Earthquakes: Ready for the Big One?
by spinshellAs Japan rests precariously on an intersection of tectonic plates, earthquakes have become a fact of life here. Following on from a series of quakes in the Tokai region in the 1970’s the government has predicted that a major quake in this region will happen—it’s just a question of when. It has been estimated that if a quake hit in the morning in the Tokai area, about a hundred miles southwest of Tokyo, it could result in a death toll of up to 9,000 people. A staggering number compared to the Kobe quake in 1995, which killed roughly 6,400.
The fact remains that an earthquake could hit in Japan anytime, anywhere, so being aware and prepared is a must.
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A visit to the Ikebukuro Bosai-kan [www.tfd.metro.tokyo.jp/hp-ikbskan] will teach you earthquake survival tactics, as well as allow you to experience an earthquake firsthand. The free training session also includes a smoke maze and what steps you should take in case of a fire.
On the 4th floor they sell a range of products that should be part of your home earthquake kit. Items like non-perishable food, water, sneakers, a helmet, sanitation supplies, a radio, batteries and a flashlight are essential. And you should include a list of emergency phone numbers and some stress busters as well.
Emergency Phone Numbers in Japan
Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire: 119
Message Center (activated only during emergencies): 117
Familiarising yourself with your local temporary gathering site and evacuation area is also important. This may be signposted outside of your local train station, at the site—which is normally a large open space like a park, or through contacting your ward office.
If the big one does happen Japan’s new earthquake warning system, which launched October 1st 2007, will give the public anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds warning before a major tremor occurs.
The downside is that initially it will only be broadcast through NHK [www.nhk.or.jp/bousai] on their TV and radio channels. However, mobile phone companies have the ability to transmit the warning as well.
To let loved ones know you’re okay after things have settled down you can use NTT’s emergency voice message board. By dialing 171 you can leave and retrieve a message. A full explanation of the service can be found on the NTT East site ].
A little research and planning can go a long way when it comes to earthquakes. If you haven’t already it’s time to get prepared.
Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
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Tags: disaster, earthquake, emergency, food, japan, keitai, nkh, phone no., phone number, shelter, spinshell report, Tokyo, tv, video