Triangle of Life - Mis-information - please read.

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries response.


Based on what I know, Doug Copp, the author of the “Triangle of Life” idea, is a misguided individual. His advice utilizing the “Triangle of Life” as a shelter strategy during an earthquake is incorrect, dangerous and potentially deadly, and is not accepted by the Red Cross, FEMA or any emergency response organization in the United States. “Drop, cover and hold” has proven to save lives and should be part of everyone’s emergency preparations for an earthquake.

James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Here is the American Red Cross response:

Red Cross Response:

Rocky Lopes, PhD
Manager, Community Disaster Education
American Red Cross National Headquarters

Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.
________________________________________
Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a supposed private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.) He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake.

He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed." He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."

These recommendations are highly inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey. It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.

We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.
That the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries. Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.

We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.
The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.

The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html ) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.

Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape.

Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles. The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.

SUBJECT: DROP, COVER and HOLD EARTHQUAKE SAFETY MEASURE Triangle of Life

There have been recent inquiries to Oregon Emergency Management regarding an article circulating on email promoting the “Triangle of Life” protective measure during earthquakes rather than using the Drop, Cover and Hold procedure recommended in Oregon and throughout the United States. While the advice in the “Triangle of Life,” article is well intentioned; its prescribed actions are gleaned only from worst-case accounts from collapsed buildings outside of the United States. Because buildings in the United States are built to stricter codes and enforcement standards than those in other countries, including Mexico, and Turkey, collapses from earthquakes in the U.S. are rare. Structural analysis and behavioral studies confirm that the use of Drop, Cover and Hold reduces the likelihood of serious injury, since most earthquake injuries are a result of falling nonstructural elements (lighting fixtures, ceiling tiles, windows) and contents (appliances, shelves, office equipment). Post-earthquake investigations in recent California earthquakes have shown that most injuries occurred when building occupants attempted to exit buildings or move to a different location in the building. Drop, Cover and Hold is the earthquake safety procedure recommended by Oregon Emergency Management, the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Geological Survey, and the American Red Cross. Recent scientific research has found that Oregon will experience future earthquakes. Ultimately, Oregon residents should evaluate the earthquake readiness of their homes and work places and take appropriate steps to reduce their risk from structural and nonstructural building components. More information can be found at this link. < http://www.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html>.

UofO urged to shake, rattle and roll in Jan. 26 drill

Thousands of Oregonians are expected to “drop, cover and hold on” when Oregon’s largest-ever earthquake drill is staged Jan. 26 by a variety of statewide partners, including the University of Oregon’s Emergency Management Program and Department of Geological Sciences.

The Great Oregon ShakeOut – a one-minute drill that begins at 10:15 a.m. – is modeled after similar drills that have been conducted in California since 2008. Organizers stress the strategy of “drop, cover and hold” as the best strategy for personal safety in the event of an earthquake – drop to the floor, cover yourself underneath a desk or other sturdy furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.

The UO will test its UO Alert! text notification and Smart Classroom systems at the same time as the earthquake drill, to serve as a reminder to participate.

Organizers of the Great Oregon ShakeOut urge those wishing to participate to register before Jan. 26 at http://www.shakeout.org/oregon/. To register for prizes that will be awarded to participating faculty and staff, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/shakeout.

Why Drop, Cover and hold on?

April Earthquake Proclamation Month

Practice the Right Thing to Do.
It Could Save Your Life.
Who: You
What: Earthquake drill
When: April 21, 2010, 2 PM
Where: Right where you are
Why: Practice makes perfect sense
How: Drop, cover and hold on!
Learn more by watching the
video http://www.clackamas.us/emergency/shakedown/.


On April 21, 2010, Clackamas County will be conducting its annual, State-mandated, earthquake drill. All government employees are required to practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On – the recommended personal protective action to take during an earthquake.

You will be more likely to react quickly when shaking begins if you have actually practiced how to protect yourself on a regular basis. A great time to practice Drop, Cover and Hold On is by participating in the Clackamas County Shakedown on April 21st.

Schools Focus on Natural Disaster Preparations

April is Earthquake Awarness Month --
Statement by State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo regarding earthquake awareness:

Given the recent catastrophes in Haiti and Chile, it is well worth noting that April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month. The safety of our students and staff is paramount and public schools in Oregon are doing everything they can to prepare our people and buildings in the event of a natural disaster.

We all know that the Northwest is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. So all our public schools are required, at least twice a year, to instruct and drill students on emergency procedures such as "Drop, Cover, Hold." The key to preparedness is practice, so that kids can respond quickly and without panicking when it really counts. In some of our coastal communities, schools also practice tsunami evacuation drills.

If you're at a school that has yet to conduct one of their earthquake drills, April is a great time to get it done. Click here for information regarding instruction and drills.

There is still much work to do to make sure our school buildings are safe in the event of an earthquake. The average Oregon school is 46 years old, and while seismic upgrades have been completed over the years, many buildings are not as safe as they need to be. In fact, a 2007 report from the Department of Oregon Geology and Mineral Industries found that there are 274 public schools across our state considered to be at highest risk in the event of an earthquake.

Earlier this year, Oregon took a step in the right direction by distributing $7.5 million in Seismic Rehabilitation Grants to a number of education and emergency services buildings, including 12 public school buildings from Beaverton to Lakeview. Another $7.5 million will be granted in the second round of applications.

We continue to work toward a long-term plan to ensure that our school buildings are made safer. In the meantime, other schools deemed at risk can apply for future grants through the Oregon Emergency Management Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program.

To access more information and resources, please visit the Oregon Department of Education's "Quake-Safe Schools" page at www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2061.

For information about OEM's grant program, visit www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/plans_train/SRGP.shtml.
- end -
Contact(s) for this Announcement
Susanne Smith (503) 947-5637
Communications - Manager

Related Topic(s):
Emergency Information and Planning
Facilities

Related Page(s):
Quake Safe Schools

American Red Cross response to Triangle of Life

For information on how to deal with an earthquake, please go to http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/





American Red Cross response to "Triangle of Life" by Doug Copp
9/11/2004

Sent from
Rocky Lopes, PhD Manager, Community Disaster Education American Red Cross National Headquarters


Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.


Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.)



He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake. He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed."



He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."



These recommendations are inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey.



It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.


We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.


What the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries.



Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.


We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.


The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.


The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.


Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape. Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles.



The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.



More information can be found at: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp