Originally Posted by
wwu123
Not to trivialize natural disasters, but I heard from co-workers that if you're in Japan in a large public venue or meeting and everyone's mobile goes off at once, then everyone stops what they're doing and checks their phone, that's probably the earthquake alert systemwarning of a potential imminent quake.
Whereupon it is observed that no one ACTUALLY moves to a location of safety, instead they just stop moving and waits quietly for about 30 seconds, then resumes their business or activity. The explanation being that the alert gives just a few seconds warning usually, and so if it doesn't hit in 30 seconds, it was a false alarm. But if it does hit ... hmm?
In a large public venue, particularly a modern one, you are probably as safe, if not safer, than anywhere else. People will hang on for 30 seconds as there's no point going elsewhere. Those in shops and Malls may likely behave a little differently, perhaps avoiding furnishings or displays that could tip or from places with excessive quantities of glass.
An early warning would give MrLapLap or his co-workers ample time to get themselves down from a cherry picker or from ladders in a tall building - which will probably survive the quake but sway wildly. Those at home can open up doors and means of exit so that they aren't wedged shut and impede escape.
Those in areas at risk of tsunami face a different dilemma.
People's actions will vary depending on where they are.
As for "if it does hit... hmm?", the question is what happened when it did hit, and at some point it will again.