Earthquake advice a bit shaky

An email advising people against taking cover under desks during an earthquake has been labelled misleading by New Zealand authorities.

Civil Defence is warning the public against heeding advice printed in the email sometimes known as the Triangle of Life which, it says, is from a source that has been discredited overseas.

Civil Defence spokesman John Hamilton said the email was circulating around New Zealand.

It includes the "dangerous statement" that people who get under objects like desks or cars are crushed.

That advice was wrong, he said.

The best advice was to drop, cover and hold if an earthquake struck, Hamilton said.

"In a severe earthquake, it is absolutely vital that people respond immediately. Confusion about what to do can result in people getting seriously injured or killed," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News