Add this to the list of neuroses New Yorkers are talking about in therapy in this week, we’re horrible at dealing with earthquakes. Several high rise buildings were evacuated after yesterday’s short tremors for safety precautions, but it turns out that it’s probably better to stay inside because the debris that falls off skyscrapers is often the most dangerous part of earthquakes.

They’re also built to withstand acts of god better than other structures. The City Room spoke to an earthquake safety expert from California who said the best approach would be to “drop under “anything sturdy” and “brace yourself until the shaking stops.”” The same expert also warned that plate-glass windows could fall off of buildings and cut us.

But staying put just doesn’t seem New York enough to us. Part of the reason most people left their offices was to grab a quick drink or to complain to people from other buildings about the earthquake. Crouching under desks is lame. (Photo: James Chororos/flickr)