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Earthquake Procedures |
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The Japanese archipelago is located in an area where several continental
and oceanic plates meet. This is the cause for frequent earthquakes and
the presence of many volcanoes and hot springs across Japan. It is important
to be prepared mentally and materially for an earthquake no matter where
or when it happens so that losses can be kept to a minimum.
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| Everyday Measures |
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(1) Check where the safest place in your house/apartment
is.
(2) Store enough drinking water – 2-3 liters per person
per day.
(3) Prepare a rucksack or emergency bag and store it
in a place familiar to everyone in the family.
Example of items to put in the backpack / emergency bag:
(a) torch
light, (b) batteries, (c) drinking water and food, (d) money (including some \10
coins for using a public telephone), (e) copies of identification materials such
as passports and bankbooks, etc., and other valuables, (f) matches, lighter and
candles, (g) a first-aid kit (those requiring regular medication should not
forget it), (h) a helmet or other protective headwear, (i) cotton work gloves,
socks and underwear, (j) heat insulating and waterproof blankets, (k) rope,
etc.
(4) Use metal fittings to secure furniture and prevent
it from falling over.
(5) Use shatter-prevention film on windows, cupboards,
shelves, etc. where glass is used.
(6) Make a note of emergency contact telephone numbers
and the phone number, address and other contact details of someone who
can communicate in your language.
(7) Confirm where your nearest emergency shelter and
hospital are and how to get there. Inquire at the city council to confirm
the whereabouts of your nearest emergency shelter. |
| When an earthquake happens |
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(1) Ensure your personal safety and get to the nearest safe place.
(2) Switch off the gas, gas cookers, etc. in use. Switch
off all appliances, such as cooking and heating appliances which may cause
a fire. If a fire breaks out, extinguish it immediately with the nearest
fire extinguisher.
(3) Open all doors including the front door to ensure
an escape route.
(4) Try to listen regularly to the TV and radio or telephone
for earthquake information.
(5) Do not rush out of a building. Wait until the earthquake
has temporarily stopped, then get your emergency bag, put on a helmet or
other protective head covering and make your way to an open space.
(6) Try not to become separated from family members or
neighbors. Check you are all together and make your way as quickly as possible
to a shelter.
(7) If you are driving, avoid breaking suddenly. Reduce
your speed slowly and move over to the left shoulder of the road. Do not
park the car next to a gasoline station or high-pressure gas facility,
nor under a pedestrian bridge.
(8) If you are walking along a wide road, move out to
the center. If downtown, be careful of falling objects such as signs, telegraph
poles and glass from windows, etc.
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| After an earthquake |
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After an earthquake, there is the danger of yoshin (after-shocks) and tsunami
(tidal-waves). If possible get accurate information from the radio, newspaper,
television, etc. If you find you cannot return to your residence after a big
earthquake, inform your country’s embassy or consulate, your place of employment
or school of the safety of both you and your family.
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