disaster life_threatening ai_generated partial

AI advises standing in a bathtub during an earthquake for protection (slipping and entrapment risk)

ID: disaster/earthquake-bathtub-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
73%Fix Rate
84%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-03-18First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
USGS Earthquake Preparedness Guide v2024 active — — —
FEMA P-1000 Earthquake Safety Checklist active — — —

Root Cause

Bathtubs are slippery when wet, and their porcelain or fiberglass surfaces provide no structural protection; falling debris from bathroom fixtures (mirrors, tiles, cabinets) can cause injury, and the tub can trap occupants if the floor collapses.

generic

中文

浴缸湿滑，其瓷或玻璃纤维表面不提供结构保护；浴室固定装置（镜子、瓷砖、柜子）的掉落碎片可能导致受伤，且浴缸可能在地板塌陷时困住使用者。

Official Documentation

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table or desk away from windows, heavy furniture, and glass. Use one hand to hold the table leg and the other to protect your head and neck. 
    Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table or desk away from windows, heavy furniture, and glass. Use one hand to hold the table leg and the other to protect your head and neck.
  2. 90% success If no table is nearby, crouch in an interior corner of the building, covering your head with your arms and hands. 
    If no table is nearby, crouch in an interior corner of the building, covering your head with your arms and hands.
  3. 85% success Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, water heaters, cabinets) to walls with earthquake straps or brackets to prevent tipping. 
    Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, water heaters, cabinets) to walls with earthquake straps or brackets to prevent tipping.

中文步骤

  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table or desk away from windows, heavy furniture, and glass. Use one hand to hold the table leg and the other to protect your head and neck.
  2. If no table is nearby, crouch in an interior corner of the building, covering your head with your arms and hands.
  3. Secure heavy furniture (bookshelves, water heaters, cabinets) to walls with earthquake straps or brackets to prevent tipping.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 90% fail

    Bathtubs offer no overhead protection from falling ceiling tiles, light fixtures, or plumbing.

  2. 85% fail

    Water from broken pipes can fill the tub, creating a drowning hazard if the occupant is injured or trapped.

  3. 80% fail

    The tub may shift or break during strong shaking, causing cuts from sharp edges.