You’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re excited about its beautiful scenery and culture. But have you ever been distressed by the thought of “what if there was an earthquake…”? Japan is a country prone to earthquakes, but with the right knowledge you can stay safe. In fact, with 2,424 earthquakes in 2021, it is not unlikely that tourists will be affected. This article explains the concrete steps to take in the event of an earthquake: by practicing five steps, you can calmly deal with an emergency. Let’s get down to business!
1. During an earthquake: protect yourself first
Indoors, protect your head by moving away from windows and large furniture and hiding under a desk. This will avoid the danger of shards of glass and falling furniture.
If you are in an elevator, press the buttons on all floors and be prepared to get off at the second floor at which it stops. Elevators may stop during an earthquake, so evacuate as soon as possible.
In the city, protect your head with any bags or carry-on luggage you are carrying and stay away from block walls and vending machines. These can collapse and are extremely dangerous.
2. Aftershocks and Secondary Disasters
Caution should be maintained after the main earthquake, as secondary disasters such as aftershocks, tsunamis and landslides can occur. In the Great East Japan Earthquake, a tsunami killed approximately 19,000 people. If a tsunami warning is issued, evacuate to higher ground or a reinforced concrete building.
If you are in an area at risk of landslides, evacuate perpendicular to slopes to as safe a location as possible.
If you are at sea or by a river, start evacuating as soon as the shaking stops. Do not let your guard down even after the shaking has stopped and always be prepared to move to higher ground or shelter.
3. Use local media and hotel staff
Getting accurate information will help ensure your safety. Use local media and hotel staff to keep abreast of the situation: check NHK WORLD JAPAN (available in 17 languages) for the latest information on the disaster. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/
Hotel staff are familiar with the local situation and are used to dealing with emergencies, so actively use their instructions and information.
4. Reduce your risks by preparing before you travel
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies due to your religion, write down allergy information in Japanese on a card and carry it with you. In the event of a disaster, you will be able to quickly inform the people around you of your situation.
Carry a cell phone battery. This will ensure that you have a means of recharging your smartphone in the event of a power outage or at an evacuation center.
Conclusion
Your safety is only as good as your knowledge. It’s not about ‘nothing will happen to me,’ it’s about ‘just in case,’ which makes the trip safer.”
