| During an earthquake
There are many earthquakes in Japan. The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, where countless precious lives and property were lost instantly, provided invaluable lessons. In the future, no matter where or when an earthquake occurs, it is important to be mentally and physically prepared in order to minimize losses.
○ Pre-disaster measures
(1) Confirm where the safest place is in your house or apartment.
(2) Store enough drinking water : 2-3 liters per person per day.
(3) Prepare a backpack or emergency bag and leave it in a place known to all members of the family. Place all necessary items in the bag.
For example:
(a) a flash light and batteries, (b) drinking water and food, (c) a portable radio (d) cash (including ?10 coins to be used at a public phone booth), (e) personal identification, passport, bankbooks etc., (f) matches, lighter, and candles, (g) emergency kit (do not forget any special medication that may be needed), (h) a helmet or protective headgear, (i) cotton work gloves, socks and underwear, (j) blankets and waterproof plastic sheets, (k) rope,
etc.
(4) Secure furniture with metal fittings to prevent them from falling over.
(5) Cover all glass windows, cupboards, shelves, etc., with a protective, shatter-proof film.
(6) Make a note of emergency contact phone numbers and other contact details with someone who speaks your language.
(7) Confirm the location of the nearest emergency shelter and hospital, and how to get there. Contact your local municipal office for details regarding the nearest emergency shelter. See p. 120 City/Village Listing to locate your municipal office.
○ During an Earthquake
(1) Secure your own personal safety first; take cover at the nearest safe place.
(2) Turn off any gas, gas cookers, etc. in use. Turn off all appliances, such as cooking and heating appliances that may cause a fire. If a fire breaks out, use a fire extinguisher to put it out quickly.
(3) Open all doors including the front door to secure an escape route.
(4) Listen regularly for earthquake information on the TV, radio, telephone, etc.
(5) Do not run out of the building. Wait until the earthquake has temporarily stopped, get your emergency bag, put on a helmet or other protective head covering, and head for an open space.
(6) Try to remain together with family members or neighbors. Make sure everyone is accounted for and head as quickly as possible to a shelter.
(7) If you are driving, avoid sudden braking. Slowly reduce your speed and move to the left shoulder of the road. Do not park the car near a gasoline station or high-pressure gas facility, or under a pedestrian bridge.
(8) If you are walking along a wide road, move towards the center. If downtown, be careful of falling objects such as signs, telephone poles, window glass, etc.
○ After an earthquake
After an earthquake, there is the danger of yoshin (after-shocks) and tsunami (tidalwaves).
Try to get as much accurate information as possible from the radio, newspaper, television, etc. If you cannot return to your residence after a major earthquake, notify your country’s embassy or consulate, your place of employment, and/or school of the condition of both you and your family.
○ Saigai-yo Dengon Dial (Telephone message service during a disaster)(Tel 117)
During a disaster, it is often difficult to make telephone calls to the affected area. At such times, use the Saigai-yo Dengon Dial service (telephone message service during a disaster). People outside the area can listen to recorded messages made by those within the affected area regarding their safety, etc. It essentially is a voice message board. Similarly, people outside the area can send messages to people within the affected area.
An announcement will be made on the television, radio, etc., when the NTT Saigai-yo Dengon Dial service is available. To use this service, dial “117” and follow the directions (in Japanese) to record or listen to messages.
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