Earthquakes

Be Prepared for an Earthquake on a Daily Basis
If a major earthquake strikes, it is possible that lifeline utility services (electricity, water, gas and telephone) will be disrupted. In your home, furniture may topple over. To avoid having a panicky response if an earthquake strikes, it is important to be prepared on an ongoing basis.

• An earthquake does not mean immediate evacuation. Even if a major earthquake strikes, you do not need to evacuate unless there is an outbreak of fire, your house collapses, or a disaster prevention institution announces it is time to evacuate. It is a good idea to prepare an emergency supply of food and drinking water that will last for at least three days, just in case.
• Should the need to evacuate arise, it is a good idea to prepare not only a supply of food and drinking water, but also an emergency pack with the minimum of belongings to take along with you, such as clothes, portable radio, flashlight and valuables.
• We cannot predict when or under what conditions an earthquake will strike. Do you know what you should do, how to contact your family members and where to evacuate? It is a good idea to have a family meeting about disaster prevention at least once a year to discuss evacuation procedures, how to contact each other and delegate certain responsibilities. Furthermore, since the evacuation site (elementary or junior high school) is designated according to your neighborhood association, it is a good idea for family members to walk to the evacuation site and determine a specific evacuation route so that everyone can respond calming when the time comes to evacuate.
• When a major earthquake strikes, furniture such as cupboards and bookshelves may topple over, and their contents — dishes and books — may fly across the room because of the violent tremors. It is a wise idea to brace furniture to a stable column or support in your home to prevent it from falling. If glass from windows or your cupboard shatters, this may cause injuries or be an obstruction to evacuation. Placing shatterproof film on glass surfaces is a good idea.

Earthquake Precautions — 10 Points to Keep in Mind
What to Do If You Feel a Major Tremor

• If You Feel a Tremor—Protect Yourself : If you feel a major tremor, first of all, keep yourself safe until the tremor stops. Next, see what the situation is like before taking the next step.

What to Do during and Immediately after an Earthquake

• Swift Fire Prevention—Turn off All Sources of Heat : There are three instances when you should turn off sources of heat: (1) when you feel a small tremor, (2) when a major tremor subsides, and (3) when a fire breaks out.
• Action Taken in Haste—The Cause of Injuries : Be careful of furniture and pieces of glass that may fall and break indoors.
• Open a Window or Door—Secure a Means of Egress : During a small tremor or after a major tremor has subsided, secure a means of egress in case you need to evacuate the building.
• Falling Objects—Do Not Rush Outside in a Panic : Be careful; tiles, windowpanes, and signs may fall.
• Do Not Go Near Gates or Walls : If you feel a tremor when you are outdoors, avoid going near brick or block walls.

What to Do after an Earthquake

• Accurate Information—Proper Action : Listen to accurate information, such as from the radio, TV, City Office, or Fire Department.
  
• Before You Evacuate—Check the Gas and Electricity : If you need to evacuate, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker and close the main gas valve before leaving.
• Let’s Check On One Another—Checking On the Safety of Family Members : After checking on the safety of family members, check on the safety of your neighbors.
• Help One Another— Rescue and First Aid : Help neighbors rescue those who are buried under collapsed houses or fallen furniture and provide first aid.