Are you prepared?

As you probably already know, Japan is a land of earthquakes. An earthquake can happen anytime and when it does being prepared can save your life.

We learned how devastating earthquakes can be on January 17th 1995, when a big quake hit Kobe. More than 5,400 people died. Big earthquakes are often followed big smaller aftershocks that can also be dangerous and there are also fires.

Also remember to stay alert for the Tsunami (tidal wave) warnings. If you are near the ocean or a river when an earthquake occurs, don’t hesitate but evacuate immediately. Tidal waves often come more than once and the 2nd or 3rd wave can be bigger than the previous so please be careful.

Earthquakes cannot be predicted, but you can prepare yourself.
Here some Useful information to help you.

Be prepared!

• ◆ First, make your home as safe as possible

  There are simple things you can do like arranging your furniture so that nothing heavy falls on you while you are sleeping and don’t hang mirrors and pictures above your bed either. Store heavy objects on lower shelves and keep flammable things away from stoves and heaters. If you have small children, putting shatter-preventing film on windows and glass doors is an very easy and inexpensive way to protect children from being hurt by flying glass.
  Remember to always turn off-the gas when you aren't using it and buy a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

• ◆ It is also important to talk with your family members about how to evacuate and how to get in touch in case of separation

  If you have children it is useful to practice evacuation regularly to help them remember what to do and so it may be less frightening when it does happen.

• ◆ Find out where the nearest evacuation area is
• ◆ If you live or work near the seaside, find out about the Tsunami warning sirens and learn where to evacuate to when you hear them
• ◆ Prepare a 3-day emergency supply:

Drinking water and food (canned and dehydrated) First aid kit Candles & matches Flashlight & extra batteries Radio & extra batteries Copies of passports, alien registration card, bank-book etc Clothes Coins for the telephone Anything else you feel important, but remember, you must be able to carry it with you

What to do in an Earthquake

Most Earthquakes are over within one minute,

At home

• ・Shelter under a desk or table. Protect your head with a cushion or pillow.
• ・Open the front door to secure an exit.
• ・Turn off the gas. (before you evacuate, turn of the main gas and electrical breakers)
• ・Do not attempt to go downstairs if you are on the second floor.

At the office

• ・Protect your head and take shelter under the nearest desk.
• ・Watch out for bookshelves, cabinets and other furniture that can fall.

At the super market

• ・Cover your head with your bag or anything available and get away from the aisles.
• ・Shelter near a wall or large pillar. Do not run towards the exits which are often made out of big glass walls.

In an underground shopping center or underground station

• ・Shelter near a wall or large pillar.
• ・Do not panic if the lights go out. Emergency lights will come on quickly.
• ・Do not panic and rush towards the exit. In general, the underground is safer.

Outside

• ・Cover your head and watch out for falling glass from broken windows.
• ・Get to an open space area or take cover in the entrance of a building.
• ・Stay away from fallen power lines.

Near the sea or cliffs

• ・Evacuate immediately to a safe place away from the mountainside or slope to avoid landslides.
• ・Evacuate immediately to higher grounds away from the seashore to avoid tsunami (big tidal waves).

When driving

• ・Slow down gently, pull over to the left side of the road and turn of your engine.
• ・Wait inside the car until the quake subsides.
• ・If you have to abandon your car, leave the key in the car and take only the car registration with you.

After the earthquake

• ◆ Expect aftershocks!

  Secondary aftershocks are usually smaller but they can still do damage to a building that are already weakened by the first quake so be careful.

• ◆ Get together with your neighbors and help each other.
• ◆ Get information. Ask if someone speak English and request that they inform you about important things.
• ◆ If you are still at home, check for gas leaks and other damages to your house. If you are at all unsure about the safety of your home ……leave and go to the evacuation area.
• ◆ Remember to stay alert for the Tsunami (tidal wave) warnings. If you are near the ocean or a river when an earthquake occurs, don't hesitate but evacuate immediately.

  Tidal waves often come more than once and the 2nd or 3rd wave can be bigger than the previous so please be careful.

Disasters can be other than earthquakes, Typhoon season is June-September in Japan. When a typhoon draws near, please pay close attention to the weather reports. Don't go mounting hiking, fishing or swimming in the ocean. The weather can turn nasty very quickly.