Roadtown, Tortola - The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is dismissing the alternative strategies outlined in a widely circulated article entitled Triangle of Life, in which the author Mr. Doug Copp discourages the traditional drop, cover and hold on safety measures in the event of an earthquake.

The article, originally written about five years ago, has been increasingly circulated since the January 12 deadly earthquake in Haiti and it is beginning to create hysteria and confusion among the local population.

The article by Mr. Copp is presented as a definitive strategy for protecting oneself during an earthquake. In his article, Mr. Copp discourages traditional 'drop, cover and hold on' earthquake safety measures, such as going under a desk or bed.  Rather he suggests that persons should curl up into a fetal position next to a large bulky object such as a sofa, which when crushed by a fallen ceiling will have a void next to it. He wrote, “This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’ ...Cats dogs and babies all naturally often curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it."

However, the DDM does not support Mr. Copp’s recommendation and has issued a statement on the content of the article.  According to the DDM Director, Ms. Sharleen Da Breo, “Here in the Virgin Islands, buildings usually conform to building codes and regulations which allow for stronger and more substantial structures. Hence, the crumbling of buildings in this Territory, which would crush occupants as described in Mr. Copp's Triangle of Life assertion, is not expected.”

Ms. Da Breo further assured the public that earthquake safety instructions provided by the DDM and other disaster management agencies worldwide, are in keeping with recommendations from highly credible international agencies. “These entities spend a tremendous amount of time examining the impact of earthquakes with an effort to providing appropriate safety guidance for the public,” Ms. Da Breo affirmed.

The DDM chief reminded residents of the Virgin Islands that, “We live in an area prone to earthquake activity, and as such we should adhere to planning and building laws and guidelines and take the necessary precautions to ensure that homes, schools and workplaces are 'earthquake safe'. “These measures include securing heavy furniture, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed and anchoring tall furniture to wall studs among others.” She also noted that earthquake safety tips are not to be used blindly. “Scientists continue to advise that people should remain calm and alert, eyes wide open, protect their heads and faces during an earthquake by going under a strong desk and holding on and to use reasonable judgment for personal safety,” she advised.

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC) has also expressed its reservations about Mr. Copp’s article. In a statement issued on January 28, 2010, the centre said, “Mr. Copp is viewed with skepticism in the United States and because buildings do not usually collapse in the US, his advice is not considered important in the US strategy during an earthquake.” 

The UWI SRC further stated, “While we do not doubt that Mr. Copp sees these empty triangles in collapsed buildings after an earthquake, it is unknown if during the earthquake these "triangles of life" are impacted in any way which may make them unsafe areas. It has therefore been suggested that a proper scientific study into the matter by civil and structural engineers, seismologists and the like be undertaken, before the ‘triangle of life’ can be a recommended strategy for use during an earthquake, in which structures crumble.”

The DDM cautioned that earthquake preparedness levels should remain at the highest because of the seismically active zone in which the Territory is located.