[StBernard] An inside view of survival

[Westley Annis]

An inside view of survival
Sunday, May 28, 2006

UPDATED: 11:24 p.m. June 13, 2007

The Disaster Survival House is a 3,300-square-foot, three-bedroom
residential home in Deerfield Beach designed to withstand a Category 5
storm. Cutaways in walls and fixtures show various features that strengthen
the structure.

Built in 1998 by the State Farm insurance company, the home is a learning
center where visitors will hear information on hurricanes and disaster
education, safety and preparedness.

It includes a hurricane laboratory with a weather forecast center, examples
of shutter protection and wind tunnel demonstrations.

The home is next to the future site of "Hurricane Warning!" - a
50,000-square-foot educational center, set to open in late 2008.

It will feature a 250- to 300-seat auditorium, six galleries, weather
instruments and exhibits.


If you go

The Disaster Survival House is at 1345 FAU Research Park Blvd. From
Interstate 95, take Southwest 10th Street exit, then east, then south at
first light.

Hours: House is open to the public for free tours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays
or by appointment.

Phone: (954) 426-6887

Web: www.statefarm.com/homesafety.htm (The site features online tours of the
home.) Or www.hurricanewarning.org