DISASTERPREPAREDNESS TOKYO
2023

RevisedVersionGet deeper
knowledge.

Let's get prepared.
Do everything toprotect yourself.

A disaster can occur at any time,such as an earthquake directly
damage, or a volcanic eruption.
Are you prepared?

002

003

Tokyo has been hit by natural disasters suchas large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
many times in the past.
Following the publication of “Disaster
Preparedness Tokyo” in 2015 and “Disaster
Readiness Guide” in 2018, there was thedamage caused by Typhoon Hagibis in 2019
and then the Covid-19 pandemic.
This situation of disasters being likely tooccur at any time is going to continue,

In order to properly prepare for these risks, it
is important for each Tokyo resident to learn
the latest knowledge about various disasters
and their countermeasures, and to sharethem with the community in order to raiseawareness of disaster preparedness.
Please use the 100th anniversary of the Great
Kanto Earthquake as an opportunity tofurther deepen your knowledge of disaster
preparedness and become more fully
prepared for disasters.

more severe and more frequent due to theeffects of climate change, an earthquake
directly hitting Tokyo, a large-scalevolcanic eruption, and infectious diseases,
as well as the risk of multiple disasters
occurring together.
004

005

What if an Earthquake
Directly Hits Tokyo ora Nankai TroughMega Earthquake
Occurs?

The Great Kanto Earthquake that struck in 1923 caused
earthquake is estimated to have had a magnitude of 7.9,

Now, 100 years later, more large-scale earthquakes are
predicted to occur.
These are an “earthquake directly hitting Tokyo” and the“Nankai Trough mega earthquake.”If either of these earthquakes hits the large population ofTokyo, buildings with low seismic resistance will collapse.
victims and people who are unable to return home. It is
predicted that lifelines will be damaged and electricity,gas, water, and sewerage services will be unavailable
for some time. Disruptions to communications such as
telephone and internet services are also predicted. If thedamage is extensive, the time required for recovery andreconstruction could be very long.
The life we take for granted will change
completely from the day such anearthquake occurs.

006

007

New Damage Predictions (1)Earthquake Directly Hitting
Tokyo (Southern Central
Tokyo Earthquake)T h e s o u t h e r n c e n t ra lTokyo earthquake refers
to a magnitude 7-level
earthquake that is expected
to cause maximum damage
to Tokyo. Approximately
60% of the 23-wards area
is expected to experiencea seismic intensity of 6 orhigher.

3 Chuo Ward

From shaking: 3,666

Tsunami damage: Maximum
tsunami height (time until arrival)

Edogawa Wardmaximumtsunami height
2.24 mTokyo Bay Area
Edogawa Ward: 2.24 m

1 Edogawa Ward

Koto Ward: 2.63 m
Chuo Ward: 2.42 m
Minato Ward: 2.37 m
Shinagawa Ward: 2.38 m
Ota Ward: 2.25 m
Tokyo Bay reclaimed land: 1.99 m

Minato Wardmaximum tsunami
height 2.37 m

7
6 Upper
6 Lower
5 Upper
5 Lower43 or less

Deaths6,148

2 Koto Ward
Koto Wardmaximumtsunami height
2.63 m4 Minato Ward

Seismic
intensity

5 Shinagawa Ward
Shinagawa Wardmaximumtsunami height
2.38 mMaximum tsunami
height (m)6 Ota Ward

Injuries
93,435*

From shaking: 83,489

From shaking: 82,199

Stranded
commuters
and others
Approx.
4.53 million

The Nankai Trough mega earthquake refers to the earthquake that ispredicted to occur with an epicenter in the Nankai Trough, which stretchesfrom the Tokai region to Kyushu. In Tokyo, there are concerns about theeffects of long-period ground motion, and it is expected that a tsunami

Chuo Wardmaximum tsunami
height 2.42 m

Predicted damage in Tokyo

Buildings
damaged
194,431

New Damage Predictions (2)Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake

Evacuees
Approx.
2.99 million

Ota Ward
maximumtsunamiheight 2.25 m

Tokyo Bay
reclaimed land
maximumtsunami height
1.99 m7 Tokyo Bay

reclaimed land

2.2 m ~ 2.5 m
2.0 m ~ 2.2 m
1.8 m ~ 2.0 m
1.6 m ~ 1.8 m
1.4 m ~ 1.6 m
1.2 m ~ 1.4 m
1.0 m ~ 1.2 m
0.8 m ~ 1.0 m

Islands
Oshima: Approx. 16 m (approx. 23 min.)Toshima: Approx. 17 m (approx. 19 min.)Niijima: Approx. 27 m (approx. 17 min.)Shikinejima: Approx. 28 m (approx. 14 min.)Kozushima: Approx. 27 m (approx. 17 min.)Miyakejima: Approx. 16 m (approx. 25 min.)
Mikurajima: Approx. 7 m (approx. 30 min.)Hachijojima: Approx. 17 m (approx. 32 min.)
Aogashima: Approx. 14 m (approx. 36 min.)Chichijima: Approx. 15 m (approx. 126 min.)
Hahajima: Approx. 16 m (approx. 108 min.)Maximum water height(m)

5 m or more
2m~5m
1m~2m

0.3 m ~ 1 m

Less than 0.3 m

Predicted damagein Tokyo

Maximum tsunami height:
approx. 28 m (Shikinejima)
Deaths: 952
Buildings damaged: 1,258

1

2

Oshima7

3

Toshima8

4

Niijima9

5

Shikinejima
10

6

Kozushima

Miyakejima

11* The total does not add up due to rounding.

