Warning: Bad earthquake advice on 'net Warning: Bad earthquake advice on 'net (November 16, 2005)

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

When an earthquake strikes, safety officials still recommend that people "Duck, Cover and Hold." That means: drop down on the floor, take cover under something sturdy; and hold on for dear life.

That technique is being challenged by another theory circulating on the Internet.

A self-proclaimed disaster expert called Doug Copp is circulating a theory he calls "Triangle of Life."

This argues that "Duck, Cover and Hold" can actually kill people when buildings collapse. He recommends finding a void near something really sturdy, like a sofa or corner, and hiding in it.

"Spread the word to everyone YOU care about and save someone's life!" he concluded in an e-mail that has been circulating in cyberspace for at least four years.

This theory is very appealing, and conscientious people have been passing it around for years, and promoting it for use in schools. But local, state and national officials say it is wrong, certainly for the United States, if not for Mexico and Turkey.

Building collapses are very rare in California, which has much stricter building codes than the rest of the United States and other countries, noted the California Office of Emergency Services in a 2004 statement.

"Most injuries in California earthquakes occur when building occupants attempt to exit buildings or move to a different location," reads the statement. "The key to injury prevention is making sure buildings are safe, contents are secured, and occupants are trained to duck, cover and hold."

Brian Molver of the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services gets lots of calls about Doug Copp and his seductive message.

"He is not reputable; he is not respected," Mr. Molver told the Almanac. "We're doing damage control. Duck, cover and hold is our message and we're sticking to it."

Other engineering and seismic organizations and the American Red Cross also support duck, cover and hold.

"It's the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children," wrote Rocky Lopes, Ph.D., from the Red Cross national headquarters.

"Don't believe everything you read," warns Division Chief Harold Schapelhouman, who heads the national Urban Search and Rescue Team run by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.

In an e-mail from Florida, where the team is helping clean up after Wilma, Chief Shapelhouman writes: "Bottom line, don't be a sucker. This isn't Pakistan or Iran; it's the United States, and building codes and safety practices for earthquakes here in California are a model around the world."

If you want to know more, Google Doug Copp.

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