I fear earthquakes more than house fires, floods or anything else. The reason is that I am afraid of finding myself under tones of rubble , not being able to move at all. Sometimes I find myself thinking about such paralyzing scenario when I am lying after a tiring day. I see myself unable to breath, or with one twisted arm or leg, not even able to put it right. I have seen myself living such scenarios so realistically that I get up from the couch or bed, and make sure it was all a dream ! Or at least move a bit and “free’ (move ) my arm and look at it to make sure.

Many times I have sought confidence reading about earthquake survivors drinking their urine, or whatever they did, indicating that someone under tones of rubble , may have some room to move. Although that is hardly the end of their trouble, but there was (at least ) the ability to move ones limbs and the slim hope of “doing” something when you are free to move your body.

Clusterophobia is defined as fear of tight places like elevators. That is not my problem. And I have passed through some narrow caves ..etc. But in all cases It was not too tight to move freely. It is the suffocating tightness that is the problem. So, if I was under rubble, and their was a narrow tuneel to freedom, with a ray of light, and I had to squeeze myself through it, I might not dare. Unless of course there were others around to pull me through in case I am trapped. But if I was alone, I would prefer to stay in the “cave” and not to die squeezed/paralyzed in a one-foot-wide passage to freedom.

Oh, did I tell you about some entertainment shows where the guy squeezes himself into a one-cube-foot box ??? I almost feel suffocated just watching him, and feel the urge to stand and move around (with the excuse that I am getting myself another cappa coffee)

OK. What advice do you have ??
Or do I need no advice, and to just live with it ???

It sounds like you have collapsonyaphobia.
If you are in a earthquake risk area, why not make some supports in your house to stop rubble from crushing you. for starters you could make a sort of cage to suround your bed with an escape route through the window or something.

You would not like where I live. there are caves everywhere. I spent quite a few years in the local rescue service and we handled cave rescues. I have had to get through tight spaces like you describe where something in your pocket is enough to catch and stop you. As soon as you start to panic, you will be stuck, so try learning how to calm youself down from an anxiety attack. Start with books on stress and anxiety, then move onto a councilor or therapist if you need to.
When I was in this situation, the pulse was high and the adrenalin was flowing, but my major fears were either finding a Wombat living in the hole I was moving through and getting attacked or getting flooded out which was a real threat in some areas.

Start by getting help with anxiety.

Thanks Biggzie, although I couldnt even pronounce this "collapsonyaphobia" thing <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> However, I think you are right about stress and anxiety. At times I would feel that my heart would explode.

After posting and going to other business, I thought I should have rephrased the post/ problem. It isnt very useful when the thread deals with one person's problem. Rather it should be more generalized to cover the many related cases that could take place.

I think such scenario of collpased buildings is not limited to earth quakes. Terroism, poor construction ..etc. are among many reasons that could cause a buliding to collapse. We have even seen stadiums collapsing under the weight and pressure of thousnads of scared/angry crowds. So, I think evrryone of us has to put that possibility in the "prepare for" list. In this regard, we have to ask a few questions

- What do we have to do BEFORE anything like this happen. Or is there ANYTHING that can be done to prepare for this possibility.

- What can I do if I find myself in such a situation.

You have partially answered the second question (to calm down and control ones stress), but we could use any more of your info and experiences.

Thanks again, and more thoughts and ideas are very much appreciated.

I read that and my heart sank .. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Take a deep breath and relax. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

If you're really that stressed out and anxious just even thinking about the possibility of things, then you might want to seek a doctor's opinion.

As far as building collapses, stay off crowded porches during parties. Earthquakes... seek shelter under something. Keep a flashlight handy and a whistle. Doug's many pages on being prepared are a good place to start.

I've been through quite a few earthquakes and once you realize what is happening, it's not that bad. It's that initial feeling of, "Why is the ground moving?!" that is strange. Then you remember you live in earthquake country and ride it out.

