This page shares information that may help your preparedness against earthquake and tsunami disasters with those who do not understand Japanese language.This is temporary release to respond to urgent situation.Disclaimer: This site tries to share information as best-effort basis. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Don’t panic. Be prepared.
1. Know risks you are facing
(1) EarthquakeGeneral Instruction by the Hyuga City HallGeneral Instruction by the Nobeoka City HallGeneral Instruction by Miyazaki Prefecture (English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog) <- Comprehensive. Must read
Causes of injuries or deaths by an earthquake are categorized into three.(a) CrushingA house collapses, furniture falls, cups comes out of shelf, window brokenNew earthquake resistance standard was applied for a house built after 1983. Those built in or before 1983 require more careful safety planning.(b) FireMore deaths occurred in the past by post-earthquake fire. It can come from cooking fire or electric system.(c) Others including heart attack
Useful linkhttp://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html
(2) TsunamiWhen a center of an earthquake is under the Pacific Ocean, there is much chance for tsunami. The center can move. In case you hear an alert, stand up and move immediately. Go HIGHER place as possible as SOON as possible. Approaching time differs by a center, while it can reach within several minutes. As for tsunami alert, act first before collecting information.
How do I know a Tsunami alert?You hear many public announcements day and night. How can you distinguish one for tsunami from the other even though you do not understand the Japanese language very well? Watch out your neighbors. If you see your neighbors come out, you shall follow them.
Use of a car: It is a contentious part, while lessons from Tohoku imply that the use of cars NOT recommendable for yourself and for others. Moving on your feet would be the first option. Check out today the nearest assembly point and the safest approach to there.
Sunshine Academy Facebook page tries to update the situation.
2. Know yourselfAre you sure of your Street address? Blood type? Next of kin in your home country? Relative or good friends in Japan?
3. Know your neighborhoodCity Halls have designated Assembly Points. Check out TODAY a couple of closest points and access to them. Those points are usually safer and you have more chances to be recognized and rescued.Remember assembly points for earthquake may not be those for tsunami because of different nature of the disasters. Actually those for floods have been designated independently.
Oral expression of a street address is different from written one. Example: 1-2 Ue-machi, Hyuga-shi -> Hyuga-shi, Ue-machi, 1 chome, 2 banchi)
How Assembly Points work?(1) EarthquakeWhen you feel in danger at home after a quake, you may head one of the points.(a) If certain number of people gather, community leader may refer to the City Hall(b) If the situation is specifically for your house, you may ask a help for a neighbor. (Stay out of the house) In case anyone is injured, call 199 (see below). After massive quake, a response team may not be able to reach. Carrying an evacuation kit (see below) is a good idea and also ask help for your neighbor.
(2) Tsunami alertStay there until the alert cleared. Follow an instruction by authority.
Assemply Points Map in Hyuga (made by this site. source: Hyuga City Hall website)https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zBPpiYBtZ8WQ.kffhtSGRReac
4. Be prepared(1) PlanHouse safety PlanCheck out furniture arrangement (tie them with a pillar if necessary), where to sleep, multiple escape routes.
Evacuation PlanSimulation in your mind or with your family shall be helpful.
(2) ActEvacuation kitPacking essential items is a good idea.Stand-by shoes nearby your bed is also helpful as usually glass scatters after quake.Charge your mobile phone and update address book in the phone.
Useful link: https://nip0.wordpress.com/english/
Communication with your neighborsIt may be a good chance to exchange cell phone numbers.
****************************Some helpful Japanese phrases
Earthquake Jisin 地震Fire Kaji 火事Tsunami Tsunmi 津波Alert Keiho 警報Injury Kega けがThe injured Kega-nin けが人City Hall Shiyakusho 市役所
What to talk with 119I need a rescue. Kyujo wo Onegai simasuOne is injured. Hitori Kega-nin desu.Current location is 1-2 Uemachi, Hyuga. Genzai-chi wa Hyuga-shi, Uemachi 1 chome, 2 banchi desu. (Note: when you call from your mobile phone, you need to begin with “Hyuga-shi”)My name is ABC. Watashi wa ABC desu.My phone number is xxx-xxx. Denwa bango wa xxx-xxx desu.
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Useful LinksJapan Meteorological AgencyTokyo International Communication Committee