Where to Go During an Earthquake

Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway? Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.

EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP’S ARTICLE ON ‘THE TRIANGLE OF LIFE’

My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI ), the world’s most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.

I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.

The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene — unnecessary.

Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them – NOT under them. This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the ‘triangles’ you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.

TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

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

2. Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.

3. Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.

4. If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.

5. If an earthquake happens 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.

6. Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!

7. Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different ‘moment of frequency’ (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads – horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn’t collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.

8. Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible – It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.

9. People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.

10. I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.

Spread the word and save someone’s life…

The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!

‘We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly’

In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did ‘duck and cover,’ and ten mannequins I used in my ‘triangle of life’ survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable, scientific conditions , relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.

There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the ‘triangle of life.’ This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe, and it was seen in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.

Thank you  Detective J. Mayo so much for your presentation on criminal activity in Yorba Linda and the preventative steps we can take to protect ourselves.

Here is a brief synopsis of his presentation:

The most common crime in Yorba Linda is property theft.  Criminals are becoming more brazen with crimes often being committed during daylight hours and in front of witnesses.

Petty theft criminals are being released early due to jail over-crowding. There are many instances of plea bargains, further reducing the amount of time an offender spends behind bars. Typically, the criminal may serve a few months behind bars and then serve up to 36 months probation. The criminals have nothing to lose by continuing to commit crimes because the consequences are not significant enough.

Most often, these crimes are tied to drug use.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Home:

• Make sure windows and doors are locked when we are not home
• Do not leave your garage door open and unattended.
• If you see something unusual in your neighborhood, notify the police. (a strange car, people loitering, …)
• Leaving on vacation?  Have someone pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Inform neighbors of your travel plans so if they see something amiss they can report it to the police.
• File a “vacation check” form at the police sub-station on Yorba Linda Blvd and San Antonio. A CAPs volunteer will check on your home regularly during your absence and report anything that seems out of place to the police.
• Install a security system, camera system (real or “dummy system)

Car:

• Do not leave anything in your car, including bags (empty or full)
• Items typically taken from cars are iPods, GPS systems, wallets, and computers.
• Do not show criminals where you store valuables. They stake out fitness gyms and shopping areas.  Do not place items in your trunk when you get there. You have just shown the criminal where to look. Criminals can easily break into your trunk.
• Park in areas that have a lot of foot traffic, not in remote areas.
• Lock your car doors wherever you are, day or night.

We can make a difference in our community!

• Report any activity that seems out of the ordinary.
• Protect your self and your belongings.
• Get to know your neighbors.

Volunteer Opportunity:

If you are interested in volunteering in your community, the CAPS program is a dedicated group of individuals who selflessly give back to their community. The vacation check program is only one of the many ways they assist Bread PD in keeping our community safe. For more information about this program, go to: http://www.joinbreapd.com/article.cfm?id=40

TIP, Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc., is a group of specially trained volunteers who provide emotional aid and practical support to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. TIP of Orange County, founded in 1995, is a chapter of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. (TIP), a national non-profit organization founded in 1985.  TIP of Orange County currently  has 99 trained volunteers serving *21 jurisdictions, 12 hospitals and 11 public safety agencies.

TIP Volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  They are called by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital personnel to assist family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death; victims of violent crime including rape, assault, robbery, or burglary; victims of fire; disoriented or lonely elderly persons; people involved in motor vehicle accidents; people who are distraught and seeking immediate support; and survivors of suicide.

A major reason for the TIP Program is to prevent what mental health professionals call the “Second Injury.”  The Second Injury is a victim’s perspective that the emergency system did not provide the support needed after a tragic event. Emergency personnel simply do not have the time to provide this support. In Orange County, they call TIP Volunteers who can prevent a second injury.  In parts of the county which do not have a TIP Program, second injuries reported by victims are common.

TIP Teens is a program which involves young people (ages 16-21) as active volunteers in the Trauma Intervention Program. Involving teens in the local TIP Chapter directly benefits the teens and also enhances the capability of TIP to serve youth who have been traumatized.

If you are interested in reaching out to those in need, consider becoming a part of this amazing organization. For more information about TIP, go to: http://www.tiporangecounty.org/index2.htm

The City of Yorba Linda, in conjunction with OCFA, has established a CERT team for the “Land of Gracious Living.” CERT is a volunteer organization that helps the City and neighboring communities during emergencies. To get involved, take the CERT training course!
The course will teach how to prepare yourself, your family, and your community for emergencies and what it takes to be an effective first responder. The following topics are taught during the course:
Disaster Preparedness Fire Safety Disaster Medical Operations Search and Rescue
CERT Organization Disaster Psychology Terrorism
The course will take place October 17, 18, and 24, free of charge. All three days will go from 8am to 5pm with a lunch break in between. October 17 and 18 will be educational and will take place on at the Yorba Linda Community Center. October 24 will be a “hands-on” disaster simulation at the OCFA training facility in Irvine.

Please email Brett Channing @ bchanning@yorba-linda.org if you would like to sign up for the class. Be sure to do so quickly, as there are only 25 spots available!

1. Do not forget your telephone book with contact numbers in it

2. One thing we learned during the fire was to leave our doors unlocked.  We locked the doors when we left fearing the possibility of looters after the fire.  The neighborhood was secured by police after the evacuation was lifted, so looters was not an issue.  What happened was that the firefighters needed to check our attic for embers because of small fires they put out in our yard and on our patio.  They had to break 2 doors and a window to get in.  When the window was broken, it tore the roman shades. 

