When I was younger, common advice for surviving an earthquake included standing in a doorway, the idea being that the door framing would provide additional protection against falling debris. But that is no longer good advice, according to this Business Insider article entitled: "Standing under a doorway during an earthquake is a common mistake. Here's what to do instead."
Instead of standing in a doorway or running outside, the article indicates that you should use a variation of the old "duck and cover" recommended for a nuclear detonation: drop, cover and hold on. The article explains:
"In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says in its guide to earthquake safety.
Nor should you immediately run outside, which is another common myth about safe earthquake response.
Instead, these days the main guidance is to drop where you are, cover your head and neck (ideally by crawling under a sturdy table), and hold on until the shaking stops.
"If there's nothing you can find [to crawl under], stay on the ground and cover your head. Maybe crouch a little bit to have a small footprint," Meng told BI.
If you're inside, stay inside, the CDC advises. If you're outside, stay outside. If you're in a car, "stop as quickly and safely as possible," the CDC says.
"Remember to drop, cover, and hold on if you feel shaking," Jessica Jobe of the USGS said in the briefing. "No one can predict the exact time or place of any earthquake, including the aftershocks."
More:
- "Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions such as Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On – if you feel shaking or get an alert."--Earthquake Country Alliance.
- "Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold on"--Central United States Earthquake Consortium. More information, including for various specific situations, and a video demonstrating the basic technique.
- "DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!"--The Great Californian Shake Out. Similar information to the preceding, but also an explanation of why it was once believed that standing in a doorway was a good idea.
Or, move.
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