Earthquake Preparation

A Cerebral Soup Public Service Announcement

Jim at Wirefarm has an amusing list going about this, but someone has to be an upstanding citizen so it might as well be me I guess (for a change).

Not a hell of a lot of info online in English about what to do. Forget your local ward offices website - I was not only disgusted at the crappy design of the Suginami-ku one and it's copyright of 2001 down the bottom but it has no English information on it whatsoever. The IT mob there should expect a visit from me very soon (hey I wonder if I can barter the tax I owe for a site upgrade?)

The most thorough information can be found on the (I'm proud to say) Australian Consular Office website. However for those of you who might find it too much of an effort to go there then....

[via the Australian Consular Office website]
Preparing for Emergencies
Natural Disasters

Japan is prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The Australian Government, through its consular officers, endeavours to assist Australians in emergency situations. This does not, however, diminish the obligation of citizens to prepare for their own welfare. The Embassy and Consulates are not evacuation centres and are not equipped to serve as refuges for significant numbers of Australians.

Prepare now:

* read an earthquake information booklet - these are available from your local ward office (Shiyakusho/Kuyakusho)
* assemble an earthquake emergency kit (see attached list of recommended inclusions)
* know the location of your closest evacuation centre
* learn how to shut off the gas and electricity
* make sure that furniture items are secure
* register your contact details with the Australian Embassy or Consulates

If a tremor strikes:

* immediately turn off any heat sources that could cause fires
* take cover under a sturdy table or in a doorway and away from glass
* if possible, open an external door to secure a means of escape after the earthquake
* don't rush outside as falling roof tiles, glass and downed electrical wires can cause injury
* if in a public area follow instructions from officials
* monitor the radio - radio stations in the Tokyo area that will have emergency information in English include the US Armed Forces station at 810AM and InterFM (76.1FM)
* if driving, pull over to the left - keep the road clear for emergency vehicles
* call your family in Australia and ask them to let others know about your welfare

Emergency kit

Your chances of surviving a severe earthquake are enhanced if you make necessary preparations, including assembling an emergency kit to help you through the first days until Japanese Government assistance becomes available. Emergency kits should include the following essential supplies:

* water for the family sufficient for at least 3 days (4 litres per person per day)
* food sufficient for at least 3 days (canned, high-energy or precooked foods preferably requiring no heat or water. Consider special dietary needs and infants)
* sleeping bag or blanket for each family member
* cooking utensils, plastic plates/cups, can opener, paper towels, plastic wrap (to keep plates clean without washing and to help stop bleeding)
* matches or lighter
* protective clothing and footwear for all members of the family (including underwear, rain wear, gloves, and masks - to avoid inhaling dust)
* first aid kit with instructions
* essential medications, glasses, contact lenses, etc
* copies of ID cards, passport, bankbooks
* cash (yen in small notes, coins and phone cards for public phones)
* list of essential phone numbers (eg. police (110), fire and ambulance (119), Embassy (03-5232-4111)
* personal items such as soap, toothbrush, feminine hygiene supplies, infant supplies, towels, toilet paper, mosquito repellent
* paper and pen, map of Tokyo or local area
* string, adhesive tape
* a rucksack for storage of emergency kit items
* vinyl ground sheet
* portable battery operated radio (emergency information available in Tokyo including in English on AFN (810AM), InterFM (76.1FM), JapanFM (81.3FM)
* torch
* spare batteries for radios and torches.
* You should also have a separate emergency kit in your car that includes basic essential items such as water, high-energy biscuits, copies of ID cards, a list of essential phone numbers, a map, and a first aid kit

Other preparations you should think about and discuss with family members as part of your preparations, include:

* decide how and where your family would reunite if separated eg. at the evacuation centre nearest your home
* for those with children at school, be familiar with the school's evacuation plans
* know the safe spots in each room such as under sturdy tables, desks, beds or against inside walls or in a corner
* know the danger spots such as near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, and tall unsecured furniture
* keep a pair of shoes beside your bed in the event that an earthquake occurs during the night and there is broken glass in your house/ apartment