After the earthquake of magnitude 7.4 recorded in Colombia on the morning of Monday, August 10, the question arose again about how to protect yourself inside a building during an earthquake.
A member of the Mexican Topos explained on social media the positions in which, according to his experience as a rescuer, they have found people alive among the rubble and made recommendations for those who cannot evacuate in time.
Kneeling or lying down during an earthquake?
The Mexican Topo stated that recommendations should consider the accumulated experience of those who participate directly in search and rescue operations after building collapses.
“Manuals need to be updated, unfortunately those who update them have not asked rescuers where they have found people alive,” he said.
According to his experience, one alternative is to lie on your back next to a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a bed, a sofa, a washing machine, or a refrigerator, trying to occupy as little space as possible.
He also indicated that hands and legs should not be placed under the furniture, as they could get trapped in case of object shifts or a possible structural collapse.
@yosoyscarkis Do you still think that getting under a door frame or in the fetal position will save you in an earthquake? 🚨 That information is outdated. A rescuer from @topodemexico explains the REAL position that can save your life during a collapse: lying on your back next to a heavy or sturdy piece of furniture (sofa, bed, refrigerator). That is where the true living space or “triangle of life” is created. 📐✨ 💾 SAVE this video because this information is reviewed calmly, not in the middle of an emergency. ✈️ SHARE it with your family and friends. It could make a difference. 👇 Did you already identify which piece of furniture would be your shelter at home? I read you in the comments.
♬ Piano Emotional – Raw Vibrations
The fetal or kneeling position also changes the space the body occupies
The rescuer explained that remaining kneeling or adopting a fetal position makes the body occupy a different space than a fully extended person. His recommendations are based on his experience in rescue work and the conditions in which victims have been found among collapsed structures.
Is it advisable to leave the house during an earthquake?
In a second video, the Mexican Topo stated that people located on the first, second, or third floor could go out to the street if conditions allow safely leaving the building, because, according to his explanation, they would have a better chance of doing so before a possible collapse.
For those on the fourth or fifth floor, he said they could try to go down only when it is possible to complete the route in less than 30 seconds and walking calmly.
What he recommended for those on higher floors
For people located above those levels, the rescuer recommended not trying to go down during the earthquake, due to the risk of debris falling on stairs, roofs, or other building components.
As an alternative, he mentioned the possibility of going to the rooftop, provided the access is safe and that there are no objects, installations, or materials there that could fall, explode, or cause injuries.
Protection measures depend on each building
The possibility of evacuating or staying inside a building during an earthquake depends on factors such as the type of construction, the floor where the person is located, the available routes, and the authorities’ instructions.
Therefore, besides knowing different protection recommendations, it is important to identify in advance the safety zones and evacuation routes of the building.
El Universal (Mexico) / GDA.
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from El Universal (GDA), and was reviewed by the journalist.