Quote Originally Posted by PamNY View Post
Elevator areas -- does that mean standing next to the elevator would be safer in an earthquake?

My building is an old (built in 1910) office building that was converted to residential -- so I assume the original walls would be stronger than the walls that were added?

From what I've read, I'd guess the stairwell without windows and right next to the elevator would be safest -- does that sound reasonable?
The area of the elevator shaft is reinforced -- safe to stand next to it as the doors are not open. The problem with stairwells is that they are dangerous if people are running down. When I lived in Mexico City, we huddled next to the elevator during an earthquake (8th floor of a building). In Lima, we'd open the doors to the patio/garden and stand in the patio until we could no longer hear what we call 'the rumor' (which I think simply the wave coming and going .... in Lima, you will hear the rumor before you feel the shaking; the one time I felt an earthquake in Evanston, I woke up to that distinctive sound). It's interesting how earthquakes feel different depending on where you are. In Mexico City, I recall the shaking was side to side, while in Lima is more up and down.