Introduction
⚠️ Why Myths Are Dangerous
Earthquake myths can be dangerous because they lead people to take actions that actually increase their risk of injury or death. Understanding the facts can save your life.
Earthquakes are unpredictable and can happen at any time. When they do, you have only seconds to react. The actions you take during those critical seconds can mean the difference between safety and injury. Unfortunately, many people follow outdated or incorrect advice that can put them in greater danger.
This article debunks the most common earthquake myths and provides evidence-based information to help you and your family stay safe during seismic events in the Pilipinas.
📚 Evidence-Based Information
All information in this article is based on scientific research, expert recommendations from organizations like PHIVOLCS, FEMA, and the Red Cross, and real-world experience from earthquake survivors and emergency responders.
Myth 1: Doorways are the Safest Place During an Earthquake
❌ The Myth
"Stand in a doorway during an earthquake. Doorways are the strongest part of a building and will protect you from falling debris."
Why This Myth Exists
This advice comes from the 1930s when buildings had reinforced door mga frames. Modern buildings don't have this reinforcement.
✅ The Fact
Doorways are NOT safer than other areas. In fact, they can be more dangerous because doors can swing and hit you, and door mga frames can collapse.
What to Do Instead
Drop, cover, and hold under a sturdy table or desk. If no furniture is available, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms.
🔍 Scientific Evidence
- • Modern door mga frames are not reinforced and can collapse
- • Doors can swing violently and cause injury
- • Doorways don't provide protection from falling objects
- • The "drop, cover, hold" technique is proven to be more effective
Myth 2: The "Triangle of Life" Method
❌ The Myth
"Instead of getting under a table, lie next to large objects like sofas or beds. When the building collapses, these objects will create a 'triangle of life' that will protect you."
Why This Myth Exists:
This theory was popularized by a self-proclaimed "rescue expert" but has been debunked by real earthquake experts.
✅ The Fact
The "Triangle of Life" method is dangerous and not recommended by any official earthquake safety organization.
What to Do Instead:
Use the proven "drop, cover, hold" technique. Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on until the shaking stops.
🏢 Building Collapse Reality
In modern buildings, complete collapse is extremely rare. Most injuries occur from falling objects, not building collapse. The "Triangle of Life" method puts you at greater risk from falling debris.
- • Modern buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes
- • Most injuries come from falling objects, not building collapse
- • The "drop, cover, hold" method protects from both falling objects and building collapse
Myth 3: Small Earthquakes Prevent Big Ones
❌ The Myth
"Small earthquakes release pressure and prevent larger, more destructive earthquakes from occurring."
Why This Myth Exists:
People often notice small earthquakes and hope they prevent larger ones, but this is not how earthquake science works.
✅ The Fact
Small earthquakes do NOT prevent large ones. In fact, they can sometimes trigger larger earthquakes by relieving stress on one part of a fault while increasing it on another.
What This Means:
Always be prepared for a large earthquake, regardless of recent small earthquakes. Small earthquakes can be aftershocks of larger ones or precursors to even larger events.
📊 Earthquake Science
- • Earthquakes are caused by the release of accumulated stress along fault lines
- • Small earthquakes release only a tiny fraction of the total stress
- • Large earthquakes can occur at any time, regardless of recent small earthquakes
- • The best protection is always being prepared
Myth 4: Weather Can Predict Earthquakes
❌ The Myth
"Hot weather, unusual cloud formations, or changes in atmospheric pressure can predict when earthquakes will occur."
Why This Myth Exists:
People often look for patterns and correlations, but weather and earthquakes are not related.
✅ The Fact
Weather has NO connection to earthquakes. Earthquakes occur deep underground and are not influenced by surface weather conditions.
What This Means:
Don't rely on weather patterns to predict earthquakes. Focus on being prepared at all times, regardless of weather conditions.
🌤️ Weather vs Earthquakes
- • Earthquakes occur 5-700 kilometers below the Earth's surface
- • Weather affects only the atmosphere, not the Earth's crust
- • No scientific evidence links weather patterns to earthquake occurrence
- • The Pilipinas experiences earthquakes year-round, regardless of weather
Myth 5: Animals Can Predict Earthquakes
❌ The Myth
"Animals can sense earthquakes before they happen. If your pets act strangely, an earthquake is coming."
Why This Myth Exists:
People often notice animals acting strangely before earthquakes, but this is usually coincidence or confirmation bias.
