What to Do in the Event of an Earthquake

Japan has many earthquakes, and many people lost their lives and homes instantaneously in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. Take the following precautions to ensure your safety and that of your family in the event of an earthquake.

First, Remain Calm and Take Steps to Protect Yourself

If you feel an earthquake starting, hide under a durable desk or table. Protect your head from falling objects.
Open front doors and windows to ensure that you can get out if you need to. Doors can become damaged and stuck in the event of an earthquake.
Severe shaking lasts only about a minute. Remain calm, and don’t rush to get outside during an earthquake. Check your surroundings carefully.
If you are driving, stop the car at the left side of the road, and turn off the engine. If you need to evacuate, it is recommended that you don't use your car but walk for your safety.

Preventing Earthquake-Related Fires

Once the shaking stops, put out fires immediately. Do not attempt to do so during the earthquake. This is extremely dangerous.
Close the gas valve so that no gas escapes.
If you leave your home to evacuate, turn off the breaker so that the electricity will not come on.
If a fire starts, put it out immediately with a fire extinguisher, or with water, before it spreads. Shout “Fire!” loudly to alert people in the neighborhood and have them help you put out the fire.

Evacuating

It may be dangerous to venture outside, so check your surroundings carefully before doing so.
If you need to leave your home to evacuate, remember that protecting your body is the most important.
If you do not know the location of your local evacuation center, ask someone around you. Click here for details on Asao Ward’s evacuation centers.
If you are unsure of where to evacuate, go to a public space, park, or elementary/junior high school near you.
Do not go into narrow streets, and avoid walls, which can be dangerous.
If you need to take shelter, walk for your safety. Do not use your car. Because of causing traffic jam.
Wear thick-soled shoes to help prevent injury. Wear loose clothing, and protect your head with a helmet or household items such as cushions, etc.
Take only necessary items with you.
If you are near the ocean when an earthquake occurs, be aware of the danger of tsunamis, and immediately take shelter on high ground.
Stay away from mountainsides or cliffs, as there is a danger of landslides.
Turn on the television or radio to get correct information. Do not listen to rumors. Instead, listen to police or fire department announcements.
Try to help any injured people.

What to Take With You

Organize the things you would need in the event of an earthquake, and have them ready at all times. Recommended items are as follows.

Cash
Bank passbook
Passport
Personal seal, if you have one
Flashlight
Hand-held radio
Batteries
Candles and lighters
Drinking water
Food
Medical supplies for treating injuries (Band-Aids, bandages, disinfectant, etc.), masks, and any medications you normally take
Clothes, including underwear
Mobile phone
Thick gloves
Towels and blankets
Toilet paper, wet tissues, tissue paper
Eyeglasses
Diapers and feminine sanitary products.
Umbrellas and raincoats
Baby items
Plastic wrap, paper plates, and paper cups
Important items

Evacuation Centers

Asao Ward’s designated evacuation centers are municipal elementary and junior high schools located in the ward.

The centers are for people who are unable to return home due to danger, or whose homes have been destroyed.

Find out where your nearest evacuation center is by asking a neighbor before an earthquake occurs. You can also see evacuation areas on the Kawasaki City webpage.
Disaster information / Your evacuation area(Japanese)