Triangle of Life?

Dolores1

DR1
May 3, 2000
8,215
37
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www.
The Triangle of Life seems to be controversial. In this link, there is a discussion that says that reality proves it is more myth than reality. Triangle of Life - Earthquake Safety and You!

The US Geology Survey does not recommend the Triangle of Life in their list.
This is what they recommend:
Earthquakes | Ready.gov

Drop, cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn?t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection..
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
DO NOT use the elevators.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
If Outdoors

Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a Moving Vehicle

Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If Trapped Under Debris

Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
 

jackichan

Bronze
Jun 23, 2011
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I say use your common sense. No way im staying UNDER or NEXT to a table or some crappy furniture under a visibly collapsing roof.
 

Hillbilly

Moderator
Jan 1, 2002
18,948
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If it is a big one, you don't have much time to do anything but react. Either way, you need to get some cover. The idea of the Triangle of Life is that the piece of furniture can support more weight than your body and that little space next to it will be your safe spot.

But hey, during these last four quakes, I have not even gotten out of my chair!! I was in bed for the big one in 2003, in a classroom for the one before that, and at my desk at the Uni for the one before that.

If I had reacted by dropping to the floor each time, I would have very sore knees right now...Oh well, when the Big Guy comes calling you gotta answer!

Theories are all nice and well, and the advice is fine, some common sense, some informative , but when that adrenalin starts to pump...get outta the way!!

HB