Pod-like Survival Capsule protects those who can’t flee a tsunami

While the rest of us watched in horror as tens of thousands died in the tsunamis of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/shigeru-ban-nominated-for-2013-aga-khan-award-for-sri-lanka-post-tsunami-housing-project/">2004</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/miracle-pine-tree-japanese-town-memorializes-the-only-tree-to-survive-2011-tsunami/">2011</a>, two Seattle aerospace designers felt compelled to build a shelter that could protect people from such devastating natural disasters. Since 2011, Julian Sharpe and Scott Hill have actively developed <a href="http://survival-capsule.com/Home.html">Survival Capsule</a>, a range of<a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=pod"> pod-like</a> disaster shelters for between two and ten people. While the pair are at pains to note that evacuating is the best plan in such an emergency, the capsules are particularly intended for the very young, the elderly and the infirm who cannot so readily escape.

The watertight capsules can <a href="http://inhabitat.com/offshore-oil-rig-escape-pods-used-as-floating-hotel-rooms-in-the-netherlands/">float free or be tethered</a> to a location via a cable, which is designed to release if the capsule is in danger of being trapped underwater.

In addition to tsunamis, it is envisioned the capsules could protect people in the event of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and storm surges.

The Survival Capsules are designed as a last-resort measure to be placed in schools, public buildings and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/man-spends-two-years-building-a-tsunami-proof-capsule-in-his-backyard/">private dwellings </a>where occupants may be at most risk of not being able to escape a natural disaster.

The Survival Capsule's most notable point of difference from its competitors is its aircraft-grade aluminium casing. As Sharpe says, "The capsule is similar to an aircraft—it has to maintain its structural integrity ... You can’t afford failure."

The capsules also have a one-hour oxygen supply that can get occupants through periods of total submersion, and they have storage space for water and supplies for up to five days so occupants can survive in a disaster zone until help arrives.

The capsules are available for pre-order through the <a href="http://survival-capsule.com/OrderInfo.html">company's website</a>, with prices starting at $10,000 for the two-person model.