Since 2004, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis combined have killed over 680,000 people worldwide. The most recent event that added to this growing death toll was the Sichuan Province earthquake which took place on May 12^th of this year. The first time I heard the devastating news of this disaster, the death count was around 8,000. Today, that number has risen to over 67,000.

It seems to me that the last few years have delivered a higher frequency of large-scale natural disasters. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of these events is we can’t predict their coming. And even when we have some idea of where and when they’ll strike, we can never be sure. A good example of this is hurricanes Jeanne and Ivan. I was living in Tampa, Florida the year these hurricanes hit. During the approach of both storms, we were informed that our area would be directly affected. After a lot of emotional stress and worry, we were fortunately spared from the devastation. This, of course, meant that millions of people who were told they were not anywhere near the hurricanes’ paths were stricken with the full force of these destructive forces.

Thinking about history’s recent events has prompted me to learn the best ways to prepare for the three major causes of natural disaster deaths: earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. Because earthquakes have been most prevalent in recent news, I decided to start my research there.

The beginnings of my investigation were met with a very compelling article by Doug Copp, a self-proclaimed survival expert. Contrary to most of our grade school instruction involving getting under a large piece of furniture (like a desk or table), covering our heads, and holding on, Doug Copp’s earthquake survival measures entail lying next to a large object such as a couch or bed. This, he says, will save lives because large items do not compact. Instead, they leave a triangular void around their perimeter. These areas are most commonly knows as “triangles of life.”

Copp’s article contains many persuasive yet controversial survival measures. For example, he advises his readers to get out and lie next to their cars in an earthquake. According to Copp, this increases the chance for survival because cars, being very large and heavy, create sizeable triangular voids.

While deciding to write this post, I was hoping to find a new twist on the best earthquake survival methods; this article seemed to be the perfect solution. It is fascinating and completely different from what I was taught growing up. Although I was quite excited by what I read, I decided to research Doug Copp before posting his advice list. After about 20 minutes fishing around Google, my bubble was burst. I have yet to find anything positive written about this guy. In fact, several survival groups and scientists have refuted his advice saying it’s irresponsible and not applicable to building structures and codes in the United States.

I’ve never met or spoken to Doug Copp or the organizations refuting his advice. But after reading both sides of the story, I’ve decided that sticking with the advice of FEMA and the American Red Cross will most likely yield the best survival results in an earthquake. These organizations, being dedicated to disaster prevention and recovery, are well versed in the methods of Doug Copp; they have not been persuaded by his survival techniques.

According to the American Red Cross, earthquake preparedness and recovery should entail the following:

Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan

• Choose a safe place in every room where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home
• Take a first aid class and keep your training current.
• Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Eliminate Hazards

• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Install strong latches on cupboards.
• Strap your water heater to wall studs.

Prepare a Disaster Kit for Your Home and Car With

• A First aid kit
• Essential medications.
• Canned food and a can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding
• Sleeping bags.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, the elderly, and disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so.

Know What to do When the Shaking Begins

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
• Stay away from windows.
• In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there. Protect your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Identify What to Do After the Shaking Stops

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries.
• Administer first aid to those with serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking.
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

*Information courtesy of the American National Red Cross. All rights reserved in all countries.

**For tips on hurricane and tsunami preparation, please visit http://www.shelfreliance.com/library/view/eks