"Triangle of Life" - a theory that will survive in the earthquake

The first experience of the rescuer Doug Kopp received in Mexico City during the earthquake of 1985, when entered into the destroyed building of the local school. According to him, all the children died because they followed instructions Duck and Cover ( «Drop, Cover and Hold"), and were flattened caps desks, beneath which were hidden.

Doug Copp argues that if they were near their desks, not under them, the chances of survival have it would be much more, because they are in a space that Kopp calls the "triangle life. "

What is the "triangle of life"

The essence of this theory is that the crumbling structure easily breaks through and crushes horizontal surfaces and harder - vertical posts, poles, walls of furniture and other objects of the vertical. Therefore, around verticals formed cavity and spaces that Doug Copp and called the "triangle of life".

When you select an object to hide it is necessary to pay attention to its size and strength. The higher these parameters, the more reliably and the "triangle of life".

10 recommendations from Doug Copp, how to behave during an earthquake

1. When an earthquake or in any case can not take refuge in transport or in a building.
2. Take a fetal position in the "triangle of life".
3. The safest in the earthquake - a wooden building. They are followed by the building of bricks. The most dangerous - concrete.
4. If you woke up from the shock, then quickly slide down to the floor and stay near the bed.
5. If you can not leave the building (paragraph 1), then proceed in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 4.
6. Do not stand in the doorway.
7. Never stand on the steps.
8. If possible, you are near exterior walls. So you will have a better chance to escape.
9. Once you have left the vehicle (item 1), if there is a risk of collapse of the adjacent buildings, lie down next to him.
10. Large piles of paper in offices form the "triangle of life".

In support of his theory, Doug Copp and ARTI rescue team together with the government Turkey and the University of Istanbul in 1996 made a film, confirming the correctness of the triangle theory life. For the film, they were placed in the building 20 mannequins, 10 of which have been installed according to instructions Duck and Cover, and 10 - on the theory of the triangle of life. After simulation of earthquake they entered the ruined building, documented and made all the above film, the main conclusion of which was a confirmation of the theory of Doug Copp and insolvency Duck and instructions Cover.

Criticism of the "triangle of life"

In response to the released film and the viral spread of the life of the triangle theory there are many applications for the scientific inadequacy and danger of this theory. Critics are not limited to those that cast doubt on the theory itself, but also the personality of the Coppa gets fairly. For example, a journalist The Albuquerque Journal conducted its own investigation, in which said weak the reliability of real-world experience in the Coppa rescue operations and the propensity of the latter to exaggeration and self-praise.

The weakness of the theory of "Geological messenger US" sees that during an earthquake larger items can be moved both vertically and on horizontally, so it is very difficult to predict the location of these "triangles of life" and there is a risk of collapse before being crushed by moving massive objects.

In addition, statistics show that the majority of injuries and deaths - the consequences of not collapsing buildings and falling heavy or sharp objects. Therefore, when spending time in the analysis, searching and moving to the "triangle of life" you run the risk of losing precious moments to ensure that a shelter near the furniture or the bearing wall.

Petals Marla (Marla Petal), Coppa critic theory, draws attention to the fact that the experiment was a simulation, not the real situation: there was no horizontal movement of objects, the building was destroyed equipment, destroyed the bearing support, which had the effect of flattening. In addition, the mannequins were placed in advance in the "triangle of life", but in reality, we must also get to him.

Generally, the Coppa critics and supporters of the traditional theory of a very negative attitude to any movements during earthquake, as much increases the risk of injury from shattered, falling, flying objects and debris, and broken rearing floors. It is also not advised to roll out of bed - for the same reasons - or to take refuge in the outer wall.

Some critics reservations

However, at all points "against" the critics make a reservation, that the strategy of behavior may be different because of the quality standards of architectural structures in different countries. Critics admit that the "triangle of life" may be more useful for the complete destruction of plants that most often It occurs in shock, or in developing countries where the quality of buildings is far from the standards seismic resistance.

Red Cross not solved categorically state that the variant behavior during earthquakes proposed Kopp, invalid or is unacceptable, but it argues that the traditional strategy of Duck and Cover is not wrong, at least for USA.

We do not share their recommendations to other countries. What works here may not work in other countries. It is likely that the so-called method for the determination of voids or "triangle of life" can really be the best practice in countries where the risk of collapse of the building is great.

But if the seismic resistance of the building we can find to the earthquake, how do we predict its effect? Considering also that the training of the triangle theory life harder training and the traditional theory that the 12 thousand times more often people are faced not with a devastating and earthquakes are injured or killed by falling objects, critics insist tactics Duck and Cover is still more preferable during earthquakes.

The choice is ours

As a result, we're staying with you to choose variants of behavior during an earthquake. Of course, no need to wait for an emergency to start thinking about how to respond. The first thing we can do - to study or even read instructions for survival by Layfhakera. As for earthquakes, there are general guidelines, which are suitable for both points of view.

Before the earthquake,

• Learn all you can about the strength and degree of seismic stability of your building.
• Secure, reinforce the well-set all that can fall off, get off, most of the furniture screw to the wall.
• All that may fall or break, no matter how well it may be fixed, set well away from sofas and beds, where family members are resting.
• Never obstruct passages.
• Keep flammable and poisonous liquid in safe, scratch-resistant containers.
• Predefine a safe place, appropriately chosen theory.
• Prepare anxious briefcase or emergency kit in case of emergency.
• Develop a clear and easy to implement the action plan.

At the time of the earthquake

• Do not panic. To do this, proceed according to a predetermined plan.
• Be prepared to improvise.
• Stay away from windows.
• Remember that it is best to stay in the building, hidden in a safe place.
• If you wish to leave the building is large, then at least some sense in it, if you can do it for 15-20 seconds and are not above the third floor.
• Do not jump out the window if you are not on the ground floor.
• In the dark, did not include light (due to damaged wire may short-circuit and fire), do not light a match, if the building or nearby there is a gas pipeline, use a hand-held flashlight.
• If you are outdoors, move as far away from buildings and power lines.
• In the mountains, beware of landslides.
• Do not try to keep his balance, holding the trees that at shocks can work as a steel spring.

after the earthquake,

• Look around and assess the situation.
• Examine yourself and others for injuries and wounds, do not rely on what you feel, if something wrong would happen to your body. The shock from the experience may not give you the feel the pain.
• Provide first aid needy.
• Turn off the electricity.
• Put out the fire.
• When looking for some items in the closets, remember that the contents can move, so open the door carefully.
• Remember splinters and other dangerous objects on the floor. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that covers the body as much as possible, wear heavy gloves.
• Check the strength of ladders and other structures.
• Be prepared for aftershocks.

These are general guidelines and principles of behavior during earthquakes. If you have a concern or you live in an area with high seismic risk, it is best to examine in more detail this topic. Well, I am in any case, I wish that this knowledge is never useful to you.