Myth #1: Don’t be fooled!
“WE HAVE GOOD BUILDING CODES SO WE MUST HAVE GOOD BUILDINGS”
The best building codes in the world do nothing for buildings built before a code was enacted. While the codes have been updated, the older buildings are still in place. Fixing problems in older buildings — retrofitting — is the responsibility of the building’s owner.
Myth #2: Don’t be fooled!
“HEAD FOR THE DOORWAY.”
An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. True- if you live in an old, unenforced adobe house. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. You are safer under a table.
Myth #3: Don’t be fooled!
“EVERYONE WILL PANIC DURING THE BIG ONE!”
A common belief is that people always panic and run around madly during and after earthquakes, creating more danger for themselves and others. Actually, research shows that people usually take protective actions and help others both during and after the shaking. Most people don’t get too shaken up about being shaken up!
