Prepare Your Home
Most deaths and injuries caused by earthquakes are a result of falling objects or flying glass. In the 1995 Kobe Earthquake there were over 6,000 fatalities and over 40,000 injuries. The earthquake occurred at 5:46 in the morning, most victims were still in bed when the tremor struck. It makes common sense to prepare your home for such an event.

1. Install strong latches on cupboards and sliding doors.
2. Move or secure objects that could block your exit route.
3. Remove or isolate flammable materials.
4. Use glass safety film on the interior of all windows.
5. Make sure you know the location of emergency exits, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. Always keep a fire extinguisher in your home.
6. Don't place your bed near a window or hang heavy objects such as mirrors or paintings in a position where they could fall on the bed.
7. Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
8. Do not place combustibles near stoves, etc.
9. Prepare fire extinguishers or buckets of water, in case a fire should break out.
10. Move or secure objects that could fall on you such as books, picture frames, wall clocks, or anything hanging. Heavy objects such as bookcases or top-heavy furniture should be secured.

Secure Furniture

Adjustable Poles fit in the gap between the ceiling and your tall items of furniture to stop them toppling over.	Latches stop a cupboard from opening and spilling its contents on the floor.	Prevent heavy furniture from moving or falling over by bracing the item to a wall.
Attach a plastic film to a window or a mirror to prevent shattered glass from falling on the floor	Stick “taishin pads” 耐震パッドunder your TV, microwave oven, PC, and furniture to prevent horizontal movement during an earthquake.	A simple barrier stops crockery from falling.

Where to Buy
The items on the right, along with a whole range of other earthquake-related survival and prevention items are known as Bosai Goods防災グッズ(literally - Disaster Prevention Goods - are available at home centers such as Kahma (カーマ) and Nakai (ナカイ), from Tokyu Hands(東急ハンズ) in the JR Central Towers, and on-line at amazon.co.jp (use keyword ぼうさいぐっず).

Prepare for the Aftermath
After a major earthquake, it may take 2 to 3 days for food and emergency supplies to be distributed, so prior planning on your part could make a major difference in your level of comfort in the aftermath. So, exactly what should you include in your emergency supplies?
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• 3 days supply of canned food and can opener; rotate water and food in your kit to ensure freshness.
• 3 - 4 days supply (at least 10 liters) of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Change of clothing.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so.
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
• Passport, 30,000 Yen in cash.
• Other items: Newspapers, plastic wrap, rubber gloves, garbage bags, tape, paper cups, plates and utensils all proved to be very useful in the aftermath of the 1995 Kobe earthquake.


Emergency Evacuation Areas (Hinanjo 避難所)

Nagoya Municipal Minato Disaster Prevention Center 名古屋市港防災センター

The center’s two floors have numerous interactive displays. Staff members are on hand to explain each display and answer your questions. Experience the Big One in the Earthquake Simulation Room, try to navigate through the smoke evacuation training room, and fly back to 1959 to experience Nagoya’s worst ever typhoon in the 3D simulation room. Unfortunately staff cannot speak English, but the simulations alone are worth the experience.

- For individuals and groups of 4 or less - no reservations are required, but the simulations are only available in 30 minute blocks between 09:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00.

- For groups of 5 or more - a 2 hour course & a 90 minute course are available; reservations are required.

For reservations and more information call the Center at 052-651-1100
Open: 09:30 - 16:30　Closed: Mondays (except national holidays), Tuesdays after a national holiday, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 12/29 - 1/3
Admission: Free
Access: Next to Minato Ward Office, 3 minutes walk straight out of Minato Kuyakusho Subway Station, exit 1

Develop an out of prefecture contact  
If possible ask an out of prefecture friend to serve as your contact in the case of an emergency. As phone lines are often down during and after a natural disaster it can be extremely difficult to contact or be contacted by loved ones. If you are somehow able to reach your out of prefecture contact, everyone in turn can contact him or her to confirm your safety.

Embassy Registration

All foreign residents are strongly encouraged to register with their embassy, so as to be able to confirm your safety and whereabouts in the case of a disaster. Please note that not all embassies offer this service.

Getting More Information
In the case of an emergency, the most important thing is not to panic. Of course it easier said than done but by preparing ahead of time and having an idea of where to find information we hope that people will feel more at ease. The Nagoya International Center has additional information on earthquake and disaster preparations as well as evacuation areas for each residential and ward area, feel free to come and ask for assistance at the 3F Information Service Corner or call us at 052-581-0100.