Disaster Preparedness in Japan: Essential Guides for Surviving Natural Calamities

Japan is a country highly susceptible to various natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Consequently, disaster awareness is high, and preparing for emergencies and responding quickly has become part of daily life. This article explains essential disaster preparedness measures, advance preparations, and crucial information useful during an emergency. By understanding these precautions, you can respond calmly and live safely even when a disaster strikes.

1. Types of Natural Disasters Common in Japan

The following natural disasters frequently occur in Japan. It is crucial to prepare measures suitable for each type of disaster.

Earthquakes: Japan is a country where earthquakes occur frequently. Because we cannot predict when the next major quake will hit, preparation is required at all times, regardless of the seismic intensity.
Typhoons: Every year from summer to autumn, typhoons make landfall in Japan. Due to the risks of strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, special caution is needed during typhoon season.
Tsunamis: When an earthquake occurs, there is a risk of tsunamis hitting coastal areas. If a tsunami warning is issued, it is mandatory to quickly move to high ground or designated evacuation sites.
Volcanic Eruptions: Japan has many active volcanoes, and damage from volcanic eruptions must be anticipated. If you live near a volcano, you must constantly check information regarding volcanic activity.

2. Home Disaster Preparedness: Essential Items and How to Use Them

It is crucial to prepare for disasters before they happen. Below are items that should be kept ready daily, along with their uses.

Disaster Kit: A basic set of supplies that should be prepared so they can be taken out immediately when a disaster like an earthquake or typhoon occurs. This includes flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, first aid kits, emergency food, water, and a radio.
Emergency Food and Water: Keep at least three days’ worth of emergency food and water stocked. Aim for 3 liters of water per person per day, and it is helpful to prepare long-shelf-life items such as canned goods, dry bread, or retort pouches.
Cold Weather/Rain Gear: During a disaster, maintaining body temperature is important regardless of the season. Prepare warm clothing, raincoats, and blankets so that you can stay comfortable even in an evacuation shelter.
Emergency Contact Card: Carry an emergency contact card listing the phone numbers of family and friends, as well as designated evacuation locations. It is vital to keep this information stored on paper, in case your smartphone is unusable.

3. Checking Evacuation Routes and Designated Shelters

It is essential to confirm evacuation routes and designated shelters in advance so that you can evacuate quickly during a disaster.

Checking Evacuation Routes: Determine which paths you will take to evacuate if an earthquake or fire occurs. It is especially important to decide on a meeting point if you live with family or roommates.
Knowing Designated Shelters: Check the local government website or disaster preparedness app for designated shelters and evacuation sites near your home. Sharing this information with your family about where to go during a disaster is crucial.
Evacuation from Tsunamis and Floods: If you live along the coast or near a river, you must also confirm evacuation locations prepared for tsunamis and floods. Know in advance safe places like high ground or upper floors of buildings where you can quickly evacuate.

4. How to Get Disaster Information: Apps and Emergency Alert Systems

Japan provides numerous tools for obtaining rapid information during a disaster. Utilizing these resources allows you to take appropriate action.

Disaster Preparedness Apps: Installing apps provided by local governments or the government allows you to check real-time information on earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. Since some apps support English in addition to Japanese, they are reassuring for foreign residents as well.
Emergency Alert Messages: In Japan, when a major earthquake, tsunami, or disaster occurs, an emergency alert message is automatically distributed to smartphones. Because it includes voice warnings, you can quickly grasp the situation and begin evacuation actions.
NHK and News Apps: It is also important to obtain the latest disaster information using television and radio. NHK and various news apps provide rapid updates during times of crisis.

5. Home Safety Measures for Earthquakes

Given the high frequency of earthquakes in Japan, home safety measures are also critical. By preventing furniture and appliances from falling over and ensuring indoor safety, you can minimize damage.

Securing Furniture: Secure large pieces of furniture such as bookshelves, chests of drawers, and refrigerators to the walls. This prevents furniture from tipping over and keeps evacuation routes clear.
Using Anti-seismic Mats and Stoppers: Laying anti-seismic mats under TVs, electronics, or furniture, or installing stoppers, can prevent items from falling due to shaking during an earthquake.
Glass Shards Prevention Film: Applying film to window panes and display cabinets prevents broken glass from scattering, reducing the risk of injury.

6. Ensuring Communication During a Disaster

During a disaster, phone lines and the internet may become congested. To ensure communication with family and friends during an emergency, utilize the following methods.

Emergency Message Dial (171): Utilize NTT’s disaster message dial available during emergencies. By calling 171, you can leave messages for your family or friends.
SNS and Messaging Apps: Even if phone lines are congested, internet-based messaging apps (such as LINE or WhatsApp) tend to remain relatively connected. During a disaster, use text messages rather than phone calls to communicate.

7. The Importance of Preparation and Disaster Drills at Home

Preparation at home is indispensable for protecting life when a disaster strikes. Besides preparing a disaster kit, regular disaster drills are also important.

Disaster Drills: Conduct disaster drills with your family or housemates to check evacuation routes and designated shelters. Regularly practicing evacuations for fire or earthquakes allows you to respond calmly in an emergency.
Participating in Local Disaster Events: Many local governments hold “Disaster Prevention Day” events and regular preparedness activities. Participating in these is effective for learning necessary knowledge and skills for times of crisis.

Summary: Raising Awareness to Protect Yourself from Natural Disasters

In Japan, disaster preparedness is an integral part of daily life. It is vital to prepare in advance and confirm evacuation locations and communication methods so that you can act quickly during a disaster. By referring to the basic disaster prevention knowledge introduced in this article, please take steps to ensure your safety and peace of mind in case of an emergency. Disaster preparedness is a crucial step toward protecting yourself and your family.

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