How to prepare for earthquakes

When you need to evacuate your house at a moment’s notice, things might get stressful even if you know your house very well. To avoid being overwhelmed in case of sudden evacuation, we should take precautionary measures and consider where in the house it might be safe to be.

Earthquakes and Magnitude

The following table displays the earthquake scale which is used for measuring the degree of seismic motion.

Daily Safety Measures

• Fixate shelfs with L-shaped screws or support poles. Attach anti-shattering film to windows.
• Do not keep any heavy or fragile objects in high places.
• Do not place TVs or vases in high positions. Secure frames (pictures) as well.
• Attach a chain to dangling or swinging objects, for example lightning bulbs.
• Arrange your bedroom that moving or tumbling furniture cannot cause any harm.
• Do not place any objects in exits and entrances.
• Confirm means of contact in case of emergency, and evacuation sites among your family.

Actions after occurrence of an earthquake

If a heavy earthquake occurs, necessary actions may vary depending on how much time has passed. Make sure to grasp the situation and the corresponding instructions.

An earthquake happened! 〈One minute after the first shaking〉Stay calm! Protect yourself! Extinguish fires!

The first 1 to 2 minutes after the shaking lessens.

Instruction 1

• Check possible fire sources! (Even if a fire has emerged, stay calm and start extinguishing)
• Check on your family!
• Evacuate immediately if there’s a tsunami warning.
• Keep your shoes on, even in the house.

3 minutes: Is everyone okay? Did a fire emerge nearby?

Instruction 2

• Help your neighbors and nearby families.
• Are there any people missing?
• Is someone hurt or injured?
• Beware of possible loose cables or gas leaks.
• Beware of aftershocks.

5 minutes: Turn on your radio! Do not use your phone if possible.

Instruction 3

• Confirm information of local authorities and disaster prevention authorities.
• Do not get confused by rumors.
• Do not flee with your car.
• Be cautious around concrete walls and rubble.

From 10 minutes up to several hours

• Cooperate in any fire extinguishing measures.
• Cooperate in any rescue operations.
• If you are to evacuate, cut the gas and power supply.

Within the first 72 hours

Instruction 4

• Prepare water and meals from your emergency stores.
• Gather information from public authorities and disaster news. Do NOT enter destroyed houses.
• Do not endanger yourself.
• Take charge and help others.
• Stay calm and be patient.