Quote Originally Posted by pll View Post
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.
Thanks for the tips. If there's another one I am heading for the elevator. Good point about the stairs -- but it would be less crowded in a residential building if people rushed down. Plus we all know each other and most went through 9/11 and the blackout together, so we are somewhat disaster-prepared.

I finally saw something in the newspaper about the fact that standing under buildings during an earthquake is a bad idea.

All of this has inspired me to figure out exactly what I would do if a hurricane hits here. With no car, evacuation is an adventure.