Earthquakes come wrapped in old advice and viral misinformation — and some of it is genuinely dangerous. A few of these myths could get someone hurt during the very moment they're trying to stay safe. Here are eight of the most common, with what the science actually says.
1 "Stand in a doorway — it's the safest spot."
MYTHThis dates back to old adobe houses where the doorframe was the sturdiest part.
FACTIn a modern building, a doorway is no stronger than the rest of the structure, and you can be hurt by a swinging door. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table instead.
2 "Run outside as fast as you can."
MYTHInstinct says get out — but moving during shaking is when most injuries happen.
FACTThe area just outside a building is one of the most dangerous places, where falling glass, signage and debris land. Stay inside, get low, and cover your head until the shaking stops.
3 "The 'triangle of life' is better than Duck, Cover, Hold."
MYTHA viral email claimed you should lie beside furniture, not under it.
FACTEmergency agencies worldwide reject the "triangle of life." In modern buildings the main hazard is falling objects, not total collapse — so Drop, Cover, and Hold On remains the recommended action.
4 "Small earthquakes release pressure and prevent a big one."
MYTHIt sounds reassuring after a swarm of small quakes.
FACTThe energy scale is enormous: each step up in magnitude is about 32 times more energy. It would take roughly a thousand magnitude-4 quakes to release the energy of a single magnitude-6 — so small quakes barely dent the stored strain of a large one.
5 "Animals (or certain people) can predict earthquakes."
MYTHStories of restless animals before a quake circulate after every event.
FACTThere is no reliable scientific evidence that animals — or anyone — can predict earthquakes. Animals act unusually for countless reasons, and with millions of pets, a few will always seem "off" by chance before a quake.
6 "There's such a thing as earthquake weather."
MYTHHot, still, or "strange" weather supposedly signals a coming quake.
FACTEarthquakes begin kilometres underground, far below any weather. Studies have found no correlation between weather and earthquakes. "Earthquake weather" is a superstition, not a signal.
7 "Scientists can predict the exact date and place of the next quake."
MYTHViral posts routinely "warn" of a quake on a specific date.
FACTNo one can predict the precise time, place, and size of a future earthquake. Scientists work in probabilities and long-term hazard — which is why preparation, not prediction, is what keeps people safe. Ignore any post claiming an exact date.
8 "During 'The Big One', the Philippines will split apart or sink."
MYTHSensational videos show islands crumbling into the sea.
FACTA major quake like a West Valley Fault rupture would cause severe, localized damage and ground rupture along the fault trace — not the archipelago sinking. The real risks are collapsing buildings, fires, and lifeline failures, which is exactly why preparedness matters.
The one thing to remember
Almost every myth here has the same fix: you can't predict or outsmart an earthquake, but you can be ready for one. Learn Drop, Cover, and Hold On, know your building and your nearest fault, and keep a go-bag. That's what actually saves lives.
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Keep going: the earthquake safety guide, aftershocks explained, and magnitude vs. intensity.
Sources: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program FAQs (animal prediction, doorways, earthquake weather, energy/magnitude); Earthquake Country Alliance (myths); PHIVOLCS safety guidance.