What is the "Triangle of Life" and is it legitimate?
The "Triangle of Life" is a misguided idea about the best location a person should try to occupy during an earthquake. Based on observations of an earthquake in Turkey, the idea doesn't apply to buildings constructed within the United States.
Drop, cover, and hold under a table or desk is still the best recommendation, according to the American Red Cross.
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ShakeOut GIF
ShakeOut GIF showing step five "minimize financial hardship" of the seven steps to earthquake safety.
ShakeOut GIF
ShakeOut GIF showing what to do in an earthquake if you are near a sturdy desk or table.
ShakeOut GIF
ShakeOut GIF showing step five "minimize financial hardship" of the seven steps to earthquake safety.
Students Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Drill
Students participate in the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston, Virginia. They are conducting the "drop, cover and hold on" safety procedure.
Between Collapsed Buildings
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Entrance and garage level of a Beach Street apartment complex in danger of collapse, Marina District.
Collapsed Garage
Collapsed garage built on fill.
Collapsed Building
This masonry office building in the downtown area of Concepcion, Chile collapsed as a result of the M 8.8 earthquake on Feb. 27, 2010. The construction of this building predates the establishment of strict building codes in Chile, put in place following the devastating earthquake of 1960.