disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises running outside during earthquake shaking to avoid building collapse (falling debris and glass hazard)

ID: disaster/earthquake-run-outside-during-shaking-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
85%Fix Rate
89%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-12-01First Seen

Root Cause

Running outside during strong shaking exposes people to falling debris, shattered glass, and collapsing facades. Most earthquake injuries occur from falling objects near exits. The correct action is Drop, Cover, and Hold On indoors until shaking stops.

generic

中文

在剧烈摇晃期间跑到户外会使人们暴露于坠物、破碎玻璃和倒塌外墙的危险中。大多数地震伤害发生在出口附近的坠物下。正确的做法是在室内蹲下、掩护并抓牢，直到摇晃停止。

Official Documentation

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Workarounds

  1. 90% success Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until shaking stops. If no table is nearby, crouch against an interior wall away from windows and cover your head with your arms. 
    Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until shaking stops. If no table is nearby, crouch against an interior wall away from windows and cover your head with your arms.
  2. 85% success After shaking stops, carefully exit the building watching for fallen debris, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Do not use elevators. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and utility wires. 
    After shaking stops, carefully exit the building watching for fallen debris, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Do not use elevators. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and utility wires.

中文步骤

  1. 趴下，双手双膝着地，在坚固的桌子或书桌下掩护头部和颈部，并抓牢直到摇晃停止。如果附近没有桌子，靠在远离窗户的内墙旁蹲下，并用手臂保护头部。
  2. 摇晃停止后，小心地离开建筑物，注意坠落的碎片、倒下的电线和煤气泄漏。不要使用电梯。移动到远离建筑物、树木和公用事业线路的开阔区域。

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. Run to a doorway or archway inside the building before going outside 90% fail

    Doorways are not safe in modern buildings; they offer no protection from falling ceiling tiles, light fixtures, or furniture. The doorway myth is outdated and dangerous.

  2. Use stairs instead of elevators to exit quickly 82% fail

    Stairs are often damaged during earthquakes and can collapse or become blocked with debris. Running on stairs during shaking increases the risk of falls and trampling.

  3. Jump out of a first-floor window to escape faster 95% fail

    Jumping from windows can cause fractures, cuts from glass, and exposure to falling debris. The window frame may collapse, and the ground outside may be unstable.