Mikurajima

Source: Edited and created based on Tokyo Metropolitan Government “New Damage Predictions for Tokyo: Predicted
Damage to Tokyo from an Earthquake Directly Hitting Tokyo” (May 2022)

008

Hachijojima

Aogashima

Chichijima

Hahajima

Source: Edited and created based on Tokyo Metropolitan Government“New Damage Predictions for Tokyo: Predicted Damage to Tokyo
from an Earthquake Directly Hitting Tokyo” (May 2022)

009

Immediately After the Disaster
Overview ofDamageunsecured furniture, etc.
such as tableware and glassbuildings and condominiums
with low seismic resistancecollapse

Electricity andCommunications

outages occur
disputed over wide areas

1 Day Later

trapping many people

return homeliquefaction, itbusinesses, causing

evacuation centers andtemporary shelters

live due to houses
becoming slantedareas with a high densityof wooden housessocial media transmission

communication cannot
be used, making it

Supplies andTransportation

condominium
buildings will stop
working, making it

occur due to roaddaily necessities
are sold out at
supermarkets andconvenience stores,

and from groundlevel for those on

family members, etc.

suspendedstations

people and become
impassable,
hindering
emergency andrelief efforts

restrictionstransportation such as

imposed on private
vehiclesToilets andSanitation

at available
toilets

What Will Happen to
Residents if an Earthquake
Directly Hits Tokyo?
010

base stations run out ofemergency power
supplies, causing areas
without service toexpanddeteriorates
deteriorates
water tankers islimitedto secure supplies

and othercommunal housing,
toilets cannot be
used due todamaged sewerage
pipes, even when
the water supply is
working

Immediately After the Disaster1 Day Later
Buildings with low seismic resistance are destroyed
due to the sudden, strong shaking. Although
condominiums, lifelines such as electricity, gas, andwater are out of service, as well as communications
and public transportation. Many people become
stranded, unable to contact their families and loved
ones, or injured.
011

Three Days Later

One Month Later

Overview ofDamageelevators cannot be useduntil they have beeninspected

their stockpiles run out
to evacuation centers
to maintain sanitation andprivacy

Electricity andCommunications

implemented

psychological care due tovarious stresses after thedisasterpeople leaving
evacuation
centers inorder to startrebuilding theirlives increases

gradually restoredof damage, telephone
and internet
communications are
disrupted for a long
period of time

Supplies andTransportation

goods continues
services resume

Toilets andSanitation

portable toilets, making it

deteriorate andinfectious diseases

toilets increases

Covid-19, andnorovirus spread

Three Days Later
While many Tokyo residents are sheltering at home, after the third day,stockpiles of water, food, and other supplies in homes begin to run out,
and the number of people who try to use evacuation centers increases. The
recovery of lifelines is limited, and many people are unable to use a toilet.

012

One Week Laterable to resume living
at home as waterand sewage systems
are restored

One Week to One Month Later
The restoration of lifelines necessary for daily
life and communications gradually begins, but
the supply of goods into Tokyo is limited. The
number of people using eva cuation centers
gradually decreases, and support and measuresfor people to rebuild their lives commence.
013

What Will Happen if a Nankai
Trough Mega Earthquake Occurs
Islands region

In the islands region, Tsunami waves
exceeding 20 meters may reach some islands
in as little as ten minutes. In the Sanriku
region, which is often hit by tsunamis, there
is a saying that goes, “Tsunami Tendenko,”which means that when a tsunami occurs,
it is important for every person to escape tohigher ground, even if they are not with theirfamily, in order to protect their own lives.

In high-rise buildings, etc. in Tokyo
If a Nankai Trough mega earthquake occurs, it is thought that a long-period,
slow and large shaking (ground motion) will occur. This kind of earthquake
motion is called “long-period ground motion,” and when the seismic wave
period and the natural period of a high-rise building or condominium match

New Preparations for
Changing Disasters
In recent years, disasters have become more severe and more frequent
all over Japan, to the point where we hardly have time to catch our breath
between disasters. In particular, the nature of disasters is changing
dramatically, with the occurrence of new weather phenomena such as
torrential rains, large typhoons, and rainbands, as well as increased

On the other hand, the number of people who need various types of
support is increasing as society ages, the digitalization of society is
progressing, and disaster preparedness apps and web-based services thatutilize smartphones are now available, while the use of battery devices
and LED lighting is also expanding. In response to changing disasters, it isimportant for society as a whole to improve its various preparations, suchas improving new preparations through self-help, increasing opportunities
to experience disaster preparedness, and interacting with the community.

