Disaster Prevention and Emergency Procedures Guide for Non-Japanese Residents
Earthquakes
｜【1】In the event of an earthquake｜【2】In the event of an earthquake｜【3】In the event of an earthquake｜
【1】In the event of an earthquake
［Earthquake］
  • The ground shakes considerably.
  • Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
  • It is important to be prepared against disasters on a daily basis since earthquakes can occur anytime.
  • Tsunami waves are likely to occur in the areas located near the sea.
［Intensity of the Earthquake］
  • The seismic intensity (shindo) indicates the intensity of an earthquake on a scale of 10.
Seismic
Intensity		 Image What to Expect
0 0 People do not feel any tremors.
1 1 Some people may feel the tremors.
2 2 Many people can feel the tremors.
3 3 Most people can feel the tremors.
4 4 Tremors are strong enough to surprise you.
Hanging ceiling lights may sway considerably.
Tableware in the cupboard may rattle.
5-lower 5-lower Many people may feel scared and may try to hold on to something close by.
Window glass may fall out and break.
Unstable things may fall.
5-upper 5-upper People may not be able to walk without holding onto something.
Tableware, books may fall down from the shelf.
Structures such as weak block walls may collapse.
6-lower 6-lower It may become impossible to stand.
Window glass from buildings may break and fall down.
Weak wooden houses may get destroyed.
6-upper 6-upper People may not be able to move unless they crawl.
Tiles and window glass break and fall off many buildings.
It may cause cracks in the ground or landslide.
7 7 Iron reinforced concrete buildings with low earthquake resistance may collapse.
Large fissures and landslides may occur.
［Aftershocks］
  • After the first main earthquake, tremors are felt many times afterwards, which are called Aftershocks.
  • It is possible that an aftershock with the same intensity as the main earthquake may occur.
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【2】Disaster Preparedness on a Daily Basis
(1) It is important to keep those items ready that you would need
　to carry with you while evacuating.
  1. Precious Items
  2. Cash, Savings Passbook, Personal Seal,Driving License, Insurance Card, etc.Alien Registration Card, Passport, Pension Book, etc.
  3. Emergency Food Provisions（3 Day supply）
  4. Hardtack (pilot bread)/Canned food & Nutritional supplement food, etc. Mineral water, flask Plastic or paper plates and cups Disposable chopsticks,can opener, corkscrew, etc.
  5. Portable Radio (Carry few extra cell batteries)
  6. Flashlight (Preferably 1 per person)
  7. Emergency Medicines/Household Medicines
  8. Other Household Goods
  9. Clothes such as Undergarments, coat,, socks, etc., gloves, towel, Tissues, Wet tissues, Rainware, Lighter, Plastic bag, Sanitary items, Paper diapers, etc.
(2) Make sure you know the location of the evacuation shelter
　and the evacuation route
  1. Find out about the nearest designated evacuation shelter (usually a school).
    Find out about the route to the evacuation shelter.Some places may be unsafe, so the nearest route does not necessarily mean the best evacuation route.
(3) Prevent the furniture from falling by securing them appropriately.
  1. Take special care in securing the furniture in the bedroom.
(4) Take part in disaster prevention drills.
  1. In the event of a disaster, it is important to cooperate with the local community.
(5) Build good relations with the people in your neighbourhood.
  1. The data suggests that 80% the total number of disaster victims have been saved by the local people during disasters. If you cooperate with the people in the local community, damage can be reduced to a minimum.
(6) Keep a list of important contacts handy.
  1. Disaster Prevention Section of your city or town hall, Fire Department, Police, Hospital, Hokuriku Electricity, Waterworks Bureau, Gas Company Embassy, Consulate

Disaster Preparedness on a Daily Basis

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【3】In the event of an earthquake
［Elapsed Time & Steps to be Taken］
0～2 Min.
  1. (1) Protect yourself first.
2～5 Min.
  1. (2) Turn off the stove or flames in the kitchen.
  2. (3) Extinguish fire.
5～10 Min.
  1. (4) Check the safety of the members of your household.
  2. (5) Evacuate immediately if there is a Tsunami warning.
  3. (6) Wear your shoes.
10Min. ～12Hours
  1. (7) Check to see that your neighbours or other people nearby are ok and help with the rescue and aid efforts.
  2. (8) Do not use a car for transport.
  3. (9) Turn off electricity, gas and water while evacuating.
2～3 Days
  1. (10) Try to obtain correct information about the disaster.
  2. (11) Relief or aid may not arrive in time; be prepared to protect yourself.
  3. (12) Inform your Company, Embassy or the Consulate regarding the circumstances.

［What to do in following situations?］
  1. While in a Car
  2. Stop the vehicle on the left side of the road and turn off the engine.
  3. When you leave your car, keep the car doors unlocked and keep the key in the ignition keyhole.
  1. While on a Train or a Bus
  2. Hold on to a ring or a handrail.
  3. Follow the instructions of staff.
  4. Do not get off unless instructed.
  1. While inside a Building
  2. Get away from windows or showcases.
  3. Do not use elevators.
  4. Move near a pillar or a wall near you.
  1. While inside a School
  2. Follow the instructions of your teachers.
  3. Take cover under a table.
  4. Keep away from windows in a corridor.
  1. While Outdoors
  2. Protect your head with a bag or some such thing
  3. Evacuate to a spacious area.
  4. Do not go close to block fences or building walls.
  1. While near the Sea or a River
  2. Get away from water’s edge immediately.
  3. Evacuate to a high ground as there is a risk of tsunami near the seaside.
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