What Foreigners Should Know about Disaster Prevention

Japan is a country where natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons occur frequently.
This article explains what foreigners need to know about disaster prevention and what they should do if a disaster occurs.

How to gather information

In Japan, when an earthquake or other natural disaster occurs, you can receive information from the national and local governments via your smartphone.
 
Be sure to set it up so you can receive evacuation information as well.

 In addition, the Cabinet Office's website has compiled information on apps and websites that can be useful in case of a disaster.

What to do when a natural disaster strikes

In the event of an earthquake

As soon as you feel a large tremor, get under a desk or table to protect your head.
When the shaking stops, make sure it is safe and go outside.
 
If you are at work, a store, or school, follow the instructions of those around you.

If there is a tsunami warning

If you live nearby the ocean or a river, check TV or the Internet for tsunami warnings after an earthquake.
If a tsunami warning is issued, immediately go to a high place in your neighborhood or a tsunami evacuation building.
After evacuating, follow the instructions of those in the evacuation area.

When a typhoon comes

During a typhoon, keep the windows of your house tightly closed and keep things left outside into the house.
Do not go outside, stay inside.
 
The news about the typhoon often comes several days before the arrival of the typhoon.
On typhoon day, it is safe to buy water and food in advance so that you do not have to go shopping.
 
If a large typhoon hits and the local government issues an evacuation order, go to a nearby evacuation center.

When heavy rain falls

Heavy rains occur more often these days than any other natural disaster.
Be especially careful if you live near rivers or mountains.
Since there is a risk of flooding and landslides, follow the evacuation instructions of the local government.

When any disaster occurs, it is important to act calmly and without panic.

Source：総務省消防庁 データベース　NHK 台風がくる

About the Warning Level

The warning level indicates how dangerous it is in the event of a disaster.
You should be aware of how to act at which level.

More infomation; 出入国在留管理庁「生活・就労ガイドブック第10章」P113

About evacuation

Think about your evacuation plan

An evacuation plan is a plan for safe evacuation in the event of a disaster.
By planning, you and your family will be prepared to evacuate safely.

 [Plan Steps]

1. Know where to evacuate to
   Check for evacuation sites near your home or business. You can check city and town websites.

2. Determine the route to evacuate
   Think of several different ways to get to the evacuation site. Try to actually walk along the paths that you have chosen.
   
   

3. Determine methods to contact your family
   In times of disaster, it may be difficult to make phone calls.
   Discuss and decide how you will keep in touch with your family.
   
   

4. Conduct a drill
   To make sure this plan works, conduct a drill with your family, such as walking to an evacuation site.
   

By having a plan like this in hand, you will be able to act calmly.

Participate in local disaster drills

Participating in local disaster drills is a great way to learn where evacuation centers are located, where dangerous places are, and other useful things to do in the event of a disaster.
It's an also a good opportunity to get to know people who live in the same community.

Prepare disaster prevention goods

Prepare the minimum necessary items into one bag in case of an evacuation.
Emergency food, water, copies of important documents, a piece of paper with family contact information, a flashlight, extra batteries, and something to treat minor injuries would be good.
 
Keep your bag in an easily accessible place in the house.

Finaly

Japan is prone to natural disasters.
To protect yourself and your family, be sure to remember what to do when a disaster occurs in Japan.
Please remember to make an evacuation plan and prepare emergency supplies in case of an emergency!