Exploring Human-Centered Design and Operation for Hurricane and Tornado Safe Rooms

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Safe rooms and storm shelters provide critical protection during tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme wind events. As of 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has invested nearly $1.5 billion in helping communities build over 48,000 residential and community safe rooms. These structures successfully protect people during wind events, but much less is known about how people actually use and experience safe rooms during emergencies.

Join researchers from the Natural Hazards Center as they share findings from their recent study on incorporating human-centered principles to improve the design and operation of community safe rooms. Drawing on visits to over 30 safe rooms across Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas, the study combines social science and engineering expertise to investigate building operator and occupant experiences during extreme wind events. The presenters will identify social, psychological, and logistical challenges that may affect a person’s interest in using safe rooms and their safety…