5 MYTHS ABOUT NATURAL DISASTERS

Even if you're not in Kansas anymore, it's critical to have science-backed info about tornadoes, fires, and more.

- KATE ROCKWOOD

1 MYTH: You should stand in a doorway during an earthquake.

MYTHBUSTER

Nope, that's old advice. This myth stems from the fact that doorways of old adobe homes remained standing after earthquakes, “but in modern buildings, doorways offer no extra protection,” says Krista Houk, director of planning and preparedness for IEM International, Inc., a disaster-recovery and emergency-management organization. Also, standing puts you at risk of being hit with flying objects, she adds. The best thing to do is drop, cover yourself, and hold on. Crawl under a sturdy table or desk and wait until the shaking stops. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, do a little prep: Secure cabinets, anchor heavy furniture, and use museum wax (a microcrystalline wax) to hold fragile items in place, Houk says, “and avoid hanging heavy objects over beds—they can become hazards while you sleep.”

2 MYTH: Before a tropical storm, tape your windows to prevent them from shattering.

MYTHBUSTER