Safety Hood was a protective device invented by Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor, in 1914. The Safety Hood was a forerunner of the modern gas mask, designed to protect wearers from inhaling smoke, gases, and other harmful fumes.

Garrett Morgan was inspired to create the Safety Hood after witnessing a tragic tunnel construction accident in which workers were trapped due to toxic fumes. He realized the need for a device that could provide protection in such dangerous situations.

While Morgan's invention was initially met with skepticism and resistance, it gained recognition and was eventually put to use during a major disaster in 1916. When a tunnel beneath Lake Erie collapsed, trapping workers and releasing toxic gas, Morgan and his brother donned the Safety Hoods and entered the tunnel to rescue survivors. Their successful rescue mission demonstrated the effectiveness of the Safety Hood and increased its popularity.

Garrett Morgan's invention of the Safety Hood was a significant contribution to workplace safety and disaster response. It saved numerous lives and paved the way for advancements in gas mask technology. Morgan's legacy as an African American inventor and entrepreneur continues to inspire generations of inventors and innovators.