|
NuevaVida -> RE: Earthquake near DC (8/23/2011 9:25:38 PM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: hausboy
The media, unfortunately, contributed to the quake frenzy. There were some very good and clear messages they were given by local emergency mgmt authorities.....and they decided instead to focus on the more dramatic images and "joe-on-the-street". So now....... we have a lot of education to do with the public on what to do/how to react during a quake.
We kept notifying the media that if they were going to keep showing the helicopter images of people standing outside, to at least explain that unless their building was specifically evacuated for structural concerns, do NOT go outside.
People are generally safer inside, taking cover under sturdy objects like desks. There are a few exceptions--places like grocery stores, for example, where the shelving is not secured. Even then, getting to a perimeter wall is better than running outside.
Most of the unreinforced masonry that came down were chimneys and facades. People inside these structures were fine. It's when they ran outside that they almost were struck by falling debris. We are very relieved that no one was seriously injured.
Oh I don't doubt at all that the media contributed to frenzy. That happens here in California, too, when there are quakes. They make their money by sensationalizing. Perhaps the ticker about a tsunami was just to add more drama to the situation. I actually wouldn't doubt that.
And it's absolutely better to stay inside if your building is not falling down - under sturdy objects, along the perimeter, or inside a door frame. I'm glad there were no serious injuries, too.
|
|
|
|
