INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GUIDE BOOK 2006

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GUIDE BOOK 2007 > Daily Life - 12. Precautions against Earthquakes

12. Precautions against Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. The Great Hanshin Earthquake (1995) and the Niigata Tsuetsu Earthquake (2004)killed and injured thousands of people. You should always take precautions concerning earthquakes.

(1) Advance Preparations

In your home

• Secure furniture to the wall with a clasp. Secure furniture to the wall with a clasp, which can be purchased at any supermarket or department store,after obtaining prior consent from your house owner or manager. In particular, you should securely fasten bookshelves and other furniture that contain heavy items to prevent the contents from shifting and falling.
• Keep important documents and items in one location. Keep your passport and other valuables readily available so that you will be able to take them with you immediately should you need to evacuate.
• Identify a safe location in your house. You are comparatively safe in an area with many pillars away from heavy objects overhead that may hit you, or underneath a solidly built piece of furniture.

Your family

• If you have any family members living with you, discuss in advance a location where you will all meet in an emergency.
• If you have children, you should advise their school or kindergarten where you can be contacted in case of emergency.

Evacuation

• Identify where the emergency evacuation site is in your local community. The city or ward office will have a brochure providing information about earthquakes, including locations of emergency evacuation areas. You should obtain a copy and read through it.

Useful preparation

• Keep the following items in your backpack:water (or juices,or other beverages), two or three daysʼworth of food (hard, dry crackers, canned food, etc.), a can opener, medicine, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a radio with new batteries.

(2) What to Do First in Case of Emergency

1. Extinguish all open flames, and turn off the gas, etc. at the source.
2. Open at least one window or door to create an exit.
3. Move away from windows and other glass to prevent injury from pieces of broken glass.
4. Take refuge under something such as a solidly built desk,or under a doorframe.
5. If you are indoors during an earthquake,do not go out as there is the danger of falling debris.
6. If you are outdoors, move to an open and safe area.

(3) Important Points to Remember During an Evacuation

Even when the first big quake comes to an end, do not re-enter your house because there are often several aftershocks. Take refuge in the safest available area, in cooperation with your neighbors.

1. Wear shoes, as the ground or floor may be scattered with fragments of broken glass and debris, which could be extremely dangerous.
2. Protect your head with a cushion.
3. If you are surrounded by smoke, place a wet towel over your nose and mouth.
4. Do not use elevators.
5. Listen to the radio carefully for the latest and most accurate information.
6. Do not drive a car.
7. Try to stay as calm as possible.

You may not be able to use a telephone because of the large number of calls being placed immediately after an earthquake. Please contact your family in your home country when the situation has calmed down, and be sure to notify the university as well.

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