When a high-rise building resonates, it will sway largely for a long period oftime, which can cause indoor furniture and appliances to fall over or move,and elevators to malfunction.

Damage Prediction Website

A website has been created based on “Predicted Damage to Tokyo froman Earthquake Directly Hitting Tokyo” and enables you to check thedamage that is predicted to occur around you when a disaster occurs.
Tokyo Damage Prediction Map

Tokyo My Predicted Damage

You also can check the seismic
intensity distribution anddamage distribution describedin “Predicted Damage to Tokyo
from an Earthquake Directly
Hitting Tokyo” on maps.

By selecting factors including
your family com positio n,building structure, and the area
you live in, you can create yourown “My Predicted Damage.”

Source: Iwate Prefecture “Proposals from Iwate Prefecture regarding disaster preparedness and reconstruction basedon lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami” (2015)
https://www.pref.iwate.jp/kensei/seisaku/bousaikaigi/1012174.html
Japan Meteorological Agency “What is Long-period Ground Motion” from the Japan Meteorological Agency
website014

015

How to use “Disaster
Preparedness Tokyo”

Two volumes have been prepared, the Disaster Readiness Guide, which is
to improve knowledge in order to be more fully prepared for disasters.
Please read and use the Disaster Readiness Guide before using thisDisaster Preparedness Tokyo. Learn how to protect your life in preparation
for a disaster.
DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS TOKYO

Disaster
Readiness Guide

2023

2023

RevisedVersion

RevisedVersionDisasterPreparedness

Disaster

Readiness Guide

with action.

<Actions Volume>In this manual we haveadded the “Do Now” markto pages introducing disaster
preparedness actions thatcan be implemented rightcontaining this mark and carryout those actions.

016

is useful in daily life and in an emergency.
The app features content that will be usefulin the event of a disaster and allows users
to have fun while gaining basic knowledge
about disaster preparedness, based on theconcepts of “play,” “learn,” and “use.”

Tokyo Stockpiling NaviTokyo

Get deeper
knowledge.

<Knowledge
Volume>Do Now MarkDo
Now

Download the Disaster
Preparedness Tokyo app

Page 036

Understand the items andquantities that you need tostockpile by simply answeringsome simple questions suchas your family composition.
Start with what you can do foryourself and your loved ones.

AndroidversionTokyo My Timeline
Decide in advance what
you will do to prepare for
evacuation in the event
avoid panic in case of an
emergency. This will allow
you to organize appropriate
evacuation actions inadvance.

Page 040

Tokyo Disaster Preparedness Seminars

Page 044

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Page 047
Page 051
Page 054iOSversionconducts “Tokyo Disaster Preparedness

Seminars” that invite disaster preparedness
experts to your city.

Page 060
Page 076
Page 096

Download it now before a disaster strikes.

017

Table of Contents

Furniture Stabilization Checklist................................................ 051

Making Your Home Safer ......................................................... 053

Prologue .................................................................................... 003

Preparing Ways to Access Disaster Information .................................... 056

What if an Earthquake Directly Hits Tokyo or a Nankai Trough Mega

Building Supportive Relationships with Your Neighbors ........................... 064

Earthquake Occurs? ..................................................................... 006
New Damage Predictions (1) Earthquake Directly Hitting Tokyo(Southern Central Tokyo Earthquake) .......................................... 008

Master the Disaster Preparedness Tokyo App....................................... 058

Joining a Volunteer Disaster Response Team ....................................... 065
Disaster Preparedness for Condominiums .......................................... 066

New Damage Predictions (2) Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake ............ 009
What Will Happen to Residents if an Earthquake Directly Hits Tokyo...... 010
What Will Happen if a Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake Occurs............ 014
New Preparations for Changing Disasters ....................................... 015
How to Use “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo,” “Do Now” Symbol ............... 016
Download the Disaster Preparedness Tokyo app................................. 017

Contents .................................................................................... 018
Index by Household Composition ...................................................... 024
Index by Disaster Type .................................................................. 026

Fire Prevention Measures ............................................................... 080
Installing an Earthquake-tripped Circuit Breaker.............................. 082
Mandatory Fire Alarm Systems ................................................... 084
Government Measure to Prevent the Outbreak and Spread of Fires ...... 086
Checking Electricity, Gas and Water Supply....................................... 088

Preparing for Power Outages ...................................................... 089
Preparing for Gas Outages ......................................................... 090
Preparing for Water Outages ...................................................... 091
Evacuating with a Pet.................................................................. 092

Disaster Preparedness at Work......................................................... 094

Preparation and Actions for............................................................................................. 030
a Mega Earthquake (1)Chapter One

Reasons to Prepare for a Mega Earthquake

Learning About Disaster Preparedness ............................................. 096
Understanding Disaster Volunteers ............................................. 102
Volunteer Fire Corps ............................................................... 104....................................... 032

Assuming Various Evacuation Scenarios ....................................... 033
Sheltering at Home Preparations by Housing Type ........................... 034
What is Daily Stockpiling? ............................................................... 036
Main Goods to Stockpile ............................................................ 038
Emergency Bag ..................................................................... 040
Toilet Preparation .................................................................. 042
Preparing Inside the Home ............................................................ 044
Furniture Stabilization .................................................................. 047

