You can survive an earthquake and minimize its damage simply by becoming aware of potential hazards and taking some basic precautions. Develop a family earthquake plan and prepare yourself.

How To Protect Yourself 1. Stay Calm and Seek Safety *Get under the nearest table or desk. Cover your head with a cushion or pillow. *Secure an exit When you feel an earthquake, open a door immediately. This ensures that access to an escape route will be available after the earthquake is over. *Do not rush outside Usually a strong earthquake will end within a minute or so. Seek shelter in the room you are in and stay there until th.e earthquake has ended 2. Prevention of Fires *Extinguish any open flames the moment you feel an earthquake. Be quick to turn off any heat sources in use such as gas burners and heating stoves.(The recommended oilstove type is one with quake-sensing and self-extinguishing capabilities.) Shut off the main gas valve and unplug electrical appliances. *Put out any fires that may have started. Shout "KAJI"(fire) to notify your neighbors and get their assistance. 3. Stay Away from Narrow Streets, Walled Streets, Cliffs and River Banks *Don't stand under the eaves of homes or buildings. *Stay away from cliffs and river banks. 4. Evacuation Procedure *Evacuate on foot and carry only necessary personal belongings on your back. *If you live near a beach, evacuate to higher ground quickly when you feel either a strong earthquake or a weak but lasting tremor. *Listen to the radio for news concerning tidal waves.(TSUNAMI) *Landslides usually occur shortly after an earthquake. Get away from the base of mountains and cliffs. 5. Be Sure that the Information You Receive Is Correct *Follow the news on TV or radio. *Follow the instructions given by the municipal office, fire department and police department. *Do not use a telephone unnecessarily. 6. Provide First Aid in Cooperation with Others 7. What To Do When Driving A Car *Immediately pull over to the side of the road or into a vacant lot and turn off your engine. *Listen for news on the radio. Follow the instructions of the police and evacuate on foot, leaving the key in the car.

Daily Preparation 1. Anti-disaster Training *Actively participate in anti-disaster training courses and evacuation classes. 2. Discuss, As A Family, What to Do During An Earthquake Family members should talk about the following. *Location of the safest place in the home. *Check the first aid kit and look around for the hazards. *Who will be responsible for evacuating small children and the elderly. *Places and routes to evacuate. *Who takes what during an evacuation and who knows the location of the earthquake kit. *A place for the family to reunite, and how to make contact with each other. *Decide the responsibilities of family members for both day and night earthquakes. *Prepare evacuation cards and emergency belongings for each family member. 3. Reinforcing Your House *Check and reinforcer the foundation and main structural supports of your house as well as the roof tiles. 4.Reinforcing Brick and Stone Walls *Check your walls to ensure that they are amply reinforced. 5.Preventing Furniture and Elevated Furnishings from Tipping Over or Falling Down *Secure furniture with brackets. 6. Preparing Extinguishers *Prepare flash lights and extinguishers. *Prepare a bucket containing water. *Fill bathtub with water. *Prepare slippers and sneakers with thick soles to prevent injuries. 7. Preparing Personal Effects and A First Aid Kit for Emergencies *Prepare minimum personal effects and a first aid kit. *Put earthquake kits where you can easily reach them.

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