Quake Survival 101: Staying Safe in Japan
Japan is an incredible country, but it’s also one of the most earthquake-prone places on Earth. Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, tremors are a part of life here. The good news? Japan is well-prepared, and with a little planning, you can be too! Here’s how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
Before the Earthquake: Get Prepared
👜 Pack an Emergency Kit – Include bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and copies of important documents.
🏠 Secure Your Space – Anchor heavy furniture, store fragile items low, and secure picture frames. You don’t want things falling on you mid-quake!
🚪 Know Your Escape Routes – Check evacuation spots near your home, office, or hotel. Japan labels them clearly—take a moment to familiarize yourself.
📱 Save Emergency Contacts – Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Let a friend or family member know your whereabouts.
🏃 Join an Earthquake Drill – Japan regularly holds drills, so participate when you can. Practicing safety steps makes them second nature.
During the Earthquake: Stay Calm & Safe
🔽 DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON! – Get low, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on until the shaking stops.
🏠 Stay Indoors (If Safe) – Running outside can be dangerous due to falling debris. Stay put and protect your head.
🌳 If Outside, Find an Open Space – Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay low to avoid losing balance.
🏢 High-Rise? Stay Put & Avoid Elevators – Brace yourself near an interior wall or under furniture. Once it’s safe, evacuate via stairs.
🌊 Near the Coast? Move to Higher Ground! – Strong or long earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. If you’re near the ocean, don’t wait—evacuate uphill immediately!
After the Earthquake: Stay Alert
👀 Check Yourself & Others – Assess injuries and provide first aid if needed.
🏚 Watch for Aftershocks – These smaller quakes can follow the big one, so stay cautious.
📢 Listen for Emergency Updates – Follow Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning System and local news for safety instructions.
🚪 Avoid Damaged Buildings – If a structure looks cracked, stay out until authorities declare it safe.
📞 Use Your Phone Wisely – Networks may be overwhelmed, so use texts or social media to check in.
🥫 Conserve Supplies – Water, food, and electricity might be limited. Use your emergency kit wisely.
Final Thought: Be Ready, Stay Safe!
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference. Stay calm, follow safety steps, and remember—Japan is one of the best-prepared countries in the world. Stay safe and enjoy your time in this amazing country! 💪
