By Oscar Johnson
Building standards have improved in JapanYou can be on shaky ground in quake-prone Japan - literally. Just because you’ve grown used to the occasional rumble doesn’t mean your initial concern should fade to neglect. There’s a reason why the central and local governments hold earthquake and tsunami drills - and why they expect individuals to be prepared.
Experts can’t predict earthquakes but given the history of one fault they say a major quake could rock Mie, Gifu, Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures any day now. Within decades, they also expect big ones, with up to 7-meter tsunami in some areas, along two faults touching prefectures from Miyazaki to Kanagawa. If or when seismic pressure under the Tokyo area heaves can’t be estimated. But when it last did in 1923 it was devastating. Nonetheless, relax. Being paranoid wont help - being prepared can.
The good news is that Japan’s earthquake experience and technology make it one of the safest places in the world in which to weather a major quake. But there are a few things foreigners should consider as well as some basic precautions everyone should take: For starters, have you registered with your local embassy? Having your current contact info on hand can help them locate you for loved ones back home in the event of a catastrophe. In some cases embassies may also help you return home. So don’t be a stranger. The U.S., Canadian and British embassies allow easy online registration.
If you’re not yet fluent in Japanese consider what you add to your growing vocabulary. After the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu and 1995 Great Hanshin quakes, ex-pats missed needed info because they couldn’t understand public service announcements. Being able to order a beer in the local language is a worthy goal, but terms such as kyukyu (emergency), kaji (fire) and hinan basho (evacuation area) should take priority.
When looking for a place to live, bear in mind that quake-related construction standards greatly improved after the 1980s. So, mansions built after then are a safer bet. And as reliable as Japan’s subways and trains are, don’t count on them in times of disaster. Know a walking route home from work or school. Once you’ve settled into your new abode locate your local emergency shelter and know how to get there as well. Cities and towns designate certain public buildings as emergency havens for residents living nearby. Don’t wait until it’s needed to look for yours.
Everyone - especially families - should have a plan: How will you evacuate the home? Does everyone know where that shelter is? Where will you meet up if family members are at work or school and can’t communicate? Are important phone numbers accessible without your keitai? Such questions should be answered before a disaster strikes. An emergency kit is also essential. It should include basics such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, radio (for public service announcements), spare batteries, water, food and clothing. This kit should also contain cash, important documents such as insurance cards and passports and be ready to grab at a moment’s notice.
For area-specific info on emergency preparedness contact your local city, town or ward office. Tokyo Metropolitan Government offers an excellent printer-friendly “Earthquake Survival Manual” in English and Japanese at: http://www.seikatubunka.metro.tokyo.jp/index3files/survivalmanual.pdf.
