Ozomahtli_small
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During an earthquake should we stay in a doorway or find a "void" space?

There's a fake-sounding email that goes around occasionally about this, with mixed reviews on snopes.com, but the logic seems sound.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp

Basically, it says that the people who survive big earthquakes are usually next to a heavy immovable object, such as a dresser or sofa. If the building collapses, this heavy object is sturdy enough to hold the load, and it creates a void air space where people can survive.

However on FEMA's website, they say to get under a piece of furniture, or, if you're in bed, to stay there with a pillow over your head.  Based on the other advice, I might be inclined to roll out and ride it out on the floor next to the bed.

Any thoughts about this?

 

 

 

Mahtli69 asked in Earthquake! over 2 years ago | Report
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    Robin Friedman

    Unfortunately, e-mails have been circulating on the Internet incorrectly touting the "Triangle of Life" technique which allegedly use voids as a way to survive earthquakes. Simply put, the technique is not applicable for earthquake experiences in the United States.

    The "Triangle of Life" is not appropriate for use in the United States because the research used to illustrate the method were based on earthquake response and recovery in Turkey, a country very different from the United States when it comes to building standards, construction and engineering techniques, and building codes.

    Earthquakes in the United States do not typically result in total building collapse or "pancake." As a result, when earthquakes strike in the U.S., the safest thing for children and adults to do is "Drop, Cover and Hold" underneath a desk, table, or other sturdy strong surface.

    The "Triangle of Life" also advocates for getting out of bed if caught asleep during an earthquake. Again, this is incorrect for the United States where the bed could provide more safety during an earthquake because rolling onto the floor beside it, where you could be injured by debris. The more you move during an earthquake, the more potential there is for injury.

    The best method for earthquake safety in the U.S. is "Drop, Cover and Hold". If you have received an email about the "triangle of life" please respond to its sender by directing them to www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/ and ask them to forward this link to others they may have contacted.

    Robin Friedman answered in Earthquake! over 2 years ago | Report
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