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STATIM tsunami and flood shelter could be the solution to natural disasters
by Joseph Ernest March 15, 2011
Newscast Media -- After Japan's deadly earthquake and tsunami, many are wondering what the safety place would be to take shelter, after an alert has been issued. Late last summer I was able to get a hold of Miguel Serrano the inventor of the tsunami shelter, through his marketing and public relations department. I posed some questions about his invention and when it would be on the market. The shelter would certainly be a handy tool for situations like Japan. It also has an air ventilation system that prevents contaminants from entering the shelter.
The new system, for which a US patent has been allowed, is an enclosable hull comprised of a series of pre-cast concrete modules, similar to large diameter concrete drainage pipes. Once assembled via gasketed joints, and a post-tensioned cables technique, it provides a water-tight environment with positive buoyancy and self-righting capability. Inside, the shelters are equipped with secure seating arrangements for as many as 50 occupants, ventilation, and various options of survival gear and supplies capable of sustaining the occupants during and after the actual event, until available rescue resources can assist. The STATIM Shelter can be considered the equivalent of an “inland” life boat. Below is the interaction we had:
Ernest: I read about your STATIM Shelter System can you tell me more about it, since Texas is flood-prone.
Serrano: I would like to thank you for your interest in the revolutionary STATIM Shelter System. The system's capabilities and ease of installation provide the ideal solution to applications such as yours. I will be glad to help you with the details requested.
Ernest: When will the STATIM become available for purchase?
Serrano: At the moment we are currently coordinating the production prototype development phase, so the figures and information I will provide, although accurate estimates, could be subject to changes. Once initiated, the prototype phase will be completed in approximately twelve months.
Ernest: How many people can the shelter accommodate, and what is the food storage capacity?
Serrano: Food storage capacity - The shelter system's modular approach will allow for various length possibilities, depending on the specific mission, or need. The base offering is approximately 55 feet long, comprised of four main modules with the corresponding end caps. In this configuration the unit could comfortably shelter a family of four with food supplies to last for an average of three months. The interior configuration can be easily modified to suit your specific need, so you can actually increase or decrease the space dedicated for supplies.
Ernest: How do you plan to transport them from point A to point B since you live in Puerto Rico?
Serrano: The concept is to produce the concrete modules regionally through a network of existing precast plants as to minimize the transportation costs of the main components. The module dimensions are compatible with conventional means of transportation such as truck and railway platforms, so delivery to the final site is easy. With the use of a boom crane, the modules are lowered and aligned on their final location, and then assembled and compressed together by means of post-tensioned cables. It is a straight forward procedure that's done in a matter of hours. The rest of the components and accessories come packed in kit form and can be installed in one or two days. Ease of installation is one of the major features of the system, and precisely the one that makes for a globally implementable solution, even in remote locations.
Ernest: Will people be able to finance this through conventional means?
Serrano: For the moment we don't plan to provide direct financing for the purchase, but do intend to produce the technical information necessary so the system can be qualified for conventional financing as any other permanent, concrete accessory structure or improvement.
Ernest: Mr. Serrano, thanks for the information, I look forward to seeing the STATIM on the market.
Serrano: It will be a pleasure helping you to become the best prepared resident in your area. Again, thank you for your interest. Add Comments>>
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