DDM Advises Public on How To Reduce Risk During An Earthquake

Says article printed in The Anguillian on February 19 promotes an unproven method.

The Valley, Anguilla - The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) wishes to advise the public that "Drop, Cover, and Hold" is the accepted international standard of action to take to reduce risk of injury and death during earthquakes.

The article “Triangle of Life” was printed in the February 19, 2010 issue of the Anguillian and promoted a differing approach to earthquake response actions.

The Department of Disaster Management wishes to state that this method has not been scientifically proven and that drop cover and hold is still maintained as the universal standard by Anguilla’s National Disaster Management Committee as well as the United Nations, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit, the British and International Red Cross, the US Geological Survey and many other well respected risk and disaster management organisations.
For more information on earthquakes and public education materials you are guided to contact the Department of Disaster Management at 492-2926 or access the following informational sites:

www.uwiseismic.com the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit site

http://earthquake.usgs.gov the US Geological Survey Earthquake Hazard Programme site

http://www.cdera.org/doccentre/fs_earthquakes.php the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency fact sheet site

Restating; Anguilla’s National Disaster Management Committee and the Department of Disaster Management promotes the “Drop Cover and Hold” methodology to reduce risk of injury and death during earthquakes.

Drop: get under a sturdy piece of furniture, making yourself into a little ball (do not go under beds or other objects that could collapse).

Cover: keep your head and eyes protected from falling or flying objects. Cover your head with one hand.

 
Hold: with your other hand, hold onto the piece of furniture. If it moves, move with it. Stay under shelter until you are sure the shaking has stopped.