Duck-and-cover? Really?
Posted by Kate on Friday, March 10, 2006
This picture was in a CNN photo gallery along with other photos from the storm that is currently hitting the "southern states." The following sentence is the caption that went with it.
"Students at Lincoln Elementary School in Evansville, Indiana, practice getting into the duck-and-cover position after the National Weather Service warned of hazardous weather, including possible tornadoes, in the area."
I can't believe they still practice duck-and-cover! Now I am not a doctor or anything but it seems to me exposing your backbone like that maybe not such a good idea. I mean really, with your head down like that you wouldn't be able to get out of the way of large falling debris.
I suppose if there was glass swirling around in the air you would want to protect your internal organs... But if there were larger things swirling around in the air I would want to see, to be able to get away from them.
And if they are worried about tornadoes shouldn't they be taught to grab hold of something? If a tornado did come through they would be sucked right up!
The photo makes me think of a comedy routine by Lewis Black where he mocks the practice of duck-and-cover while talking about homeland security. He compares the practice to buying duck tape to protect yourself from a chemical attack.
So I guess I am just wondering whether there is really any current scientific evidence that supports the practice or if it just a placebo to make children feel safe. And if it is just a placebo, well that is horrible, because these children could be taught things that might actually protect them instead...
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