Town of Ikata

In case of emergency

Earthquakes

If an earthquake hits, remain calm!

Indoors

In a house

• If you feel shaking, protect yourself by hide under a desk or table. If there's no time for that, cover your head with a blanket or whatever might be nearby.
• The initial large quake should end in about a minute. Don't move around right when you feel the first tremor as objects may fall, making moving more dangerous than staying put.
• Fires started by the earthquake are a major cause of damage. Be sure to turn off stoves and other gas-powered equipment.
• Do not walk around barefoot as there may be broken glass about.
• Never use an elevator to evacuate during an emergency. Use the stairs to make sure you aren't trapped by flames or smoke.

In a multi-resident building (apartment, etc.)

• Open doors or windows to secure an escape route.
• Never use an elevator to evacuate during an emergency. Use the stairs to make sure you aren't trapped by flames or smoke.

Outdoors

On the street

• In an area where there may be falling objects, protect your head with your bag or briefcase, and go immediately to a park or other open space.
• If there are no open spaces nearby, calmly assess the surrounding area, and move to a place, preferably far away from buildings, that you think may be safe.
• Aftershocks can cause falling roof materials and collapsing fences. Don't approach telephone poles that look like they might fall over, and be careful not to touch fallen power lines.

While driving

• Pull over to the left side of the road and turn off your engine. Calmly assess your surroundings, then if necessary, escape on foot, carrying with you any valuables from the car such as proof of insurance.

Near the coast

• In the case of very strong or prolonged earthquakes, a tsunami may occur. If you are swimming in the ocean or happen to be near the coast, immediately move to high ground. Tsunamis can strike unsuspected areas.