" door for an extra $500.

8. Does you door swing in or out?

We offer both options. You can choose in swing or out swing based on your personnel preference and space needs.

9. How do I start an order and get on your production schedule?

Give us your information. Schedule an appointment. Pay your 25% deposit. Sign a contract order. The day of delivery pay your remaining balance and sign your installation documents.