Bryce wrote:
> "Kevin Gowen" <kgowenNOSPAM@myfastmail.com> wrote in message
> news:2u1s6mF20urulU12@uni-berlin.de...
> 
>>John W. wrote:
>>
>>>Fabian wrote:
>>> > Kevin Gowen hu kiteb:
>>> >
>>> >> I never understood the Japanese practice of hiding under things
>>> >> during an earthquake.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Me neither. You should really hide next to something, not under
>>> > something.
>>> >
>>>Being next to a table doesn't stop stuff from hitting you on the head.
>>>Ever had a piece of ceiling plaster hit you? Or a book? Etc.
>>
>>Whoosh.
>>
>>- Kevin
> 
> 
> I've gotta agree with Kevin on this one. Just compiling the numbers of
> injuries in different areas throughout different earthquakes will show that
> being "next to something substantial" is much better than being "under
> something substantial". Live bodies are usually found inside voids in rubble
> which are caused by buildups against substantial items. Some studies suggest
> also that standing in a "doorway" is the last thing you wanna do. Headers
> can slice you in half and things never fall down around them as many have
> suggested.
> 
I'd be interested in seeing those numbers. Everything I've ever heard 
says that most injuries are from things falling and hitting you, and 
sitting next to a table (etc.) isn't going to prevent something from 
hitting you on the head.

But I'm certain the whoosh is now tripled.

John W.