018

019

Preparation and Actions for.............................................................................................
106
a Mega Earthquake (2)Chapter One

Protecting Yourself from Wind and Flood Damage................................. 155
Criteria for Deciding to Evacuate ................................................ 156
Try to Evacuate Early ............................................................... 157
Preparing to Evacuate During Wind and Flood Damage ..................... 158

The Moment an Earthquake Strikes and Evacuation Flow Chart ............... 108

Precautions When Evacuating During Wind and Flood Damage ............ 159

Step 1: The Moment an Earthquake Strikes .................................... 108

Areas to Avoid During Wind and Flood Damage .............................. 160

Step 2: After the Shaking Stops................................................... 109

How to Escape a Submerged Car ................................................ 161

Step 3: Flow Chart of Evacuation to an Evacuation Area or Center ...... 110
Two Stages of Deciding to Evacuate ............................................. 112
When Deciding Whether to Evacuate ................................................ 114
What to Do Before Evacuating ................................................... 117

Chapter Three

Check Points for Sheltering at Home............................................. 118
Preparing for Being Unable to Return Home................................. 120

Preparation and Actions for
Other Disasters............................................................................................. 162
Sediment Disasters..................................................................... 164

Evacuation Center ........................................................................ 124

Lightning.................................................................................... 166

Guide to Evacuation Life............................................................ 126

Tornadoes ................................................................................. 168
Heavy Snow .............................................................................. 170

Preventing Disaster-related Deaths ............................................. 135

Volcanic Eruptions ........................................................................ 172

Evacuation Center Management During a Pandemic ........................ 136

Terrorist and Armed Attacks............................................................ 176
Infectious Diseases and Pandemics ................................................... 182

Crime Prevention During a Disaster (1) Burglary and Theft ..................... 140

Complex Disasters ........................................................................ 188

Crime Prevention During a Disaster (2) Sexual Crime and Abduction(3) Fraud and Predatory Renovations ................................................ 141
Returning to Daily Life .................................................................. 142
Starting to Rebuild Your Life............................................................ 147

Preparation and Actions for.............................................................................................
148
Typhoons and Heavy Rain
Chapter Two

Weather-related Disaster Risks Due to Climate Change

Chapter FourDisaster Preparedness for
Diverse People............................................................................................. 190
Daily Measures for People Who Need Support .................................... 192
Evacuation Flow Chart for People Who Need Support ........................... 193
Creating an Individual Evacuation Plan ............................................. 194........................ 150

Weather Conditions that Require Special Caution ................................. 151
Hazard Maps .............................................................................. 152
Creating a Tokyo My Timeline ......................................................... 153

020

021

Discussing Evacuation ……………………………………………………………………… 195

How to Use a Portable Fire Pump…………………………………………………… 230

Preparation for Health Management, Examples of Assistance Methods ……… 196

Firestorms Can Occur in a Disaster ………………………………………………… 231

Disaster Preparedness Measures by Group …………………………………………… 197

Maintaining Your Physical and Mental Health ………………………………………… 232……………………………………………………………………………………………………
208
Appendix

Disaster Facts and Information
You Should Know ……………………………………………………………… 236

Survival Tips ………………………………………………………………………… 210
First Aid ………………………………………………………………………………………… 210
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) …………………………………………… 210
AED ………………………………………………………………………………………… 212
How to Stop Bleeding ………………………………………………………………… 213
First Aid for Fractures and Sprains ………………………………………………… 214
First Aid for Cuts ………………………………………………………………………… 215
First Aid for Burns ……………………………………………………………………… 215
Bandage Substitutes …………………………………………………………………… 216
Treating Dehydration and Heatstroke……………………………………………… 217
Transporting the Injured or Ill …………………………………………………………… 218
Safely Positioning the Injured or Ill ……………………………………………………… 220
How to Prevent Economy Class Syndrome …………………………………………… 221
Treating Anaphylaxis ………………………………………………………………………… 221
Rescue Methods ……………………………………………………………………………… 222

Knowledge of Earthquakes ………………………………………………………………… 236
Knowledge of Tsunami ……………………………………………………………………… 241
Knowledge of Climate Change, Typhoon and Heavy Rain ………………………… 242
Various Weather Information ……………………………………………………………… 246
Large-Scale Disasters in the Past………………………………………………………… 247
Community Earthquake Risk Assessment Survey - Combined
Risk Ratings …………………………………………………………………………………… 250

Support Systems ……………………………………………………………………………… 254
Inquiries About Disaster Preparedness ………………………………………………… 263
Pictograms Legend …………………………………………………………………………… 264
Symbols for People Who Need Special Care in an Emergency…………………… 266
Index of Glossary Terms …………………………………………………………………… 268
Colophon ………………………………………………………………………………………… 275

Water and Toilet Measures ………………………………………………………………… 224
How to Carry Water …………………………………………………………………… 224
How to Use the Toilet When Water Supply Is Cut Off ………………………… 225
How to Set Up a Manhole Toilet …………………………………………………… 226

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher ……………………………………………………… 227
How to Use an Indoor Fire Hydrant ………………………………………………… 228
How to Use a Standpipe ……………………………………………………………… 229

022

023

Index by Household Composition
For Those Who Live Alone
Download theDisaster Preparedness Tokyo app

Page 017

What is Daily Stockpiling?

