● Get yourself under a desk.

Cover your head with

cushions or magazines so that you can protect your
head from falling objects.
● No matter how big an earthquake is, violent
movements generally last for only one minute or so.
Don't panic!

● Turn off the sources of fires quickly and open windows and
doors.
● When a fire occurs, put it out with a fire extinguisher or other
things such as blankets.
● Cooperate with your neighbors in extinguishing the fires.
● Switch off all the electricity circuit breakers. Turn the gas off
at the main.
● Work out a plan regularly on how to promptly evacuate and
what are required for the escape.
● Keep in mind the following if you live in a highrise
apartment house;
* Follow the instructions of the apartment complex
custodian.
* Don't use elevators.
The most frightening thing during an earthquake is the threat of
fires. In the Great Kanto Earthquake, approximately 100,000
people were killed by fires.
 ● Keep away from vending machines or block walls.
They are likely to fall over easily.
● To protect yourself from falling objects, rush into a
building or make your way to a nearby open area.
● Stay away from downed electrical power lines.
In the Off-Shore Miyagi Earthquake, 18 people were
killed by some falling concrete block walls, stone walls
or gateposts. Also, in the Great Hanshin-Awaji
Earthquake, a large number of buildings collapsed. As
a result, glass debris were coming down on people.

● In a department store, protect your head with a bag or a

shopping bag in hand. Stay away from the exhibit shelves.
They are likely to fall over easily.
● In a movie house, get under the seats to protect your head
from falling objects.
● Don't scramble for exits or elevators.
● Don't try to find your own way out. Stay calm down and
follow the instructions announced inside the department store
/ movie house or by persons-in-charge.

● The fearsome thing when you are underground is not the

damage caused by the earthquake but the confusion by panic.
Even when the power is down, some emergency lights will
come on in a split second. There is no need for you to rush to
stairs or emergensy exits.
● Don't use elevators.
● Follow the instructions of the person-in-charge.
● Stay inside the train unless it is absolutely necessary to leave.
Otherwise, you may be electrocuted or hit by another train.
● Hold on to a strap, handrail or anything that is fixed firmly inside the
train.
● Follow the instructions of a member of the train crew or station staff.

● When you feel a tremor near the beach or when a

tidal wave alarm is issued, leave the place right away
for some heights.
● Tidal waves come continuously one after the other.
Be on the alert until the"all clear"sign is given.
● Listen to the radio or watch television, or get contact
with the police or local public offices for accurate
information. Don't be fooled by rumors.
Pay attention to whether a tidal wave alarm is issued or
not in case of a big earthquake. Back in 1993, tidal
waves hit the Okushiri lsland off the south-west coast
of Hokkaido within five minutes after an earthquake
occurred. Two hundred two people were reported killed
and 28 missing.

● Follow the instructions of police officers or persons-in-charge.

Don't try to evacuate on your own. Move with the
neighborhood or resident association.
● Evacuate on foot and keep your emergency takeout items to
the minimum.
● People in the community should cooperate in the evacuation
of: persons who are hospitalized; bedridden senior citizens;
and the physically / mentally handicapped.
● Keep your valuables in the places so that, in an emergency,
you can take them out immediately
● Make sure to keep your valuables with you when you
evacuate
For example : after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and
the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, a number of houses and shops
were broken or looted while the people were out for
evacuation.

● On your way to or after seeking safety at a

designated Evacuation Site, listen to the radio or
watch television for emergency public
announcements. Don't be misled by false
information.
● People will become extremely nervous and panicky
after severe tremors. Therefore, you should refrain
from talking and acting irresponsibly.
Whenever a big earthquake occurs, dissemination of
false information misleads us. As an example, during
the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, some rumors
circulated and almost triggered panic. However, most
people kept calm and sought accurate information so as
to maintain order.