When an earthquake strikes, we often wonder where to live on the first floor, the middle floor, or the top floor, which is a simple question, but in fact it is quite interesting. Suppose that if an earthquake strikes and everyone rushes down the stairs like chickens' blood, wouldn't it be a picture of panic? But don't worry, let's take a look at the scientific data first.
Earthquakes are extremely devastating natural disasters that pose a serious threat to the lives and property of residents. In 2023 alone, there were 17 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher on the mainland. The data shows that there are an average of 20 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher in the mainland every year, and this kind of geological activity is the norm around us. We often hear about the likelihood of survival on different floors in an earthquake, but in reality, there are many factors that need to be considered to understand this issue correctly.
Is it easier to stay on the first floor?
This question sounds reasonable, after all, the first floor is running fast, and it looks like the safest place. But was that really the case when the earthquake struck? We have to look at what the city looks like today. With the rapid development of urbanization, there are more and more high-rise buildings, and they are densely packed. So, even if you live on the ground floor, it may not be easy to run out. When an earthquake happens, the streets may be blocked, cars, wreckage everywhere, how do you run?
Secondly, living on the ground floor can also mean the risk of being submerged under the rubble. When an earthquake strikes, the building may collapse and the upper floors will be pressed down, and the people on the first floor will be in trouble and may be unable to move. Another problem is that when an earthquake strikes, everyone panics and doesn't know what to do. Even if you live on the first floor, you may not be able to escape in a short time. Nowadays, the city is densely populated and the streets are narrow, so there are not many opportunities to run out.
In addition, after an earthquake, rescue operations often take time. If you're trapped under the rubble on the first floor, the wait for rescue can be long, and your chances of survival are reduced accordingly. So, living on the ground floor is not foolproof. In the face of an earthquake, the key is to stay calm, find a safe place to evacuate, and try to avoid being crushed or injured by something that has been crushed or fallen by buildings. The most important thing is to improve self-rescue ability and disaster response awareness.
Is it better to have a high or low floor?
When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves travel from the ground to the surface and then upwards to affect buildings. In general, the destructive power of seismic waves increases gradually, and the higher you go, the stronger they become.
For low-rise buildings, seismic waves have less impact because low-rise houses don't need to withstand much force. However, as the number of floors increases, the building needs to be more supportive and earthquake-resistant.
Modern high-rise buildings are usually designed to be strictly earthquake-resistant, using materials such as reinforced concrete to withstand large seismic forces. Comparatively speaking, high-rise buildings shake more in the event of an earthquake, but the overall structure is more stable and less prone to collapse.
Therefore, from the perspective of earthquake resistance, high-rise buildings are more resistant in the face of strong earthquakes. Low-rise buildings may be relatively safe, but it also depends on the specific building structure and seismic rating.
The height of the floor is not absolutely good or bad, the key is the seismic resistance and design level of the building. In the event of an earthquake, it is important to stay calm, find a safe place to shelter, and take effective self-rescue measures to improve your chances of survival.
How to increase your chances of surviving an earthquake
Improving your chances of surviving an earthquake doesn't just depend on the height of the floor. The most important thing is to stay calm and alert. When an earthquake strikes, don't panic and quickly find a safe place to evacuate, such as under a table, in a corner of a wall, or other place that provides shelter.
Second, try to avoid getting trapped or injured. In the aftermath of an earthquake, try to avoid the dangers of falling objects and collapsed buildings, find a place to protect yourself, and ensure ventilation and escape routes.
In addition, it is important to prepare some necessary supplies. After an earthquake, there may be no outside help for a while, so having some survival necessities like food, water, medicine, flashlights, etc., can help you get through difficult times.
There is also the need to learn to work together. In the face of disaster, mutual help and cooperation are of paramount importance. Try to stay in touch with family, neighbours or co-workers and take care of each other to get through this together.
In addition, we can also enhance our response capabilities by participating in earthquake emergency drills, and understand the correct way to act and self-rescue methods in the event of an earthquake.
A forbidden act when an earthquake comes
Don't panic. When an earthquake strikes, it's crucial to stay calm and not run or scream blindly, which increases the likelihood of injury.
Second, don't hide in places that are prone to collapse. Avoid hiding under large furniture, glass, windows, closets, or hanging objects, as these may hurt you.
Also, try to avoid using elevators. In the event of an earthquake, elevators may have power outages or malfunctions, leaving you trapped in them. It is best to choose stairs as an escape route.
Also, don't run to the top of a building or a high floor. If you are in a tall building at the time of the earthquake, do not try to run to the roof or outside, as doing so increases the risk of falling.
Finally, don't spread false information or panic. In the aftermath of an earthquake, you should follow the information and instructions issued by the authorities and avoid spreading false information to avoid causing unnecessary panic and confusion.