Page 036

Emergency Bag

Page 040

Toilet Preparation

Page 042

Preparing Inside the Home

Page 044
Page 054

Preparing Ways to Access Disaster Information

Page 056
Page 060
Page 080

The Moment an Earthquake Strikes andPage 108

Preparing for Being Unable to Return Home

Page 120For Families
Assuming Various Evacuation Scenarios

Page 033

Main Goods to Stockpile

Page 038

Emergency Bag

Page 040

Toilet Preparation

Page 042
Page 047
Page 054

Building Supportive Relationships with Your
Neighbors

Page 064

Disaster Preparedness for Condominiums

Page 066

For Families with Members
Who Need Special Care
Check Points for Sheltering at Home

Page 118
Page 128

Daily Measures for People Who Need Support

Page 192

Creating an Individual Evacuation Plan

Page 194

Discussing Evacuation

Page 195

For Elderly Couple
Households
What is Daily Stockpiling?

Page 036

Emergency Bag

Page 040

Toilet Preparation

Page 042

Build Supportive Relationships with Your
Neighbors

Page 064

Check Points for Sheltering at Home

Page 118For Foreign Residents
Page 054
Preparing Ways to Access Disaster Information

Page 056

SupportPage 193
Page 206

Page 076

024

Checking Electricity, Gas and Water Supply

Page 088

Learn About Disaster Preparedness

Page 096

025

Index by Disaster Type

Earthquake

TsunamiNew Damage Predictions (2) Nankai TroughMega Earthquake
What Will Happen if a Nankai Trough Mega
Earthquake Occurs
Knowledge of Tsunami

Page 009
Page 014
Page 241

Heavy Rain and Storms
Weather-related Disaster Risks due to Climate
ChangeWeather Conditions that Require Special
Caution

Necessary Preparations

Page 151
Page 152

Sheltering at Home Preparations by
Housing Type

Page 034

Main Goods to Stockpile

Page 038

Emergency Bag

Page 040

Toilet Preparation

Page 042

Preparing Inside the Home

Page 044

Preparing Ways to Access Disaster
Information

Page 150

Disaster preparedness forcondominiums
Detached House

Page 066
Page 076
Page 080

Preparing for Power
Outages
Preparing for Water
OutagesCreate a Tokyo My Timeline
Information

Page 153
Page 154
Page 155

Page 089
Page 091

Page 047

Evacuating with a Pet

Page 092

Page 054

Disaster Preparedness at
Work

Page 094

Page 056

Sediment Disasters
Signs of an Impending Sediment Disaster

Page 164

Protect Yourself from a Sediment Disaster

Page 165

Actions in the Event of a Disaster
The Moment an Earthquake Strikes

Page 108

Guide to Evacuation Life

Page 126

When Deciding Whether to Evacuate

Page 114

Page 128

What to Do Before Evacuating

Page 117

Preparing for Being Unable to ReturnHome

Evacuation Center
Crime Prevention During a
DisasterPage 120

Returning to Daily Life

Page 142026

Page 140027

Volcanic Eruptions

Lightning

There Are 21 Active Volcanoes in Tokyo

Lightning Can Be Life Threatening

Page 166

Areas Where You Must Be Cautious

Page 167

Page 172
Page 173

Protect Yourself from a Volcanic Eruption

Page 174

Terrorist and Armed Attacks
Danger of Terrorist and Armed Attacks
MissilesProtect Yourself from a Terrorist or Armed
AttackTornadoes
Tornadoes Can Occur Anywhere in Japan

Page 168

Protect Yourself When a Tornado Strikes

Page 169

Page 176
Page 177
Page 178
Page 180

Issuance of Warnings Via J-Alert

Page 180

If You Hear a J-Alert

Page 181

Infectious Diseases andPandemics
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow Can Paralyze a City

If There Is an Infectious Disease Outbreak

Page 170
Page 171028

Infectious Diseases

Page 182
Page 183

Basic Infection Control Measures

Page 184

Infection Control Measures During a Disaster

Page 185

Necessary Preparations for Infectious Diseases

Page 186

029

Voice from experience

The biggest problem was nothaving a change of clothes. I
and felt uncomfortable. I put
underwear in my evacuation
backpack.
(70s, Great East Japan Earthquake)

Voice from experience

Since I lived alone, I would buy foodfor my meals each day. I learnt theimportance of stockpiling food.
(30s, Great East Japan Earthquake)

Preparation andActions for a Mega
Earthquake (1)It is predicted that there is a 70% possibility ofan earthquake directly hitting Tokyo within thenext 30 years, as well as an 70 to 80%
possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake.
Nobody knows if it will actually happen, and if

