2 main reasons I suppose.
1) Somewhere to hide that's equipped with a telephone in the event of a home invasion.
2) Somewhere to hide in case of a natural disaster such as a hurricane/tornado.
I like the idea of a 'secret room' but if I were to have one I know that I would definitely use it more-so to be alone than to 'panic'. So, it probably would not be a good idea because I'd probably isolate myself in there for extended periods of time.
1) Somewhere to hide that's equipped with a telephone in the event of a home invasion.
2) Somewhere to hide in case of a natural disaster such as a hurricane/tornado.