This page Sumida City Guide Earthquakes (Jishin)

Earthquakes (Jishin)

Japan is an Earthquake-Prone Country

Earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. On January 17, 1995, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake with an intensity of seven on the Japanese scale took its toll on the Ke-Hanshin region of the country. The quake centered on Kobe City and took the lives of 6,425 people, injured 43,772 others, damaged 493,071 buildings and caused fire damage to 7,483 more buildings, destroying an overall land area of 834,663m². At one time, approximately 300,000 people were living in evacuation sites.
The most recent major earthquake in Tokyo was Great Kanto Earthquake (M7.9) in 1923. It took the lives of approximately 100,000 people and destroyed around 450,000 homes. There has not been a major earthquake in Tokyo since. If and when an earthquake does occur again in Tokyo, it is expected to cause great damage because of the overcrowded nature of this mega-city. For this reason, taking adequate precautions is essential.
Take notice of the things you can do in your daily life to protect yourself from such a disaster.
(M - magnitude, the unit for expressing the size of an earthquake.)

Earthquake Tremor Sizes

The unit used to measure the size of earthquake tremors is seismic intensity. Japan uses a zero to 7 range on its seismic scale which follows, showing the 10 grades of an earthquake.

0:	People cannot feel the shaking.
1:	Some people inside buildings may feel a very slight shake.
2:	Many people inside buildings will feel the shaking. Hanging objects such as lights will sway slightly.
3:	Nearly all people inside of buildings will feel the shaking. Power lines will sway slightly.
4:	Hanging objects will sway heavily and dishes in a china cabinet will rattle around. People walking will also feel the shaking.
5	(Weak): Many people will begin finding protection for themselves. Dishes and books fall from shelves and unsecured furniture will fall down.
5	(Strong): People will feel panicked. Some heavy furniture like dressers will topple over. Block walls that have not been reinforced will topple over.
6	(Weak): Standing is difficult. Some unsecured, heavy furniture will move around and topple over. Building windows shatter. Window panes will break in many buildings.
6	(Strong): Movement other than crawling is virtually impossible. Nearly all unsecured, heavy furniture will move about and fall over. Most block walls that have not been reinforced will crumble.
7:	Voluntary movement becomes impossible. Nearly all furniture moves wildly about, and some objects are flung about.

Earthquake Preparation

If a major earthquake strikes, damage, such as collapsed buildings or fires, may occur. To help lessen the effect of such a disaster upon yourself and your loved ones, preparation is essential.

1. When an earthquake strikes, you may be away from your family. Making a habit of knowing each member's whereabouts at all times is the basis of sound planning. It is recommended that you decide on a way of getting in touch with each other or have a predetermined location agreed upon so you can meet in case you are separated in the confusion caused by a major earthquake. Find out where the nearest emergency refugee area is.
2. Maintain emergency stocks of food, drinking water, first-aid kit, valuables, portable radio, flashlight, matches and any other items you think necessary. Keep these items in as few packages as possible. Knapsacks are a good choice.
3. Brace your large furniture, such as dressers, cupboards or bookshelves, to the floor or wall with metal devices made for this purpose. These devices are available at department stores or furniture shops. Find the safest spot in your house if an earthquake strikes. Relatively safe places include those that are well supported by pillars those where nothing heavy is likely to fall and underneath sturdy furniture.
4. Almost all local councils and town councils have independent organizations for disaster prevention which include practice drills. Try to participate in these drills in order to get the feel or dealing with possible disasters should they strike. Sumida City conducts comprehensive disaster prevention drills annually in October. Come and join us!

What to Do When an Earthquake Strikes

Strong tremors normally last for a minute or two at the longest. The aftershocks which follow are normally weaker than the main tremors.

If You Are in the House

1. Get under a table or in a doorway for protection.
2. Turn off all sources of fire or flames. Shut the gas supply value. If fire breaks out, try to put it out while it is still small.
3. Open a door or window as an escape access. This is crucial if you live in a high-rise apartment building.
   
   The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
4. Do not go out into the street in the belief that outdoors is a safer place to be . There is danger of falling debris such as broken glass, power lines, telephone poles, and the like.
5. Act upon correct information only. Do not be influenced by rumors or hearsay.
   
   The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

If You Are Not at Home

1. Stay away from cinderblock walls and the like which may topple over during an earthquake. If you are on a street, stay in the center.
2. Watch our for falling objects such as broken glass, billboards, etc. Cover your head with a bag or briefcase if you have these items or something like them with you.
3. Do not use an elevator or escalator in any building.
4. Do not rush for an exit if you are on a train or in a public place. Follow the instructions given by people in charge.
5. If you are driving, slow down and come to a stop on the left shoulder of the road. Leave your car keys in the ignition and escape on foot.

Useful Phrases

Important Items to Remember When Evacuating

Issue of Warning (keikai sengen)

Currently the possibility of a major earthquake (tokai jishin) with the epicenter in Suruga Bay is being widely discussed. However, a major earthquake can be predicted. When a tokai jishin is predicted, the Office of the Prime Minister will issue a warning to all, including residents most likely to be hit. Various disaster prevention organizations also will be notified. Official warnings will be broadcast by television, radio and outdoor public address systems. Warning sirens will be sounded for 45 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of silence; the same pattern will be repeated two more times. Once the official warning is issued, try to pay special attention to the information given by City Hall public address vehicles. Also, turn off all fire sources, prepare an extra stock of water, prevent furniture from falling, and secure an emergency exit to safety.

Evacuation (Hinan suru toki)

Evacuation is the final step, and is to be taken only when fires have broken out in your neighborhood, or when City Hall, police , or fire officials issue the order to evacuate. Follow instructions. Do not use your car to evacuate. Avoid narrow alleyways, places near fences, under cliffs, or any riverside while you are evacuating on foot. Act on correct information only, not on rumors or hearsay.

Check the Location of Evacuation Sites

Temporary Evacuation Site (Shugobasho): When your house is destroyed or fire breaks out, meet at neighborhood parks immediately.
Evacuation Site (HIinanjo) (neighborhood elementary and junior high schools): According to the damage and danger, go to evacuation site in groups.
Evacuation Area (Hinanbasho) (designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government): If the evacuation site becomes dangerous, go to an evacuation area.

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