Voice from experienceso, when it will happen. However, there arethings you can do now to prepare for thevarious risks and to minimize the damage thatand stocking up on the minimum amountof food.
(40s, Great East Japan Earthquake)for what could happen.

https://www.bousai.go.jp/kyoiku/keigen/ichinitimae/index.html

030

031

The reason why Japan is said to be an earthquake-prone country is because
there are multiple plates surrounding the country, which trigger earthquakes
when they shift. The movement of these plates is expected to lead to alarge-scale earthquake directly hitting Tokyo.
Page 236

An evacuation area is a place where people canurgently evacuate to, in order to protect their lives
in situations of imminent danger. Please check yourJapan Trench

structure of various plates
subducting beneath Tokyo, it isexpected that a gigantic magnitude
7-class earthquake will occur inthe southern Kanto region with an
epicenter in the Tama area or incentral Tokyo.

032

What is the Nankai Troughmega earthquake?
A Na nkai Trou gh oce an tre nchmega earthquake is the earthquakethat is predicted to occur with an
epicenter in the Nankai Trough,which stretches from the Tokai
region to Kyushu. The metropolitanarea, including Tokyo, will also be
hit by tremors with a maximum
seismic intensity of 6 Lower, andthere is a risk of tsunamis.

Page 36

An evacuation center provides
temporary shelter

A place for people who cannot continue to live intheir homes to live in evacuation for a certain periodof time. Approximately 4,800 evacuation centers
Page 124
have been secured in Tokyo.

Knowledge

What is an earthquake
directly hitting Tokyo?

If there is danger in your home

Survival Tips

Sagami Trough(70% chance ofoccurring within
the next 30 years)(recommended) worth of food stockpiled.

PeopleEarthquake
directly hitting
Tokyo

Stockpile and prepare for sheltering at home

You should shelter at home if it is possible for you
to continue living in your home. At evacuation
centers, some people become unwell due to thechanges in their environment. It is a good idea

EvacuationcenterNankai Troughearthquake

Nankai TroughTo protect your own safety

Evacuate to an evacuation area

Inland earthquake(70-80% chance ofoccurring within thenext 30 years)

that if lifelines are damaged, you will not be able to use electricity, gas,
water, or sewerage until restoration is completed.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Subduction-zone earthquake

In the case of Tokyo, due to its large population that is typical of acapital city, there is the risk that people will rush to evacuation centersin numbers greater than can be accommodated, emergency vehicles
will not be able to pass through congested roads, leading to the

Large
Earthquake 2

Japan is prone to earthquakes

Assuming Various
Evacuation Scenarios

Large
Earthquake 1

Reasons to Prepare fora Mega Earthquake

Options other than home or an evacuation center

The home of a relative or
acquaintance, or a hotel

Eva cuating to th e ho me of a
relative or acquaintance wheres a f ety is en s ur ed or s ta yi ng
aware of the various evacuation
methods and regularly plan what
actions you will take.
033

Condominiums/apartmentsr el at i on s h i p s o n a n o n g o i n gbasis will help you prepare for an
Page 66
emergency.

Regardless of your housing type, it is important to know the
topography of the area in which you live and the characteristicsof the ground, such as whether it is a low-lying area that isprone to shaking, situated on a plateau, or if there is a possibilityof being affected by a tsunami. Also, by understanding pastdisasters that have occurred, you can learn what measures havebeen taken to prevent dangers that are likely to occur in the
area.
Page 62

Knowledge

centers. If the elevators stop
working after an earthquake due
to a power outage, i t may belearn from past disasters

Survival Tips

sure to ascertain the location of
the emergency stairs in case of aPage 76

PeopleHigh-rise condominiums

Seismic resistance is also important for
detached houses. The measures you
should take depend on when the house
was built, so check when it was built,
as well as whether the roof is made oftiles and what condition the walls are
in. Additionally, termite damage may
reduce seismic resistance even if there
are no apparent problems externally.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

A lt hou gh co ndom iniu m s a ndapartments that satisfy seismic
resistance standards are at little
ri sk o f col l a ps i ng , t h e re is apossibility that water may be cut
off due to power outages, or thatthe elevators may stop working.
It is necessary to cooperate andhelp each other, such as sharing
information while maintaining
privacy and assisting to carry

Prepare for earthquakes fromboth inside and outside

Large
Earthquake 2

Practice mutual assistance while protecting privacy

by Housing Type

Large
Earthquake 1

Sheltering at Home Preparations

A l s o, t h e e m e r g e n c y w a t e r
supply sistems vary dependingon the building, so also checka disaster, refrain from using
toilets, etc. until the seweragefacilities have been checked.

Pages 42, 66-68, 71

034

035

Model family: Example of a family of four - a husband, wife,
infant and elderly woman, living in a detached house* It is assumed that contact lenses are used, the infant has an allergy, and the elderly

Large
Earthquake 1

Do
Now

woman uses a hearing aid.

little extra of the items you regularly use.

recipes for preserved foods on the site.

