Originally Posted by DebsShelties
The safest place in an Earthquake is OUTSIDE in the open where things can't fall on top of you! Especially if you are near the center and buildings are coming down.
A doorway or under a table is for tornados.
I used to live in San Diego, we had Earthquakes a lot. Everyone knew what to do when they happened.
Table or a doorway are not going to protect you if the structure comes down.
Deb, *getting* outisde in an earthquake can be very difficult and dangerous. Actually, the California standard for earthquake safety is "Drop, Cover, and Hold on". (Researched this after the fact......well, better late than never!)
This from their website:
"Trying to move during shaking puts you at risk: Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be so violent that you cannot run or crawl; you therefore will most likely be knocked to the ground where you happen to be. So it is best to drop before the earthquake drops you, and find nearby shelter or use your arms and hands to protect your head and neck. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" (to a table leg) gives you the best overall chance of quickly protecting yourself during an earthquake... even during quakes that cause furniture to move about rooms, and even in buildings that might ultimately collapse.
The greatest danger is from falling and flying objects: Studies of injuries and deaths caused by earthquakes over the last several decades show that you are much more likely to be injured by falling or flying objects (TVs, lamps, glass, bookcases, etc.) than to die in a collapsed building. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" (as described above) will protect you from most of these injuries."
I did discover on this site that standing in a doorway is not the safest thing, contrary to what I'd been told. At the moment I jumped from the xray table, I seriously considered ducking under it, but thought I wouldn't fit, LOL! :? :oops: That's why I opted for the doorway next. Hopefully I won't be in an xray lab the next time I experience such a decision!!
http://earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/
Jan in calm, quiet VA this morning