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TFD Multilingual PageSAFE CITY TOKYO>How to protect yourself during an earthquake

How to protect yourself during an earthquake

Japan is a country that experiences numerous earthquakes.Many of the buildings in Japan are highly earthquake-resistant and safe. But if a major earthquake occurs that makes you fear for your safety, you should act in accordance with the following guidelines.

When you feel the tremors from an earthquake or receive an earthquake early warning

When you are

indoors:

▶ Protect yourself by taking cover under a sturdy table or similar object.
▶ Get away from any furniture or glass panes that could easily topple over.
▶ Do not rush outside.

When you are

outdoors:

▶ Use a bag or hand luggage to protect your head.
▶ Get away from structures like concrete-block walls, and watch out for falling objects such as bricks, glass, or signboards.

Earthquake early warnings provide notifification

When an earthquake is expected to have a maximum seismic intensity of 5 Lower or greater. These notify people of the names of earthquakes predicted to have a seismic intensity of 4 or greater before intense tremors arrive.
People are notified of this along with a special warning sound conveyed via the means listed on the right.

Television/radio,Cell phones/Smartphone,Disaster Management Radio Communication Network

Once the tremors from an earthquake have stopped

Carefully ascertain the situation in the surrounding area and act calmly.

▶ When you are at your hotel, shopping at a department store or supermarket, or in a theater or hall, act in accordance with the instructions of any public announcements or employees in the building (you may be asked to relocate to a location considered to be safe, such as an evacuation shelter).
▶ Use websites and other sources to obtain accurate information.

What are evacuation shelters?

These are shelters to which you can temporarily evacuate to and remain at if the hotel you are staying at becomes unusable, aircraft are grounded, and transportation facilities to the airport stop running.

Screen showing the TMG Disaster Prevention Map

【Reference】 Seismic intensity and human perception / reactions / outdoor situation

4:Many people feel tremors when walking around. 5 Lower:Many people are frightened of the tremors and feel the need to hold onto something stable. 5 Upper:Walking is difficult without holding onto something stable. 6 Lower:It is difficult to remain standing. 6 Upper:It is impossible to remain standing. 7 People may be thrown through the air.

*Reference: Tables explaining the JMA Seismic Intensity Scale