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| Saturday, 26 February 2005 |
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'Drop, cover and hold on' A news item in a recent issue of a Sunday paper (not of the Lakehouse Group) carried an interview with a professor, under the title "Be prepared to face quakes: Professor". The professor was quoted as saying that Sri Lanka could no longer be considered an earthquake-free zone and that the building industry would have to use new techniques in constructing houses and buildings. This is a timely warning and should be considered seriously. However, I believe that the professor's advice on what to do in case of an earthquake must have been misquoted, because it is exactly the opposite of what authorities in all earthquake prone regions (e.g. California, Italy, Japan) recommend. In fact, you should run a correction on this dangerous advice in the interest of your readers, as following the advice given will almost certainly lead to greater casualties during an earthquake. In the event of an earthquake, one should definitely not "leave the buildings or houses and move into an open playground or a high road and lie on the ground", as recommended by the article. May be this advice is applicable after an earthquake, when there is a danger of aftershocks. Having lived through several earthquakes in Italy and San Francisco, I can tell you that the period over which an earthquake takes place is so short that there would be no time to get out of a building and look for an open playground or road to lie on, not to mention the hazard of getting run over if you do the latter! The duration of the Kobe earthquake in Japan which registered 6.9 on the Richter scale and killed 5,470 people and injured another 33,000 was only 20 seconds - hardly enough to be moving around looking for a safe place to lie down in. I reproduce below, advice on "best practices" given to the general public by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on what to do in case of an earthquake. Best practices The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reiterates its long-standing advice for staying as safe as possible during an earthquake. It's easy to remember and even easier to do: Drop to the ground; take Cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Following the spread of an Internet/Email rumour that contradicts the advice given by FEMA, the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and number of other agencies about the proper actions to take during an earthquake, FEMA has been asked for clarification on its policy. We continue to advocate DROP, Cover and HOLD ON as the safest action when the earth begins to shake. Research has shown that most injuries in U.S. earthquakes occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave. Quickly seeking a place of safety, such as under a sturdy, table or desk, and moving as short a distance as possible to that place of safety, is recommended based on research. In the 2003 San Simeon, California, earthquake, two people were crushed by falling debris when they ran from the building. Studies of the 1979 El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989 Loma Prieta, and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, as well as mounting evidence from earthquakes outside the United States, confirm this pattern of injuries. DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON reduces the likelihood of serious injury from falling objects. Other recommendations, which are contrary to the Drop, Cover and HOLD ON Advice, have been made by individuals with limited expertise and questionable credibility. Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON at school, in the office, and other buildings so that when the earth shakes, you'll be ready. Dr. Kingsley de Alwis |
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