We were very fortunate that there was no fire in our attic or our house.  If we had left the doors unlocked there would have been about $15,000 less in damage. 

Penni Allen

3.  a) I forgot my phone charger.  Like most of us, I rely on my phone to contacts.  Also, I only took my computer hard drive, not the monitor or keyboard.  Where I evactuated to did not have any computer access, so when my cell phone battery died, I had no way of contacting anyone whose phone number I didn’t have memorized!  Nor could I email them.  A lot of people were unnecessarily worried, because I couldn’t reach them.

      b) The one I regret the most:  Not checking on ALL of my neighbors.  I live in the Hills condos, all us neighbors try to help each other as much as possible.  One of my neighbors is a single woman, so I helped her get packed up.  The others are all married or have roommates to help them.  As I was about to drive off, I had a thought that I should go check on one other neighbor/friend.  But I dismissed it, figuring her husband was home to help…they wouldn’t need my help.  Plus, my daughter was becoming hysterical by this point.  So I drove off and got out of there.  After the fires, my friend’s husband told me how awful it was for them.  You see, they only have one car.  His wife had gone to the hairdresser that morning and the police would not let her back in.  His two daughters and he kept waiting for her to come home, but she couldn’t.  Finally, he took what he could carry.  (They had to leave their cats behind.)  They started walking out as the fire was on the opposite side of the street.  He kept trying to flag someone – anyone – to give them a ride.  Finally, someone stopped.  His girls were so worried all night about not only their home, but also their pets.  How I wish I had just gone over and asked if he needed help!

     c) I packed up a change of clothes for my daughter, but it didn’t even dawn on me to pack up clothes for myself or my husband.  I just assumed we would be back in a few hours.  Ooops!  So much for optimism, huh?

Nancy Brisco

4) Lay out on livingroom floor all suitcases, tote bags, grocery bags, large trash bags, and zip lock bags to pack the below selections:

          - Photographs and valuable Pictures on Wall. Put in individual plastic bags to protect from each other.

          - Important Documents, like insurance.

           – Computer Floppies or Backup.

          - Purse, including Camera (take photos of home/condo for insurance).

          - Address Book.

          - Pack suitcases with Clothes and toiletries, etc., as though going on a long trip (forgot to do before).

          - Jewelry into suitcases.

          - Sleeping Bag and Pillow.

          - Before leaving: Close curtains/shutters/blinds/windows – to keep out  fire’s heat.

5) Turn ON lights - for visibility.

6) Turn OFF Air Conditioner/Heater – so that fire is not inhaled to your unit.

7) Close and Lock your Fire Safe. Put some/all contents in suitcase.

Lock front door. (Jans note-comment above suggests maybe not locking the door- Will have to ask FD?PD what they suggest)

9)  If sleeping while fire is near and your car is packed, wear Street Clothes, have Wrist Watch on and Purse nearby, ready for immediate  evacuation!

Patti Ruckert

On Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 join me at the Yorba Linda Community Center for the Orange County Fire Authority after action report regarding our November Firestorm.  To View the report go to: http://www.ocfamedia.org/_uploads/PDF/fcfaar.pdf
The OCFA has offered to individually look at your home landscape and help you improve or develop a plan including defensible space and fire resistant plantings. To take advantage of this opportunity go to their website at: http://www.ocfa.org/
On this site there is also information on their new program “Ready, Set, Go”. This is worth reviewing to help you harden your home and to recognize when to evacuate and when to stay during a disaster. 

As of February 27, 2009, there are 10 slots open for the CERT training that will take place on the following days:

Saturday, March 7- Class 8am- 5pm
Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave
Sunday, March 8 – Class 8am-5pm
Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave
Saturday, March 14 – Simulation 8am-5pm
One Fire Authority Road, Irvine 92602 (OCFA Training Facility)

NOTE: You must be available to attend all three sessions for certification in this program. Do not sign up if you cannot commit to all three days. By not showing up, you are keeping another Yorba Linda resident from taking place in the program.

When you reply, please give your name and best means of contact (cell and/or home number, email). You must be 18 or older to sign up for this class. You can only sign up for yourself and one direct family member in the same household. The City will offer another class in the Fall of 2009.
Call: 714-961-7100 and ask for Brett Channing or email him at:
Bchanning@yorba-linda.org

“When Tragedies Strike,
be they large or small,
they somehow seem,
to affect us all.
The Disaster is here,
my community’s broken,
the help I can give,
is only a token.
To help out my neighbors,
and help them get through,
I’m a member of CERT,
and that’s what I do.”
Author Tim Habert, Parma CERT Member

On February 11, 2009, the OCFA presented the Wildland Action Plan Video during their “Leave Early or Stay and Defend” presentation. To view this video go to the OCFA website at: http://www.ocfa.org/ocfamain.asp?pgn1=8
The scenes from this video are from the Yorba Linda Fire November 15, 2008.

• no flip flops, shorts or short sleeve shirts
• Do not place a wet cloth over your face- the heat of the fire will potentially cause a burn
• protect your face with a dry bandana and protective glasses
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants and sturdy shoes
• Wear a hat

• Fill bathtubs/ sinks with water- you may have your water supply cut off.
• Remove light draperies from the window
• Close all windows, outside doors
• Block all openings into the house- vents, cracks under the garage door and the floor,etc
• Run a hose from your washing machine inlet rather than bring a hose from the outside creating an opening into the house
• Bring in propane tanks or put them into your pool
• Move highly combustible furniture/ objects away from your home (patio furniture)