disaster life_threatening ai_generated partial

AI advises standing in a bathtub during an earthquake for protection

ID: disaster/earthquake-stand-in-bathtub-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
10%Fix Rate
85%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-03-15First Seen

Root Cause

The bathtub is not structurally reinforced and can collapse or fill with water from burst pipes, trapping or drowning the occupant; the correct action is Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table.

generic

中文

浴缸没有结构加固，可能因管道爆裂而坍塌或积水，导致被困或溺水；正确做法是蹲下、躲避在坚固桌子下并抓紧。

Official Documentation

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Workarounds

  1. 90% success Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table away from windows. Use hands to protect head and neck. Example: 'Identify a heavy table in your office and practice crawling under it immediately when shaking starts.' 
    Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table away from windows. Use hands to protect head and neck. Example: 'Identify a heavy table in your office and practice crawling under it immediately when shaking starts.'
  2. 85% success If no table is available, sit against an interior wall, covering your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, and hanging objects. 
    If no table is available, sit against an interior wall, covering your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, and hanging objects.

中文步骤

  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk or table away from windows. Use hands to protect head and neck. Example: 'Identify a heavy table in your office and practice crawling under it immediately when shaking starts.'
  2. If no table is available, sit against an interior wall, covering your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, and hanging objects.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 95% fail

    Bathtubs are not impact-resistant; falling ceiling tiles or walls can crush the occupant. Porcelain shatters easily, creating shrapnel.

  2. 98% fail

    Water increases risk of drowning if the tub tips or pipes break; also makes it impossible to move quickly if aftershocks occur.

  3. 85% fail

    The mattress does not anchor to the tub; during shaking, the mattress can slide off, and the tub remains unstable.