1 box
9

Alcohol spray
Wet wipes for cleaning
your teeth

036

1 box

Rice porridge
Hearing aid batteries

9 serves
As appropriate

12 tablets

Items to test periodicallyPortable gas cooking stove
Gas cylinders
Portable/emergency toilets
Flashlights
Minimum of 3
Headlights
Hand-rechargeable orother type of radio
Portable charger(spare battery)

2 units
8
45 uses2
4
As appropriate

1 unitKnowledge

First aid kit
Masks
Regular medicines/
supplements

18 serves
18 serves
Allergy-friendly baby food 9 serves

Survival Tips

1 box
1 roll1 roll4 boxes
4 rolls
1
2 rolls
9 pairs
1 box

Powdered milk
(stick type)
Liquid milk

PeoplePlastic bags
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Tissue paper
Toilet paper
Ignition stick
Cloth duct tapeWork gloves
Vinyl gloves

Set of 30

As appropriate

18
ElderlypeopleSanitary goods

9 cans3 cans9 packs
9 bottles
9 bottles
3 packs
3 packs
9 boxes
9 bags

Sanitary products

Typhoon,Heavy Raincan also learn about stockpiling ideas andPre-washed rice
Retort pouch rice
Instant noodles
Canned food(mackerel, etc.)
Canned fruit
Retort pouch food
Vegetable juice
Favorite drinks (500ml)
Cheese and protein bars
SnacksNutritional supplements
Powdered health drink

Items required by some individuals

Infants

approximate quantities you will need! You

3 L per
personper day
4 kg
27 serves
3 packs

Women

Food etc.

out the items you should stockpile and the

Water

Large
Earthquake 2

you need in order to live at home. The key to stockpiling is to always have a* Recommended amount for approximately three days to one week

As appropriate

supplyper person
2 bottles
About
90 sheets

037

For women

Items stockpiled
for a disaster thatshould be tested
periodically

Large
Earthquake 2

Food etc.

Large
Earthquake 1

Main Goods to Stockpile

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

For infantsetc.)

Peopleother than water)

type of radio

For the elderly

For pets
Survival Tips
Knowledge

038

039

Emergency bag that is always carried aroundIn case a disaster occurs while you are out, always carry the minimum
requirements in your bag. Remove the batteries from the portable radio.

Large
Earthquake 2

type, solar rechargeable type)
Typhoon,Heavy RainAn emergency bag is a bag that contains the minimum essentials needed
for the time being after you evacuate. In preparing an emergency bag, it isimportant to think about what each of you would need, and select items tobe put in the bag. Pack those items in bags such as knapsacks, and placethem near the front entrance or in the bedroom, car, or shed so that you
can carry them out even if your house has collapsed. If you have an infant
or child, or if you are elderly, a woman, or have allergies, be sure to add
items that you will require to your emergency bag.

Large
Earthquake 1DoNowdrinksEmergency bag to be kept at workplace
Aside from what your employer has in stock, prepare your own emergency
supplies by imagining what you would need if you have to stay overnight at
your workplace or walk home.
PeopleSurvival Tips

Important items you should keep together(dry cell type, solar rechargeable type)

040

041

Knowledgea fastener can also protect them from water. It might be a good idea tocarry a photograph of your family in case you need it.

LargeEarthquake 1

Toilet Preparation

very reassuring.

Example of an initiative at Chuo University Suginami
High School (Suginami Ward)
Chuo University Suginami High School in Suginami Ward haspurchased waste coagulants (portable toilets) in preparation
for restrictions on the use of toilets in an emergency. They are
packed in backpacks with plastic bags, rubber gloves, wet tissues,sanitary products, etc., and are stored in 69 toilet cubicles within
the school. Printed materials explaining how to use the portable
toilets are displayed in all of the toilet cubicles, thus disseminating
information that will be useful in the event of a disaster.

Knowledge

toilets cannot be used, the excreted
waste will need to be stored for acertain period of time. Taking one
week as a gui de, the amount ofwaste produced will be the numberof times a person excretes per day,multiplied by the number of people,
and multiplied by 7. When storingsuch waste, it is a good idea to keep
hygiene in mind and prepare gloves,deodora nt, coa gul ant , zip -lockplastic bags and plastic bags whose
contents cannot be seen.

Emergency

Survival Tips

to accumulate

it can be assembled usingmaterials such as cardboard. As
with a portable toilet, it is best
to stabilize excrement with anabsorbent sheet or coagulant.
As it is simple and portable, it
can be used inside a car, a tent,
or anywhere if partitioned off
with partitioning.

Peopletoile t s ca nn ot be use d d ue to awater outage or damage to drain
pipes. They are used by excreting
into the bag, stabilizing the watercontent with an absorbent sheet
or coagulant, and tying closed thebag each time it is us ed. It may
be several days before garbage iscollected. Some types of portable
toilets have a deodorizing effect.

Emergency toilet

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Portable toilet

Portable toilets can be attached toa toilet bowl or even used inside a

We do not know when adisaster will occur. Thereis also the risk of becoming
trapped in a small spacesuch as a toilet or bathroom.
Therefore, it is a good idea toprepare an emergency bag
for the toilet that contains
drinking water, emergency
food, and an emergency
radio/light as a minimum. If
you are stuck in a small toilet
and the power goes out, theLarge
Earthquake 2

Prepare an emergency bag for the toilet too

Natsumesha, 2021)

042

043

Do
Now

Consider furniture placement

accessories away from the gas
stove.

