# AI tells users to 'stand in a doorway' during an earthquake, but this is outdated; modern guidance is 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' under a sturdy table

- **ID:** `emergency/earthquake-drop-cover-hold-on`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `EARTHQUAKE-DCH-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

AI relies on the outdated 'triangle of life' myth and the belief that doorways are structurally strongest; modern buildings have engineered frames, and doorways offer no special protection from falling debris

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| FEMA Earthquake Safety 2023 | active | — | — |
| USGS 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' guidelines | active | — | — |
| ShakeOut.org 2024 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **DROP down onto hands and knees, COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and HOLD ON until shaking stops. If no table, crouch against an interior wall away from windows** (90% success)
   ```
   DROP down onto hands and knees, COVER your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and HOLD ON until shaking stops. If no table, crouch against an interior wall away from windows
   ```
2. **In bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up and run; most injuries occur from falling while moving** (85% success)
   ```
   In bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up and run; most injuries occur from falling while moving
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Advising to 'run to a doorway in a modern building'** — Doorways are not stronger than other frame elements; swinging doors can cause injury, and doorways are often near windows (90% fail)
- **Telling users to 'crouch in a doorway with a book over head'** — A book provides minimal protection from falling debris; a sturdy table or desk is far superior (85% fail)