Where to Go in an Earthquake? And Other Info!

General Information

  • Earthquake in-depth preparedness article at beprepared.com
  • Duck and Cover Drill and other tip sheets Safety Notes:

  • Shut off gas ONLY if you can smell a leak! If you shut it off, ONLY the gas company should turn it on again!
  • Have emergency lights & shoes near your bed - many people cut their feet on glass!
  • Use earthquake kits to secure cabinet doors, bookcases, etc.!
  • Read more here in the SFGate.com site!

    The "Triangle of Life" Controversy

    The "Triangle of Life" is a recommendation that people hide NEXT to heavy furniture, not under it. The furniture tends to collapse if the entire building collapses, crushing anyone beneath it. However, people NEXT to the crushed furniture are often saved, because the furniture holds up collapsed beams, ceilings, etc.

    This recommendation apparently only applies in areas where there is risk of building collapse. In the US, building collapse is unusual, unless the quake is exceptionally powerful.

    Summary: Hiding under furniture ("Duck and Cover") may be a good choice in most American earthquakes, since we have better building codes and enforcement. If there is a risk of the building collapsing, though - if it's a very powerful earthquake - do NOT hide under furniture - hide NEXT to it. If you are outside, move to an open area away from falling debris and power lines!

  • Triangle of Life theory by Doug Copp
  • American Red Cross response to "Triangle of Life" by Doug Copp
  • Snopes' coverage of the "Triangle of Life"

    As for me, I think I will identify "triangles of life" near me in daily life, but try to find ones that are actually also reasonably shielded from falling smaller debris.

    Other Information

  • California - Earthquake Hazard Maps for California - is your part of California especially hazardous?
  • Northeastern US - be prepared but pray positive!
  • Midwestern US - be prepared but think positive!

  • Plus, get the latest earthquake data from the US and around the world
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