3. Disaster Prevention
"Typhoons" and "earthquakes" affect most areas of Japan. Fire can also be a problem, especially in the winter season when the air is dry.Fire
In Japan, many buildings are made of wood making them prone to destruction from fire. Most fires are preventable. Be cautious of the followings in order to prevent a fire.
| Outside | If you build a fire outside for a barbecue, do not leave the fire unattended. Do not light a fire outside when the wind is strong. |
| Around the House | In order to prevent arson, do not leave flammable items around the house. |
| Cigarette | Do not litter cigarette ends. Do not smoke in the bed. |
| Heater | Do not leave flammable items, such as laundry, close to your heater. Only use paraffin oil in an oil heater. Do not use gasoline. |
| Kotatsu | Do not dry laundry under a kotatsu. |
| Cooking Stove | When using a cooking stove, do not leave a naked flame unattended. Be sure to turn off the gas. |
| Outlet | Leaving a plug in an outlet for an extended length of time may cause a fire because of humidity or dust. Where possible, unplug appliances. Do not use too many electric appliances from one outlet. |
Typhoon
Typhoons occur in June through November every year. Typhoons can cause flood damage, storm damage, flood tide damage, and high sea damage. If a typhoon comes close to us, refrain from going outside, traveling, camping, fishing and swimming, and pay close attention to disaster information on the radio or TV.
Earthquake
Earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. Be careful of fire and falling objects caused by the earthquake. When the earthquake occurs, act calmly and take note of the followings:
| Fire | If an earthquake occurs when you are using a cooking stove or a heater, put the heat out immediately. And then turn the gas off at the main. If fire breaks out, put the fire out immediately. |
| Inside | If you are inside the house, crawl under the table and hold its legs, or protect your head from falling objects with books and cushions. Open the door or windows and secure an exit. Since you never know what will fall down, do not run outside immediately. |
| Outside | Avoid standing near cement block fences or vending machines which may fall forward. Protect your head with a bag from broken glass falling from above. Leave the building, and take refuge in the nearest open place. |
| Ocean | There may be tsunami, so if you are close to the ocean, go to a place which has a high elevation. |
| Driving | Stop the car on the left side near the sidewalk and stop the engine. Leave the key in the car and do not lock the door. And then take refuge in a safe place. Even if the shake is small, stop the car on the left side and receive information from the car radio. |
| Elevator | Do not use an elevator because there is a danger of being locked inside. If an earthquake occurs while you are in the elevator, push all buttons and get off at the floor wherever the elevator stops. If you are locked in the elevator, contact a staff using the emergency button or emergency intercom and follow his instructions. |
| Commercial Establishment (department store or supermarket) |
Cover your head with a bag or a shopping baggage to protect you from falling objects. Do not rush to the entrance. Follow the staff's instructions. |
※We tend to be misguided by false rumors in a time of disaster. Make a move by receiving information from the portable radio, municipalities, the fire department, or the police.
Shelter for Disasters
In some disasters, public facilities such as schools or public halls become shelters. Check if there is a designated shelter in the area you live.
Message Dial for Disasters
When a disaster occurs, the telephone lines often become busy because people try to call the disaster-stricken area to confirm the victims' safety. The Message Dial service is provided by the NTT office. When you use this service, dial 171 and record or play a message by following their instructions.
Emergency Supplies
Prepare the following goods in case of the disaster.
| Portable Radio and Batteries | Flashlights and Batteries | Water (3 liters× number of family × 3 days) | Non-perishable Food for 3 Days |
| Candles | Matches / Lighters | Knife | Can Opener |
| Cash (including 10-yen coins) | Personal Seal and Bank/Postal Book | Copy of Your Driver's License | Copy of Your Health Insurance |
| First Aid Kit | Tissues | Gloves | Underwear and Sanitary Goods |
| Clothing | Milk and Diapers | Blankets | Plastic Bags |
| Whistles | Household Medicines | Helmet / Hood | Towels |