When I joined the Coast Guard one of my motivations was to overcome a deepset phobia with swimming pools. I had a wonderfull instructor who took the time to qualify me in the actual, real world saltwater of San Francisco Bay when I admitted this fact. I'm swimming with massive container ships after normal training hours because clorine made me nauseous. I had to jump the tower to stimulate abandon ship procedures. Again, my instructor just splashed enough cheap cologne on me I couldn't smell anything else. We're standing WAAAAAAAAAAAY up there, I'm the last guy to jump and graduate the following week. Then I remembered I was also afraid of hieghts. Instructor gets me into the correct form, holds me on the platform edge and says he will count to ten and push me if I haven't jumped yet. Next thing I know he yells '10!' and I'm hurtling towards eternity and several thousand gallons of clorine. Ironic thing is I spent the next 6 years in the ocean doing it's best to get me killed and still hate swimming pools. go figure <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

You can reduce the chances by avoiding parts of the world known to be vulnerable to earthquakes.

Generally edges and corners of rooms are safer (as I understand it), because the ceiling says attached at one end, which forms a protective tent space, and the other end swings down, missing the other wall. You could try to arrange to sleep against a wall.

Keep your mobile phone close at night (and during the day). Maybe keep a survival kit (eg, bottle of water and a crowbar) under the bed where you sleep. Have another crowbar elsewhere in the house so neighbors have something to dig you out with. I imagine a building which does not kill you outright will probably be survivable. You can usually expect rescue within a few days.

If you are worried about the phobia rather than the event, you can seek treatment. I expect a course could be devised involving a succession of smaller enclosed spaces. Perhaps a gentle "introduction to potholing" course would do.

There is a difference between sitting and thinking about all this and actually being in the middle of something happening.
Ive been asked about attending car accidents and how I handled all the blood. Until I was asked I didnt notice the blood. You just get in and do the job thats needed.
Fortunately I never had attend to pull anyone out of a cave, I just did the training. I got to see some fantastic caves etc that only a few people have ever seen. I only wish I could get my camera into some of those places.
Part of doing the training was to find out your limitations and to get farmiliar to those conditions. I know that after a couple of injuries that I cant get into some of the placed I have because I am not as manuverable now.
Now is the time to try a few things and see how you perform.
If you safely try thing out now, you will be able to concentrate on things that need doing if you ever need those skills.

With me, it's the lack of control. I want to be somewhere where I can DO SOMETHING about the situation.

For starters, I wouldn't want to live in a multi-story home or apartment. Pancaking is a real issue. Lath-&-plaster ceilings are heavier than sheetrock, which you can break through with your fist or foot.

As mentioned, sleep near a wall. I have a two-ft wide area between my bed and the wall. I keep a lightstick between the mattress & box springs on that side, plus my shoes & glasses. All I have to do is roll off the bed. Having a crowbar under the bed on that side would be an asset.

I don't like malls. Guess why? I try to keep in mind where the exits are. First, I get out. THEN I look for my truck. I'm not one of those fools that will only go out the same door they came in so they can find their car.

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, look at the places you go and make a plan on how to get out. Just keep in mind that sometimes ducking down beside a very sturdy piece of furniture or construction makes it far less likely that anything above is going to land FLAT on you.

A woman that I used to work with was in the locker room of a ski patrol building in the Sierras in the early '80s. When the avalanche hit the building, she was knocked or ducked to the floor beside a typical locker room bench. The lockers crashed down onto the benches. Anna survived for four days in the "tent" under the angled lockers until the search dogs found her.

Just don't let the fear of what MIGHT happen cripple you. If you feel that it is, get help. And don't feel embarrassed about it.

Sue

There is no embrasment about it, I just thought to start it the friendly way <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Better than having appointments and paying $$$$ for someone with fancy certificates. But if it proves necessary, I'll go visit them.

Thank you all. Very good ideas. I like the EDSW (every day sleep wih) items near or below bed. Although I'll think about more ideas to improve the odds.

I dont know, maybe this is too sci fi, but a simplistic intercom could be connected between teh bed and some outside building ( like a shed ) that can be used for comm in case something happen. Problem is, if you tell your neighbors about it now, they'll be able to annoy you in your least favorable times <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And this only takes care of your bedroom. If your office collpases that is another story.

Maybe someone can wear an electronic bracelet to indicates ones location in case of collapse. Oh, wives would love this to track their hubbies. But thats OK with me, have nothing to hide <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Any more ideas that are general, for a person buried ANYWHERE and ANYTIME ???