Bay County Jail to Host New FEMA-Compliant Safe Room for First Responder Protection

Bay County is moving forward with plans for a new standalone safe room at the Bay County Jail in Panama City. This facility aims to provide near-absolute protection for first responders during severe weather events and serve as a critical operational hub for the county.

The project, funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4399-020-R and a Community Development Block Grant, received approval from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It will be located at 5700 Star Lane, Panama City, Florida, 32404.

The safe room will adhere to stringent FEMA P-361 Standards, designed to withstand winds up to 200 MPH. This includes specialized wind protection for all openings, such as vents, louvers, and exhaust fans. All materials and installations will comply strictly with FEMA P-361 specifications and will undergo inspection and certification by the local municipal or county building department.

Phase I of the project is currently underway, focusing on surveying, engineering, design, plans preparation, permitting, and bidding. Construction activities have not yet received approval. Once completed, the facility will provide a secure location for law enforcement, emergency medical services, public works, and utility partners and their equipment during tornadic events and post-disaster recovery efforts. It will also function as a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) site and an alternative Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during non-disaster periods, maximizing its utility for the community.