Lifestyles
Patented invention increases chances of tornado survival
By Melissa Leedham
Apr 19, 2005

The sound of approaching tornadoes has been likened to that of an oncoming freight train. But only by those lucky enough to survive them.

And while many communities continue to improve their tornado warning systems, meteorologists and civil defense personnel continue to be confounded in their efforts to get the word out about tornado sightings so that no lives are lost to these deadliest of storms.

Dale Watson, a mid-Westerner himself, wanted to give people a way of protecting themselves. According to engineers at the Wind Science Research Center at Texas Tech University, Watson has done just that.

At first glance, the Damar Tornado Safe Bed looks no different from an ordinary bed. Beneath the dust ruffle and the pillow shams, however, is a shelter anchored to a concrete slab with sixteen wedge bolts rated at 13,800 pounds each. The all-steel enclosure is designed to replace the box spring and frame portion of your bed.  When a storm threatens you and your family, simply raise the lid, step inside, lie down, lock the lid, and wait out the storm.

"We were pretty thrilled with the engineering report when it came back," says Watson, who owns the Austin-based storm shelter firm. "It showed that our shelter is strong enough to withstand a 15-pound two-by-four flying at 200 miles per hour."

Damar Safe Beds, which have been featured at Home and Garden shows throughout the "Tornado Alley" area, are available in full, queen and king sizes. More information is available on their website, http://www.damartornadosafebed.com/.