A greek inventor is marketing @ $500 US a bed for earthquakes. The metal framed canopy has a single baseboard lever that actuates the protective box, along with an escape hatch, stored water and cookies. It is projected to be a big seller in older structures where the cost of earthquake retrofitting would be prohibitive. Also planned are a desk and table with the same features.

Actually I have seen a few photos in British Civil Defence archieves of beds made of steel, which were used during WW2 bombing in some London houses.<br><br>The only disadvantage known is that the heavy mass of these may become very dangerous when they move around the room with the tremor.<br><br>I read in the newspaper that these will be sold here along with Greece and Italy in a while. If I come across to one I can send more info.<br><br>Burak

Chris....Is there any truth to the rumor that they had to discontinue production of the deluxe version of the bed that automatically deployed whenever you felt the "earth move?"