# AI tells users to 'stand in a doorway' during an earthquake, but this is outdated; modern guidance is 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' under a sturdy desk or table

- **ID:** `emergency/earthquake-drop-cover-hold`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 92%

## Root Cause

The AI repeats a widely circulated but outdated safety tip from pre-1970s building codes when doorways were structurally reinforced; modern buildings have weaker door frames, and doorways offer no protection from falling debris or glass.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| FEMA Earthquake Safety Checklist v2022 | active | — | — |
| USGS Drop Cover Hold On v3.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Immediately drop to hands and knees to prevent being knocked over. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on to the table leg until shaking stops. If no table is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head with your arms.** (95% success)
   ```
   Immediately drop to hands and knees to prevent being knocked over. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on to the table leg until shaking stops. If no table is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head with your arms.
   ```
2. **If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up and run to a doorway, as you may be injured by falling objects or broken glass.** (90% success)
   ```
   If in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Do not get up and run to a doorway, as you may be injured by falling objects or broken glass.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Recommending to stand under a door frame with a lintel; modern door frames are not load-bearing and can collapse, causing head injury (90% fail)
- **** — Advising to hold the door frame while standing; this exposes the user to falling objects from above and does not protect from debris (85% fail)
- **** — Suggesting to move to a doorway in a multi-story building; doorways in corridors or stairwells are often near windows or unstable walls (80% fail)