Earthquake Survival Facts,
Earthquake Survival Checklist, v03

This is an Abstract of an Article called the "TRIANGLE OF LIFE," sent to me via my 'Portuguese Uncle (Andrea),' on Thursday, October 19, 2006, via a conference about earthquakes and survival. I lived in Japan as a kid and have witnessed a few earthquakes. It is very humbling and scary to see 'solid earth' move in liquid waves. I find this article to be 'right on' from my own experience (which is nothing compared to Doug Copp's).


By Doug Copp, Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI):
  • Entered 875 collapsed buildings,
  • 60 countries,
  • United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years,
  • Been in every major disaster in the world since 1985 (except for simultaneous disasters).


1) Most everyone who simply "ducks and covers" when buildings collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.










Some Additional Things to Know:

1) (From Japan) The Japanese are teaching everyone to YELL the word "EARTHQUAKE" and to get down immediately, straight off, first thing.

2) (From Dennis) When you are are down, stay alert, pay attention; if there is light and it is safe (no flying debris), keep yours eyes open and roving, in any case always be thinking and ready to scoot one way or another. You are specifically paying attention to falling debris and potential falling objects (roofs, beams, trusses, cabinets). Your goal is to eventually be beside them, not under them. There is always dust.

3) (From Japan) As soon as you can, if conditions are stable enough to permit it, if you are in a residence or any area that may have cooking fires, turn off any cooking appliances (especially gas stoves) - Then exit the area.

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