What do you do during an earthquake?

Countermeasure for Preventing Earthquakes

②If the Tokai Earthquake occurs…

Strong tremor caused by earthquakes can lasts for 1-2 minutes. During that

time, there is a possibility that various things may occur, such as collapse of the

house, fire, furniture collapsing and dishes falling and scattering. In this

case, try to stay calm and do not panic.

・Stay away from furniture that can fall over

easily, and hide under the nearest desk or

table.

・When the tremor has settled, extinguish any

fires as soon as possible.

・Do not run outdoors in a panic.

・Avoid going close to narrow alleyways, high buildings and block walls.

・Be careful for landslides.

・Along the coast, tidal waves (tsunami) will approach soon. Evacuate to higher

ground or building as soon as possible.

・Take refuge on foot and do not use an elevator. Please take only a minimal

amount of belongings with you.

・Cooperate and perform first aid for one another.

Tidal Waves (Tsunami)

A tidal wave is not simply a big wave. The sea level rises and water instantly

washes over the land as in a flood. When there is a big earthquake or even a

weak one that shakes for a long period of time, get away from the coast as soon

as possible and evacuate to a hill, high ground, or the nearest building.

Characteristics of a tidal wave

・Tidal waves will hit repeatedly, several times

・The first wave may not necessarily be the strongest wave

・Caution is needed for more than 12 hours, at least

③After the earthquake

・Evacuate to the designated evacuation area for your neighborhood.

In most cases, the evacuation areas are the local elementary or junior high

schools. Please be careful when you evacuate, as unsupported block walls or

vending machines may collapse. Also be careful for signposts and glass.

・Listen to correct information

Pay attention to television, radio, and public announcement by local

governments and not be bothered by rumors.

・Check for safety

Gather together with your friends/family and check that everyone is safe.

Also, get in contact with your Municipal Office and Embassy (Consulate).

You can confirm each other’ safety by utilizing the NTT message dial system for

disasters.

To record message from disaster area

１．Dial 171

２．Press 1

３．Dial your home telephone number including area code

４．Press 1 and # and leave your message

５．Press 9 and #

To listen to a message from a non- disaster area

１．Dial 171

２．Press 2

３．Dial telephone number in disaster area

４．Press 1 and #

・Follow the regulations and be careful for hygiene

The evacuation area is a cohabitation facility. Follow the rules and try to

communicate with surrounding Japanese citizen and cooperate with each

other.

・Do not enter collapsed houses. It is very dangerous.

④Daily preparation

In case of a real disaster, prepare yourselves by participating in disaster

drills in your neighborhood, inspect and prepare supplies on a regular basis.

・Be aware of the evacuation area and route to get there

Each neighborhood has a designated evacuation area. Please check with your

neighbors if you aren’t sure.

・Discuss how to contact your friends and family and home country

・To prevent turning over and collapse of furniture

Try not to set up furniture and television in the bedroom, living room, and

infant’s rooms. Fix unstable furniture with specific metal fittings. Stick anti-

scattering film to glass.

・Have an extinguisher at hand

・Prepare and pack food, water and emergency

supplies, storing it at a place that you can access at any time. Take its weight into

consideration. For men, it should be less than 15 kg and for women less than 10 kg.

List of Emergency Supplies

Enough food and water to last 7 days, including

3 days of emergency

Flashlight, Candles

Matchsticks, Cigarette lighter

Portable radio, Batteries

Passport, Alien Registration Card

Cash, Bankbook

First Aid Kit (If you currently use medicine for illness or injury, do not forget to

bring them)

Sleeping bag, Blanket

Can opener, Knife

Tissue paper, Towel, Soap

Clothing, Underwear

Gloves, Rope, Helmet

⑤Predicting the Tokai Earthquake

Predictions for the Tokai Earthquake involves observing data on the

observation equipment 24 hours a day, watching for any abnormal activity and

if there is, to evaluate whether it may be related to the occurrence of the Tokai

Earthquake. The observations are led by the Meteorological Agency along

with other national organizations.

If the Meteorological Agency defines observation data as abnormal, the

Regional Determining Committee for Strengthening Earthquake Disaster

Prevention is called together. If it is concluded that the Tokai Earthquake may

occur, the Prime Minister will issue an official warning for Tokai Earthquake.

What it means to issue a warning:

If an official warning has been issued for a certain region, it means that the

region may experience intense tremors and tidal waves. Thus you must take

safety measures to prevent any disasters.

The social conditions when an official warning has been issued:

・Electricity, gas: Can be used but try not to use as much as possible

・Telephone: Can be used but try not to use as much as possible

・Water supply: Can be used but stock water as much as possible

・School, Kindergarten: Children will be dismissed and guardians must pick

them up

・Road: To keep the evacuation route open, traffic will be regulated. Do not use

cars when an official warning has been issued. If you are driving, drive at

reduced speed.

・Bullet trains, Railways: Stop at the nearest, safe station

・Bus, Ship: Routes will be canceled and stop operation

・Hospitals: Close outpatient consultation

・Bank, Department stores, etc: Generally, close business transaction

immediately (Some ATMs can be used)

If an official warning is issued:

・You act immediately according to previous arrangements among your family

and friends.

・Get information through television and radio

Also pay attention to information provided by municipal offices.

・Take measures to prevent fires

Try not to use heat/gas in order to avoid occurrence of fire. Turn off gas at the

main connection.

・Look after school children

Bring your children home from school and kindergarten according to previous

arrangement.

・Make repeated safety checks around the house

Put away objects from high places and check that furniture and shelve fittings

are securely fastened. After an earthquake, it is quite likely that doors cannot

be opened; so keep the entrance doors open.

・Prepare water and fire extinguishers

・Change into casual clothing

Protect your head by wearing a helmet and change into casual clothing. Keep

your shoes on, so you don’t lose them in the mess that may occur.

・Check your emergency supplies: Flashlight; Blanket; First Aid Kit; Candles; Knife; Cigarette lighter

・People in dangerous area should evacuate immediately

People in danger of tidal wave and landslides should evacuate at once.

・If you are going to be away from home, leave a note of your family’s safety

and whereabouts where it is easily noticeable.

Source: Shizuoka Prefecture Earthquake Disaster Control Center

At the Earthquake Disaster Control Center, you can gain information and

learn about earthquakes. You can also experience a simulation of earthquake,

fire extinguishing, and evacuating from fire. In addition, at the tidal wave

corner, you can watch the reality of tidal waves through an indoor aquarium.

Emergency supplies are exhibited too.

5-9-1, Komagata-dori,

Shizuoka-shi 〒0420-0042

Tel:054-251-7100

Fax:054-251-7300

Open hours 9:00-16:00

(Closed on Mondays and New Year’s holidays)

Admission is free of charge.

“We never know what will happen tomorrow!”Prepare for the Tokai Earthquake

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See also related reading: Quake Preparedness