During earthquakes, misinformation spreads faster than shaking itself. In real disaster scenes, I have repeatedly seen people injured not by collapsing buildings, but by following dangerous myths. As a former firefighter who worked on actual emergency responses, I will clearly separate earthquake myths from the facts that truly save lives.
- ■① Myth: “You Should Run Outside Immediately”
- ■② Myth: “Standing in a Doorway Is the Safest Spot”
- ■③ Myth: “Small Earthquakes Release Pressure”
- ■④ Myth: “Earthquakes Can Be Predicted”
- ■⑤ Myth: “Elevators Are Safe After an Earthquake”
- ■⑥ Myth: “Buildings Always Collapse in Earthquakes”
- ■⑦ Myth: “If the Shaking Stops, the Danger Is Over”
- ■⑧ The Most Dangerous Myth: “It Won’t Happen to Me”
- ■まとめ｜Knowledge Is a Life-Saving Tool
■① Myth: “You Should Run Outside Immediately”
Many people believe escaping outdoors is safest.
Fact:
- Most injuries happen near exits
- Falling glass and exterior debris are extremely dangerous
- Running during shaking causes falls and head injuries
Staying inside and protecting yourself is usually safer.
■② Myth: “Standing in a Doorway Is the Safest Spot”
This advice comes from outdated building designs.
Fact:
- Modern doorways are not reinforced
- Doors can swing violently
- You are exposed to falling objects
A sturdy table offers far better protection.
■③ Myth: “Small Earthquakes Release Pressure”
This belief creates false security.
Fact:
- Small earthquakes do not prevent larger ones
- Earthquake behavior is unpredictable
- Aftershocks can still be dangerous
Preparation must continue regardless of quake size.
■④ Myth: “Earthquakes Can Be Predicted”
Many people expect warnings days in advance.
Fact:
- Exact prediction is not possible
- Early-warning systems only provide seconds
- Preparation is the only reliable defense
Waiting for prediction costs lives.
■⑤ Myth: “Elevators Are Safe After an Earthquake”
People often try to leave quickly.
Fact:
- Elevators may stop or malfunction
- Power failures trap occupants
- Fire risk increases after shaking
Stairs are the only safe option if evacuation is required.
■⑥ Myth: “Buildings Always Collapse in Earthquakes”
Movies exaggerate reality.
Fact:
- Most buildings remain standing
- Interior hazards cause most injuries
- Furniture and glass are bigger threats
Securing indoor spaces saves more lives than fleeing.
■⑦ Myth: “If the Shaking Stops, the Danger Is Over”
This belief leads to injuries after the quake.
Fact:
- Aftershocks can be strong
- Fires and gas leaks may occur later
- Structural damage may not be visible
Caution must continue after shaking ends.
■⑧ The Most Dangerous Myth: “It Won’t Happen to Me”
Complacency is deadly.
Fact:
- Earthquakes strike without warning
- Prepared people suffer fewer injuries
- Simple actions dramatically improve survival
Preparation turns uncertainty into control.
■まとめ｜Knowledge Is a Life-Saving Tool
Earthquake myths create dangerous behavior. Replacing false beliefs with accurate knowledge changes outcomes during emergencies.
結論：
As a former firefighter who has responded to real earthquake disasters, I have seen that people who follow facts—not myths—are far more likely to survive without serious injury. Earthquakes cannot be controlled, but correct knowledge turns chaos into survivable action.
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