I was struck today by an article glanced at from a web version of an industry publication… Residential Architect… that made me wonder why anyone could possibly feel safe sleeping at night in their bed… The text below if from an tradeshow… adertisement website …

“Even when you’re asleep, NOAA Weather/All Hazards Radio can alert you to weather and non-weather civil emergencies that may affect you in and near your home. The radio reflects a broadcast capability that comprises a nationwide network of more than 960 stations in 50 states and U.S. territories. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has adopted this capability as way of reaching Americans directly in the event of a local or national emergency. Emergency messages may include the following:

Natural hazards, such as tornados, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes;

Technological events, such as chemical releases, oil spills, nuclear power plant emergencies, maritime accidents and train derailments; AMBER alerts, 9-1-1 outages;

and
Terrorist attacks”

I don’t mean to be flippant about the subject – it is an important issue to think about – maybe even to rehearse in your head a little…but after awhile – it’s a certain amount of fatique sets in…. but being able to be notified… is having a real impact on what our homes.

It’s about “shelter”… but from who / what and at what price ?

This fall every U.S. public school received a NOAA Weather/All Hazards Radio. This new capability means that school personnel can now be alerted directly, quickly and accurately to approaching danger, including hazardous weather, terrorism, abducted children, and derailed trains carrying toxic materials, among a range of other acute concerns.

Entitled, “America Is Safer When Our Schools Are Safer,” the Departments of Commerce/National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Homeland Security and Education are supporting this important initiative.

Increasingly, the broadcast capability is being integrated into other household devices, including TVs, clock radios and hand-held radio.

“Fortified…for safer living® program, …(the) home is a fortress cleverly disguised as a typical family home.

Just a few of the features include:

A room built from the same material as bullet-resistant vests that can keep a family safe amidst F5 tornados and Category 5 hurricanes. A roof made from stone coated 26-gauge steel that can mimic the look of tile, shake or shingle while providing greater protection from earthquakes (at half the weight of composition shingles) and defend against hurricane force winds. Windows and doors that meet the
toughest wind-borne debris requirements in the nation and feature impact resistant glass tested to be an incredible nine times stronger than a car windshield.

Of course a home is threatened by much more than just natural disasters, which is why this demonstration home includes products that protect residents from everything from UV rays, to exterior noise, to mold, to termites, all without sacrificing any aesthetics.