Japan is well known as a country where lots of natural disasters happen. People all over the world were shocked by the videos showing houses swallowed by tsunami waves caused by a big earthquake in Northern main island of Japan on March 11th, 2011.
As a resident of Japan, we all need to prepare for natural disasters. Here is some points that you should check to prepare for a big earthquake:
Choose a house that will not fall down
I know it is hard to find out whether your house will fall down by a big earthquake or not. However, you can choose not to live in a house that is clearly fragile. In 1981, the earthquake resistance requirements were amended and became more strict. Those requirements are still applied to today’s buildings. So I recommend you to choose a house that was built after 1981 when you rent a place to live.
Live without so much furniture
Japanese houses are so small, especially in the Tokyo area. Many people who are single live in a 20-30 square meters room. Imagine if you are asleep surrounded by furniture when a big earthquake happens. Lots of people got crushed by fallen furniture and died in the earthquake in the great hanshin-awaji earthquake in 1995.
I have read a story of a victim of the earthquake and he wrote that drawers and a TV were literally flying while he could not make any moves in a big shake. So I try not to locate any furniture near beds and recommend you to do the same.
Prepare emergency evacuation backpacks
When you evacuate, minimum items should be taken so you can evacuate smoothly and quickly. What are recommended to put in emergency evacuation backpacks?
1)things you cannot live without
For example, I have really bad eyesight so I definitely need contact lenses or glasses. If you take certain medicines everyday, put some in the bag too. If you have babies, make sure to prepare some diapers, wipes and liquid milk that doesn’t need hot water like below.
2)things that support your safety
・rain coat (in case for a bad weather)
・safety helmet with a light (so you have both hands free)
・gloves (could use when it’s cold or protect from broken glasses and stuff )
・masks (protect from cold, for hygienic reason or maybe for hiding face with no make-up on)
・a whistle (to call for help etc.)
・alcohol wipes (for hygienic reason)
・emergency blankets (protect from cold or used as a wall in an evacuation place)
3)minimum food and drink
・some snacks, canned food etc.
・2-3 500ml bottles of water per person
4)first aid kit
No need to mention about it.
5)items to collect information
・mobile batteries
・pens and papers
6)other
・wrap(can be used as a plate, bandage, tourniquet, toilet cover and more)
Separate from emergency backpacks, you should prepare more things to stay at home after disasters and live in a situation that gas, water and electricity supply stops.
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