The one thing that really struck us on the day of the earthquake in the the days after until we went home was how calm the people seemed. Especially on the day of the earthquake when we were riding in the taxi through the streets of Tokyo. The buildings had been evacuated and the streets were filled with people, but there seemed to be no panic. Many people were wearing helmets and masks.
I've copied a simple list that was made for international visitors living in Japan. It was interesting for me to scroll through it and check off my levels of preparedness. Even though preparedness is emphasized in church and in our community, there were several areas that I have neglected lately. For example, right now, our family water supply is pathetic. And old. I doubt we'd even be able to drink it. That's where I'm going to start. Here goes:
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| Japan is an earthquake-prone country. Be prepared and don't panic when it happens! Check your emergency survival kit regularly to see if the food is outdated or any items are missing so that the kit is usable when it's needed. Getting ready for an earthquake Prepare your emergency survival kit. Pack the following emergency items in a backpack or a bag and keep it in a place where all family members can easily locate it:
 You also need to keep drinking water, approximately 2 to 3 liters per person per day. Pay attention to safety measures for your home.    to secure TVs, personal computers and stereo units.  securely. In addition, place some non-slip material under it to prevent it from falling off the furniture. Take steps to prevent fires.  Check the safety of your house. Check the roof of your house to see if any tiles are loose or if antennas etc, are unstable. Be informed about local evacuation area / center. Do you know where yours is? Each community has designated evacuation area to be established in case of major earthquakes. Identify and remember where your evacuation area is located. If the earthquake happens while you are at work, you may have to walk all the way home. It is therefore important to plan in advance walking route to your home, otherwise you may find it very difficult to return home in such emergency situations. Make sure to keep in mind several locations of designated "return-home aid stations," which will be established along major roads in case of a major earthquake to help people return home by providing water, restrooms, and necessary information. What to do in case of earthquake If you are at home:
Protect yourself by sheltering under a table. If there is no place to hide, protect your head with a pillow or a cushion. After the main shock calms down, immediately turn off the gas appliances as well as heating appliances. Anything that could cause a fire should be turned off. Open the doors to rooms and the entrance of the house. Always wear shoes even when inside a house to avoid injury as there could be pieces of broken glass or other dangerous objects on the floor. It is possible that small shakes may occur following the main quake. Remember to stay calm even when you feel the aftershocks. Before you leave the house, make sure you shut off the gas supply valve as well as the circuit breaker. If you are in a building, always use the stairs to evacuate. You should not use elevators. You should always walk when you evacuate. Never use cars, motorcycles or bicycles. Do not try to take more than you need for emergency survival. FOOD & WATER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