✅ The Fact
While animals may sometimes sense earthquakes seconds before humans, they cannot predict earthquakes hours or days in advance.
What This Means:
Don't rely on animal behavior to predict earthquakes. Focus on being prepared and having a plan for your pets during earthquakes.
🐕 Pet Safety During Earthquakes
- • Keep pets close during earthquakes to prevent them from running away
- • Have pet carriers and mga suplay ready
- • Include pets in your family emergency plan
- • Don't rely on pets to warn you of earthquakes
Myth 6: Run Outside During an Earthquake
❌ The Myth
"Run outside as quickly as possible when you feel an earthquake. Being outside is safer than being inside."
Why This Myth Exists:
People think being outside automatically means safety, but running during an earthquake is extremely dangerous.
✅ The Fact
Running during an earthquake is dangerous. You're more likely to be injured by falling objects while running than by staying put.
What to Do Instead:
Drop, cover, and hold where you are. Only move if you're in immediate danger from falling objects.
🏃♂️ Running Risks
- • You can't run faster than an earthquake
- • Running increases your risk of falling and injury
- • Falling objects can hit you while you're running
- • Ground may crack or shift while you're running
- • You're more stable when stationary
Myth 7: Stand in a Doorway
❌ The Myth
"Stand in a doorway during an earthquake. Doorways are reinforced and will protect you."
Why This Myth Exists:
This advice comes from the 1930s when buildings had reinforced door mga frames. Modern buildings don't have this reinforcement.
✅ The Fact
Standing in a doorway is dangerous. You're more likely to be hit by the swinging door or falling debris.
What to Do Instead:
Drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Protect your head and neck.
🚪 Doorway Dangers
- • Modern door mga frames are not reinforced
- • Doors can swing violently and cause injury
- • Doorways don't provide protection from falling objects
- • You're more stable when crouched or lying down
Myth 8: Elevators are Safe During Earthquakes
❌ The Myth
"Elevators are safe during earthquakes. They're designed to withstand seismic activity."
Why This Myth Exists:
People think elevators are safer than stairs, but elevators can malfunction during earthquakes.
✅ The Fact
Elevators are NOT safe during earthquakes. They can malfunction, get stuck, or fall. Always use stairs during earthquakes.
What to Do Instead:
Use stairs to evacuate. If you're in an elevator when an earthquake starts, get out at the next floor if possible.
🏢 Building Evacuation
- • Always use stairs during earthquakes
- • Don't use elevators during or after earthquakes
- • Wait for shaking to stop before evacuating
- • Follow building evacuation procedures
Myth 9: Open Spaces are Always Safe
❌ The Myth
"Open spaces like parks and fields are always safe during earthquakes. There's nothing that can fall on you."
Why This Myth Exists:
People think open spaces are automatically safe, but there are still dangers in open areas.
✅ The Fact
Open spaces can be dangerous during earthquakes. You need to be aware of falling objects, ground cracks, and other hazards.
What to Watch For:
Stay away from trees, power lines, buildings, and other potential hazards. Drop to the ground and cover your head.
🌳 Open Space Hazards
- • Trees can fall or drop branches
- • Power lines can fall
- • Ground can crack or shift
- • Buildings can collapse outward
- • Streetlights and signs can fall
Myth 10: Earthquakes Can Be Predicted
❌ The Myth
"Scientists can predict when and where earthquakes will occur. We'll get advance warning before major earthquakes."
Why This Myth Exists:
People hope for advance warning, but earthquake prediction is not scientifically possible.
✅ The Fact
Earthquakes cannot be predicted. Scientists can only provide probability estimates for earthquake occurrence over long time periods.
What This Means:
Always be prepared. Don't wait for predictions or warnings. Have your emergency kit ready and practice your safety procedures.
🔬 Earthquake Science
- • Scientists can identify earthquake-prone areas
- • They can estimate probability of earthquakes over decades
- • They cannot predict specific earthquakes
- • Early warning systems provide seconds of notice, not prediction
Conclusion
Stay Safe with Facts
Understanding the facts about earthquake safety can save your life. Don't rely on myths or outdated advice. Follow the evidence-based recommendations from official sources like PHIVOLCS, FEMA, and the Red Cross.
Key Takeaways
- • Drop, cover, and hold is the gold standard
- • Don't run during earthquakes
- • Avoid doorways and elevators
- • Be prepared at all times
- • Follow official recommendations