Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. There are lots of things you can do to protect yourself and your family, and it is important to take disaster preparation seriously.

Locations near the sea are also at risk from tsunamis. If there is a tsunami warning, evacuate to high ground immediately.

Advance preparations

We recommend that to prepare for earthquakes you read some of the disaster preparation resources, and find out about local measures from your city hall.

Find out where your local evacuation site is. Find out earthquake plans for your workplace and your children’s schools.

At home, identify a safe place in each room, and know how to turn off gas, electricity and other supplies. Fix large items of furniture to walls to prevent them from falling or blocking exits. Glass and heavy items near beds are especially dangerous. Have a fire extinguisher and flashlight with spare batteries in an accessible place. Prepare an emergency survival bag containing food and water for a few days and copies of important documents such as your passport.

During an earthquake

If you are outside, find an open space, away from buildings. If you are indoors, stay indoors. Turn off anything that might cause a fire, particularly gas and electrical items. Open a door or window to secure an exit, and stay away from furniture and other things that may fall over or collapse.

After an earthquake

Follow the instructions given by the authorities, or go to your local evacuation site. A big earthquake may cause severe disruption to public transport, the roads, electricity, water, and gas.

The cell phone carriers (network companies) all operate “disaster message boards” on the internet. If there is a big disaster, you can register your phone number and information on your carrier’s message board, and then other people can look at it to see if you are safe. When the Great East Japan Earthquake hit on March 11, 2011, many people used social media tools such as Twitter to get the latest information.

Earthquake experience centers

At earthquake experience centers, you can learn about disaster prevention and go on earthquake simulators. Admission is free.

• Ikebukuro Disaster Prevention Center, 2-37-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (03-3590-6565).
  
  • Open 9 am–5 pm, closed Tue and the third Wed of the month. 5 minutes’ walk from Ikebukuro station.
• Tokyo Disaster Prevention Main Center, 4-6-6 Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (03-3621-0119).
  
  • Open 9 am–5 pm, closed on Wed and the third Thu of the month. 10 minutes from JR Kinshicho station.
• Yokohama Shimin Bosai Center, 4-7 Sawatari, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa (045-312-0119).
  
  • Open 9:30 am–4:30 pm, closed on the third Mon of the month. 10 minutes from Yokohama station.