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There are many myths as to what to do when an earthquake occurs.
In cartoons, we often see a house collapsing and the door frame being the only thing that remains standing. ????From this, came the belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an eathquake. This is true if you live in an old house, but in houses now a days, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house.
“When I was a kid I was told to get under the table and cover not only the back of my head, but my neck.” Carlmont student, Jenna Bogardus stated.
Ever since we were kids we’ve practiced the duck and cover drill. But, recent studies have shown that in a lot of cases people who get under objects, such as tables or desks are crushed to death.
The most effective way to protect yourself is to get as close as you can to a piece of furniture, hold on, and cover your head.
Another belief people have, is that if an earthquake was to occur, the earth would crack open. This is a myth. The ground moves across a fault during an earthquake, not away from it, if the fault was to open there would be no friction. Without friction there would be no earthquake.
Seeing the devastation from Japan’s earthquake should be a reminder to know what to do if a disaster situation was to occur.
