Do you have any idea what you need to do during an earthquake? When panic sets in and the situation is tense many people will be unable to perform in a rational manner. Knowing how to behave during a natural disaster can actually be life saving.

As with any controversial issue, earthquake survival has its myths. Unfortunately, some of these myths can be exceptionally dangerous.

Certain actions are not recommended by rescue teams, since these could lead to substantial harm and even death.

Earthquake Survival Myths

1) Running Outside - It is truly unwise to run outside while the ground is still shaking. The tremors could cause the collapse of a building and the falling of various objects can hit and injure a person. For the highest degree of security, everyone is advised to stay inside until the earthquake ends if you are already indoors.

If you are outside, then stay outside and try to stay away from buildings and other things that might fall on you. During an earthquake, one of the most dangerous things you can do is move around.

2) Stand in the Doorway - Another common misconception is that the doorway is the safest place in an apartment or a house during an earthquake.

This was probably true for old types of constructions. Today, all parts of a building are equally reinforced, which deprives the doorway of its frame as the safest place to be during an earthquake.

The doorway will have difficulties protecting people from falling objects, which is the most common cause of injury during an earthquake. Strong earthquakes make the doorway even more unsafe, since you will have nothing to hold on to.

3) Triangle of Life - Recently, an e-mail has been spread among people. This is the so-called ‘triangle of life.’ According to its recommendations, people should stand next to a table rather than getting underneath it. This recommendation is based on wrong assumptions and can be life-threatening.

The e-mail claims that once a building collapses, it will crush all furniture and everything underneath it. The idea is to position yourself next to a piece of furniture so that when it collapses, you will be positioned in a void space that is created by the collapse of the furniture. People, however, have managed to survive earthquakes by hiding under the table as the greatest earthquake risk is from falling objects rather than collapse. Further, constructions today are less likely to collapse than older buildings.

How to Act During an Earthquake

Once the shaking begins, you should drop on all fours. This is the best way to move around, even if the shaking is intense. You will also diminish the risk of falling down and getting injured.

Protect the most vulnerable parts of your body. If you have the chance to, get your entire body protected from falling objects. It is most essential to cover your head and neck.

Stay low, near an interior wall. For best results, hide under a desk or a table. They will protect you from falling objects.

Remain under the table and hold on to it until the shaking stops. Once the earthquake slows down, you should be prepared to leave the building. It is wise to remain underneath your shelter, waiting for secondary tremors or a directional shift in the earthquake. When the earthquake activity subsides, then you can move around.

If you are in a public building, outside or in your car when the earthquake starts, you will have to act in a slightly different manner. Stand away from any furniture or items that could fall down once the earthquake begins.

Remember that exterior walls could collapse during an earthquake. Move away from buildings and stand out in the open where objects are less likely to fall on you.