Niigata City International Exchange Foundation 
 
The International Friendship Center at CrossPal Niigata 
 

Earthquake Safety

Japan has frequent earthquakes. They can occur anytime, anywhere. Niigata Prefecture suffered major earthquakes in 2004 and 2007. It is important to familiarize yourself with earthquake safety rules so that you can protect yourself.



What to Do When an Earthquake Hits

If you are indoors: Drop down to the floor and shield your head and neck with your arms. In a severe earthquake, you may not be able to walk or even crawl, but if you can, try to move away from windows, outer wall, mirrors, lamps, hanging objects, kitchen cabinets, and fireplaces. Avoid tall, heavy furniture (like bookshelves) or appliances (like refridgerators) that may fall over. If you can, open doors or windows to give yourself an escape route to use when the shaking stops.

If you can, take cover under a table or desk, or hold on to the side of a couch or other stable furniture. Hold on to this piece of furniture and stay with it even if it begins to move. This strategy will help shield you from falling debris AND increase your odds of surviving even if the building collapses. A large, sturdy object can help create a survivable space in the rubble.

If you are in bed, shield your head with a pillow or futon, or hide under the bed. If you are in the bathroom, don't rush out of the room. Stay where you are, open a door to escape, and try to avoid broken glass from mirrors. In apartment buildings, avoid rushing downstairs if you are on higher floors.

If you are outdoors: Try to get into an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, signs, and vehicles. In mountainous areas or near cliffs or slopes, be careful to avoid falling rocks and other debris. If you are near a lake, river, or ocean, quickly move to higher ground or as far inland as you can to avoid possible tsunamis. If you are on a bridge, hold onto a rail or a fence, then evacuate the bridge as soon as the shaking stops.

If you are in a public area: Stay calm, try to avoid hazards, and drop down and shield yourself. If you are in a stadium or theater, stay in your seat and cover your head and neck with your arms. Don't panic. Avoid rushing to exits. Beware of crowds. Carefully leave the building after the shaking stops.

If you are driving: Pull over to the left side of the road and stop. Turn off your engine and set your parking brake. Stay inside the vehicle until the earthquake is over. Try to avoid overpasses, bridges, and potential hazards like powerlines or signs. If you are on a highway, confirm the safety of your surroundings and then carefully go to the nearest escape route.

If you are on a train or subway: Grab hold of a seat or a strap, or drop down to hold onto the legs of a seat. Do not rush out of the train. Follow instructions from the conductor and the staff. Remember, in a subway, you are at risk of electrocution from the third rail!

If you are in an elevator: The elevator should have a sensor that makes it stop at the closest floor in case of an earthquake. If not, press the stop button at the nearest floor. Get out of the elevator as soon as it stops.

Some More Safety Tips:
  • Remember, there may be aftershocks. Be alert for damaged buildings, debris, or other items that could hurt you in an aftershock.
  • Don't use elevators during or after an earthquake.
  • If you feel an earthquake, immediately turn off any open flames to avoid fire.
  • The gas lines should shut off immediately, though, so take safety first and then turn off any gas appliances.

After the Quake: Dial 171!

After a big earthquake, the phone system may break down as too many people try to call at once. Fortunately, there is a Disaster Message Service (Dengon Diaru) available so that you can let people know you are safe. You can also use it to find out if someone you know has left a message about their status.
  1. Dial 171 and follow the instructions.
  2. Press 1 to leave a message, or 2 to listen to a message.
  3. Enter the phone number (including area code) of the person you want to contact.
  4. Follow the instructions and then push 1#. You can leave a message (up to 30 seconds) after the beep. Then hang up the phone.
Please note that this service is available only for people located in Japan. People outside of the country will not be able to access it!

Preparation is Key!

Make an emergency supply kit for your home (and maybe for your car). Store it in a backpack or other easy-to-carry container, and place it in an easily accessible locaiton. The kit should include the following items:
  • Commercially bottled water, 4 liters per person per day.
  • Non-perishable food supplies for 3 days. Choose dried or canned foods that requier little preparation. (Don't forget to pack a can opener if you need one!) Don't forget to include baby food, if necessary. People with food allergies should store their own food supply separately to avoid contamination with allergens.
  • First aid kit
  • Any medicines you or your family need.
  • A change of clothing for each person.
  • Glasses, if you wear contacts usually. An extra pair of glasses might also be a good idea for any glasses-wearers.
  • Hygenic items, like diapers, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, etc.
  • Portable radio. You can get hand-powered ones, but if it's a regular one, be sure to include extra batteries.
  • Flashlight. Again, don't forget batteries and spare bulbs.
  • Cash, since ATMs may not be working.
  • Copies of important documents (passport, insurance policies, birth certificates, personal I.D.s, etc.)
  • Waterproof matches and/or a lighter
  • Whistle for signaling rescue workers
  • Blankets
  • Large plastic bags to store waste or to wear as ponchos in case of rain.
Many household goods stores in Japan have a section dedicated to emergency supplies, making it easier for you to get what you need in advance. Be sure to check on your emergency kit every so often to make sure the water and food hasn't expired and that the clothing is appropriate for the current season.


Make an Emergency Plan

You should also make an emergency plan and discuss it with your family or any guests.
  • Find the nearest evacuation areas and shelters in your area and plan several routes for getting there.
  • Decide where your family should meet up in case you are separated in an earthquake. Designate and outside person to contact in case you cannot get a hold of each other.
  • Learn how to contact emergency services and state your name and address in Japanese.
  • Have practice earthquake drills at home so everyone will know how to respond.


For information about natural disasters, please see the section on Disaster Preparedness.




Back to Home

 
Niigata City International Exchange Foundation
3-2086 Ishizuecho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 951-8055, Japan
E-mail: nigtief@pavc.ne.jp
Phone: 025-225-2727 Fax: 025-225-2733
Copyright (C) Niigata City International Exchange Foundation. All rights reserved