A panic room is a home security feature employed by the wealthy, and can cost anywhere between $25,000 to upwards of a half million dollars.
However, very few homeowners would own up to having a panic room in their home because it would not remain much of a security device if everyone knew about it. Chances of seeing a real-life panic room are low because most companies who install panic rooms use multiple contractors and a myriad of security procedures so that no one but the homeowner knows the complete details of the panic room.
Creative Home Engineering lists out a few examples of modern day panic rooms.
Hidden Stairs
The panic room in this photo is a tucked away passage under the stairs, and is completely concealed, making it very difficult for any intruder to find the secret room. This space can also be used to store valuables.
Photo by: Hiddenpassageway.com
Behind the Bookcase
Though highly clichéd, having a panic room hidden behind the bookcase is very popular as a hiding space. Bookcases are great because they are full of books and miscellany, which help to disguise any distinguishing marks that might give away the location of the panic room.
Photo by: Hiddenpassageway.com
Fake Walls
The fake wall is a common theme in panic rooms and has been around since the days of the medieval castle. Most of the fake walls open into the panic room, using a seamless hinge that makes it almost impossible to detect there is a door behind the wall. While fake walls may be thin, some panic rooms go the extra mile and use a traditional bank vault door behind the fake panelling. The vault door shuts clean with the seam and the vault door can be locked from the inside of the room, essentially sealing in the resident.
Photo by: Hiddenpassageway.com
Into the Looking Glass
Having a panic room behind a looking glass may be an inspired idea but one of the more secure options. However, it is important not to slam the door when closing it or leave fingerprints on the mirror. This door is a great example of how a safe door is incorporated into the room, making it a secure door.
Photo by: Hiddenpassageway.com
In the Fireplace
A fireplace panic room has historical precedents and while not quite the most elegant solution, it certainly is the best disguised. Shown here is a fireplace in Britain’s Harvington Hall that looks quite realistic and usable, but in fact isn’t – it has a hollow chamber that was originally designed to allow priests to hide and go down into a secret chamber where a forbidden mass could be held.
Photo by: http://www.britainexplorer.com
Panic rooms are a viable security feature only if one has the space and can afford it. A cheaper alternative would be to install one or even two home alarm systems in the home.
ADT Security specialises in providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial security solutions.
