# AI advises sheltering in a bathtub with a mattress over you during a hurricane for protection from debris

- **ID:** `disaster/hurricane-bathtub-with-mattress-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** data_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 73%

## Root Cause

A mattress does not provide meaningful protection from windborne debris (which can penetrate walls), and a bathtub can trap water or collapse if the floor fails; modern advice is to shelter in an interior room without windows.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| N/A | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Identify the safest room in your home: an interior room (closet, bathroom) on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior doors. Bring emergency supplies and a weather radio.** (90% success)
   ```
   Identify the safest room in your home: an interior room (closet, bathroom) on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior doors. Bring emergency supplies and a weather radio.
   ```
2. **If in a mobile home, evacuate to a designated storm shelter or sturdy building. Mobile homes are unsafe even with bathtub-mattress setup.** (95% success)
   ```
   If in a mobile home, evacuate to a designated storm shelter or sturdy building. Mobile homes are unsafe even with bathtub-mattress setup.
   ```
3. **Reinforce the safe room with plywood or storm shutters on exterior walls if possible. Use a heavy blanket or sleeping bag for thermal protection, not debris protection.** (80% success)
   ```
   Reinforce the safe room with plywood or storm shutters on exterior walls if possible. Use a heavy blanket or sleeping bag for thermal protection, not debris protection.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Water adds weight but increases risk of drowning if bathroom floods; also weakens floor structure (70% fail)
- **** — Metal lid can become a projectile itself; does not cover entire body and can cause injury from edges (60% fail)
- **** — Window can shatter and mattress offers minimal resistance to high-velocity debris; hiding behind it exposes back to debris from other directions (80% fail)