There’s Been an Earthquake！
Japan is a country prone to many earthquakes. In fact, about 10% of earthquakes thatare recorded around the world happen in Japan. It’s very important that you prepare inadvance for an earthquake by doing things such as preparing an evacuation plan withyour family. In order to help prepare you for an earthquake, we will be introducing both
evacuation centers and evacuation shelters in Okaya City. Please take note of where
your nearest evacuation center or shelter is located.

Earthquake!

Don’t Panic and Stay Calm !!

First, Protect YourselfIf you think an Earthquake is happening, or if you feel your environment shaking, first get
underneath something sturdy like a table or desk. If you can, cover your head with a blanket or
pillow for extra protection. It is very important to first protect yourself before doing anything else.
Even if you are outdoors during an earthquake, protect your head by covering it with your bag andgetting away from potentially dangerous landmarks such as concrete-block walls, utility poles,
electric cables, etc.
If you happen to be using an open flame...
Even if there is only minimal shaking, turn off the source of the flame. Earthquakes are scary, but
so are fires caused by earthquakes. However, when the tremors are so intense you cannot move,places like your kitchen are very dangerous. Your first priority is to protect yourself while moving
away from dangerous items.
If you are able to, cut off the gas main, but do not turn off the power to electrical appliances.
Should you have to evacuate in the event of a big earthquake, turn off the breaker before leaving.
Open doors and windows
In the event of a major earthquake, doors can become warped or stuck and you may not be able toopen them. It’s important to remember to open doors and windows to secure a way out.
Put on shoes
There may be broken items from in your kitchen or glass from windows. Put on a pair of shoes orslippers to protect your feet if you can.
If you evacuate
Wear a hat or helmet. If you are able to take evacuation goods with you, put all the items into abag or rucksack to keep your hands free.
Listen to reliable sources of informationIn times of disaster, radio outlets provide the best sources of information. Take the time to add aradio (a battery-operated model is best) to your evacuation kit.

Evacuation

During the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011,
orders for residents to take refuge in their nearest evacuation
centers were issued. However, there were some people who
mistakenly headed to evacuation shelters and sadly got caught up
in the tsunami and lost their lives. The words “evacuation center”
and “evacuation shelter” look very similar, but they are actuallyvery different in practice. This is how they are different.

Centers...

Evacuation ・・・(hinan basho・ひなんばしょ・避難場所) A location
you evacuate to for safety when a disaster happens
Centers or when there is fear that a disaster might happen.
Evacuation ・・・(hinan jo・ひなんじょ・避難所) This is a placethat you can use for a fixed amount of time toShelters
complete domestic chores when a disaster pre-vents you from being able to do them at home.
These facilities will be equipped with drinking
water and toilets.

You never know when a disaster will occur. However, you canconfirm where your nearest evacuation center and evacuation
shelter is before a disaster. Plan a route to your local evacuation
center so that you can quickly get there should a disaster happen inyour area. The school campus closest to you will serve as yourevacuation center. Your evacuation shelter is designated as such by
an “evacuation shelter” sign and will be located in your community.

District

Imai

Evacuation Facility
Name(Evacuation Shelter）

DesignatedPlace

Imaiku Community
CenterAuditorium

Imai Hoikuen

Mashita

District

RhythmRoomShinmei ElementarySchoolGymnasium

Shinmei Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Mashitaku Civil Center

Main Hall

Okaya City Baseball
Field

Conference
Room

Shimohama

KooguchiKamihama
OkayaOkayaku Community
CenterMain Hall

Narita Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Evacuation Centers inOkaya City

Shinmei Elementary
SchoolOikawa Elementary School
Okaya Tanaka Elementary
SchoolMinato Elementary School
Kawagishi Elementary
SchoolOsachi Elementary School
Uenohara Elementary
School
Hokubu Junior High School
Nanbu Junior High School
Tōbu Junior High School
Seibu Junior High School

Evacuation Facility
Name（Evacuation Shelter）

DesignatedPlace

Shimohamaku CivicCenter

Assembly
Room

Workers Hall

LectureHall

Okaya City Civil
Gymnasium

Gymnasium

Ayame Hoikuen

RhythmRoomKooguchiku
Community Center

AssemblyRoom

Kamihama Community
CenterMain Hall

Okaya Tanaka
Elementary School

Gymnasium… And Evacuation
Evacuation Facility
Name（Evacuation Shelter）

DesignatedPlace

Arayashiki Public Hall

Assembly
Hall

Oguchiku Civic Center

Auditorium

Shelters
Area

Arayashiki

OguchiOguchi Hoikuen

Osaka

Hanaoka

MisawaMisawaku Community
Facility

Main Hall

Tsurumine Hoikuen

RhythmRoom
Gymnasium

Oikawaku Civic Center

Main Hall

Wakakusa Hoikuen

RhythmRoomSeibu Junior HighSchoolGymnasium

Oikawa ElementarySchoolGymnasium

Arakuraku Town Hall

Main Hall

Kawagishi Hoikuen

RhythmRoomNatsuake Hoikuen

Play Room

Kawagishi Community
CenterMain Hall

Hokubu Junior HighSchoolGymnasium

Nishiboriku Community
CenterMain Hall

Nishibori Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Komazawa

Komazawa Community
CenterMain Hall

Osaka Community
CenterAssemblyHall

Ayuzawa

Ayuzawaku Community
CenterMain Hall

Hanaokaku Civic
CenterMain Hall

Hashibara

Hashibaraku
Community Center

Main Hall

Minato Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Shibamiya Hall

Main Hall

Minato Elementary
SchoolGymnasium

Osachi Elementary
SchoolGymnasium

Gymnasium

ArakuraHigashibori

Yokokawa

DesignatedPlaceKawagishi Elementary
SchoolOikawaNishibori

RhythmRoomArea

Evacuation Facility
Name（Evacuation Shelter）

Nanbu Junior HighSchoolGymnasium

Tōbu Junior HighSchoolMinato Community
CenterMain Hall

Osachi Community
CenterMain Hall

Yokokawa Municipal
Hall

Main Hall

Nakayaku Community
CenterAssembly
Hall

Yokokawa Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Osachi Hoikuen

RhythmRoom

Nakamuraku Civic
CenterAssemblyHall

Unenohara Elementary
SchoolNakayaGymnasium

Nakamura