The demand for safe rooms or panic rooms is experiencing a notable increase, especially among the wealthiest New Yorkers. Bill Rigdonwho has been building shelters that are proof against everything from nuclear atomization to home invasions for 40 years, sees a boom in business in the emblematic US city.
Rigdon offers extremely advanced solutions such as closets that lock from the inside with electrified handles, pepper spray dispensing systems, and armored pantries to resist nuclear attacks. He has been in this industry for 40 years, he started building bunkers and the fashion at the moment in New York keeps him active. “I have never been busier“, he said in an interview with the American media curbed.
This phenomenon is not just limited to Rigdon. David Vranicar of Fortified Ballistic Security and Steve Humble of Creative Home Engineering They also noticed a significant increase in demand. The reason behind this increase appears to be the perception of growing insecurity, exacerbated by recent riots and the rise in violent crime in cities like New York.
“People don’t feel safe like they used to,” Vranicar said of his experience. And then he added: “I hate to sound paranoid, but I don’t trust bodyguards. I don’t trust security. “I don’t trust anyone.” Humble, for his part, highlighted that the first impulse he experienced was during 2020 and the protests against police violence.
Even though official statistics indicate a decrease in crime, the feeling of vulnerability prompted the richest to look for ways to “close doors”. From reinforcing entrances to creating secret basements.
The uniqueness of New York lies in its diversity of security needs, from celebrities and billionaires to officials and embassies. However, now even the non-famous ultra-rich seek protection from potential invaders, kidnappings and robberies. And all these targets seek so much security that they have Confidentiality agreements with Rigdon. He cannot say that he worked for them nor the panic room that he armed them.
Not so in the case of Vranicar, who does not have any silence agreement. His custom solutions include fortified apartments in iconic sites such as Central Park West. The room was made on a high floor and is equipped with bullet-proof steel doors and facial recognition technology to gain entry.
In terms of cost, strengthening a luxury apartment can go up to the million dollars, given the high cost of materials and their transportation. While The cheapest is available for $50,000. The safe room industry, which may include bulletproof night vision equipment, medical supplies and weapons storage areasreflects the lengths some are willing to go to feel safe.
However, not everyone can afford such costs. For those with fewer resources, Rigdon suggests cheaper solutions, such as store dehydrated foods for approximately one month. Thus, while the panic room industry thrives on caution, the dichotomy between those who can afford such extremes and those who cannot becomes a mirror of broader social concerns.
Vranicar suggests that It is better to have it and not need itrather than needing it and not having it.
