disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises using the 'triangle of life' method during an earthquake (crouch next to large furniture)

ID: disaster/earthquake-triangle-of-life-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
75%Fix Rate
88%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-06-15First Seen

Root Cause

The 'triangle of life' method is a discredited theory by Doug Copp; it assumes buildings pancake-collapse, which is rare in modern construction, and encourages moving near heavy objects that can crush or shift, increasing injury risk. The recommended action is Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

generic

中文

'生命三角'方法是道格·库普提出的已被否定的理论；它假设建筑物像煎饼一样坍塌，这在现代建筑中很少见，并鼓励靠近可能倒塌或移动的重物，增加受伤风险。建议的行动是趴下、掩护、抓牢。

Official Documentation

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Workarounds

  1. 85% success During an earthquake, immediately Drop to 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, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner away from windows. 
    During an earthquake, immediately Drop to 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, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner away from windows.
  2. 80% success If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up to seek a 'triangle'. 
    If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up to seek a 'triangle'.
  3. 90% success After shaking stops, evacuate carefully, avoiding elevators and checking for hazards like gas leaks. 
    After shaking stops, evacuate carefully, avoiding elevators and checking for hazards like gas leaks.

中文步骤

  1. During an earthquake, immediately Drop to 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, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner away from windows.
  2. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up to seek a 'triangle'.
  3. After shaking stops, evacuate carefully, avoiding elevators and checking for hazards like gas leaks.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 85% fail

    Recommending to hide next to a sofa or bed assumes the building will pancake; in most quakes, objects shift and crush the person.

  2. 90% fail

    Telling people to run to the 'triangle' during shaking causes falls and injury from debris.

  3. 95% fail

    Claiming the method is endorsed by FEMA or USGS, which is false and leads to dangerous behavior.