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Disaster Prevention Resources
Earthquake Preparedness
Previous earthquake hazard information is here

Protecting your family and property from earthquakes

If an earthquake occurs, everyone should stay calm and take appropriate action to reduce the damage.
You need to practice what to do during an earthquake, at home and in the office, so that you will be able to protect your family and property.

Japanese Earthquake Scale

0
Imperceptible to people.

1
Felt by only some people indoors.

2
Felt by many people indoors. Hanging objects, such as lights, swing slightly.

3
Many people feel frightened. Hanging objects swing considerably and dishes in a cupboard rattle.
Unstable ornaments may fall.

4
Many people feel frightened. Hanging objects swing considerably and dishes in a cupboard rattle. Unstable ornaments may fall.

5 lower
Most people try to escape from danger. Most unstable ornaments fall, and window glass may shatter and fall.

5 upper
Most people are considerably frightened. TV-sets may fall down. Non- reinforced concrete-blocks walls collapse and tombstones fall over.

6 lower
In many buildings, wall tiles and windowpanes are damaged and fall down. Some less earthquake-resistant wooden houses collapse. Cracks occasionally appear in the ground, and landslides may occur.

6 upper
In most buildings, wall tiles and windowpanes are damaged and fall down. Some concrete buildings which are less earthquake-resistant may collapse. Cracks occasionally appear in the ground, and landslides may occur.

7
Even highly earthquake-resistant buildings may be severely damaged and lean. The ground is considerably distorted by large cracks and fissures, and slope failures and landslides occur, occasionally changing topographic features.

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During an earthquake: If you are indoors…

If you are indoors when an earthquake occurs, you need to carry out anti disaster measures proactively in order to stay safe.
Responding to an earthquake if indoors when it occurs Responding to an earthquake if indoors when it occurs
If you are indoors when an earthquake occurs, you need to carry out anti disaster measures proactively in order to stay safe.
Responding to an earthquake if indoors when it occurs Responding to an earthquake if indoors when it occurs
Responding to an earthquake if indoors when it occurs
Points
  • Make sure to turn off the gas, and anything with a open flame.
  • Put objects in doors and windows to keep them open.
  • Take cover under a steady table to protect yourself.
  • Do not rush outside.
  • Do not use elevators for evacuation or leaving buildings.
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During an earthquake: If you are outdoors…

Responding to an earthquake if away from home when it occurs
When an earthquake occurs, tiles, glass or blocks from walls may fall on you. Protect your head with your belongings such as books or bag to avoid debris falling on you. Find a clear spot such as a park and stay there for a while as a temporary refuge and stay aware of what is happening.
Responding to an earthquake if away from home when it occurs
When an earthquake occurs, tiles, glass or blocks from walls may fall on you. Protect your head with your belongings such as books or bag to avoid debris falling on you. Find a clear spot such as a park and stay there for a while as a temporary refuge and stay aware of what is happening.
Points
  • If you are at a department store, follow the attendant's instructions to evacuate.
  • If you are in an underground mall, the emergency lights should be turned on during a blackout,
          and there are exits at 60m intervals. Stay calm and follow the attendant's instructions to evacuate.
  • If you are at a cinema, crouch down to a space around your seat and follow the attendant's instructions.
  • If you are on a station platform, protect your head and stay by a steady pillar or wall.
  • If you fall from the platform, ask someone to help you up or stay lying face-down between the railway tracks
          and the platform until the shaking stops.
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Returning home

Coming home after being far away Coming home after being far away
If you commute a long way, it can be difficult to get home because of traffic regulations. You need to protect yourself, be sufficiently prepared, and try to reach home while keeping safe during an earthquake.
Things to Remember
  • Stay calm and observe what is going on around you.
  • Access accurate information using a portable radio.
  • Prepare some snack food such as chocolates and candy.
  • If you can confirm that your family is safe, do not go home if you find it too difficult to do so.
  • If you are trying to get home, let your family or friends know which route you are taking.
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