Lower the center of gravity
by placing heavy objects
on the bottom
Try to keep the center of gravity
low when storing things. Storing
heavy items in a low location will
prevent them from falling over if
the room shakes.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainto place large furniture around thedining table.

There is a risk of injury during
evacuation if strong shaking
causes window glass to break,or ceramic or glassware to fall

items near the gas stove

Large
Earthquake 2

Keep the dining table clear
Tables are particularly slippery, so if
items are placed on them, they will
scatter during an earthquake andLargeEarthquake 1

Preparing Inside the Home

PeopleGather tall bookshelves
togetherI n p r e p ara t i o n f o r a nearthquake occurring atnight, have footlights thatwill provide illumination
during a power outage. In
the bedroom, keep yourglasses, walking cane, andcell phone by your bedside.

Re du ci ng the am ount of
items you have and keeping
them tidy will not only makel i fe e a s i e r, bu t w il l a l s o
improve safety by reducing
the number of obstac les
when evacuating.

Furniture that is not secured
can easily fall over, so arrange
them in one place and use themlike a walk-in closet.

The hallways and doors that lead to the entrance will be the evacuationroutes in an emergency. Try not to place things in the entrance,
hallways, and stairs and keep them easily accessible.
044

Relax in a safe space
Unsecured furniture canbecome a deadly weapon
in a major earthquake.
Relax in a safe place wherefurniture will not fall over.

in high places
When storing kitchen items, store heavy pots andpans at the bottom, and place lighter items as
you move upwards. Avoid storing utensils in wallcabinets.
Kunizaki, edited by Creative Suite, Natsumesha, 2021)

045

Knowledge

Reduce the amount of
items in the room

Survival Tips

Consider ways to movearound in the dark

Secure furniture to reduce risk

Plan the layout to ensure safety
Reduce furniture too

Ensure escape routes

Take measures to prevent furniture and appliances
moving.
Measures to secure furniture at homefrom tipping over and sliding

If you look inside your home from the perspective ofdisaster preparedness, the layout of your furnitureand the way you place things will also change. Learn
about stabilizing furniture and create a home thatkeeps your family safe.

046

Stabilize furniture on casters

For furniture that you move on a daily basis,
lock casters wh en you are not movin g it
safety strap or other means. For furnishings
that you do not normally move, install devices
such as caster cups or tension rods to stabilize
them.

Prevent furniture legs from sliding

Even furnishings not set against a wall thatare not tall require measures to prevent themfrom sliding, especially tables and chairs.

Knowledge

If furniture hits a stove during an earthquake, it

Once you have planned the layout of yourfurniture, it is now time to secure it in placethrough the use of various stabilizing devices.
Th e su re st way to ac h ie ve t his is t o us e
L-brackets and screws to secure a piece offurniture to the wall. If this is not an option,using tension rods in conjunction with tip-overprevention wedges or anti-slip pads will raise
the level of effectiveness.

Survival Tips

Make sure that household appliances and furniture
will not block doors or escape routes if they fall overor move. Also be careful of drawers sliding out.

Secure to the wall with screws

PeopleReduce not only the amount of small items, but also
the amount of furniture too. For storage, be sure touse storerooms, closets, and built-in furniture.

Stabilization measures

Typhoon,Heavy Rainevacuation or causing injuries from fallingitems. Secure furniture, TV, refrigerator,
microwave, etc., and change their layout
so that they will have less of an effecteven if they fall over.

Do
Now

Large
Earthquake 2

I f f u rn it u r e t i ps o v e r d u e to a l arg eearthquake, not only is there the risk ofbeing hit by the furniture itself, but theFurniture Stabilization

Large
Earthquake 1

Prevent furniture from tipping

legs, or on carpet, use slide prevention mats.
On tiled carpet, point the convex side ofhook-and-loop fasteners toward the carpet.
Lo n g- p er io d gr o un d mo tio n ( s ee
page 238) is a problem, especiallycondominiums. The period refers to thetime it takes for a building to sway backand forth once. Compared to low-risebuildings, slow and large swaying with alonger period will occur.
047

L-brackets (installed facing upward with 3 screws)

on each side.
Prosof c ondo miniu ms that ar e prone toshaking, as they have higher holding
Cons

These devices are not secured using
screws, but are installed in the space
between the piece of furniture an dpoles and position them close to a beamon the wall-side.
Pros

They can be installed without damaging
walls or furniture, and can pr event
furniture from falling over.
Cons

They tend to loosen over time and need
to be checked once every six months.
048

Cons

force* applied to the furniture, the sheet may
peel off easily.
* The force to move something

Used for furniture and appliances which cannot
or a strong substrate.
Pros

Suitable for furniture and appliances thatcannot be attached to a wall, and can be
moved by attaching and detaching the belt.
Cons

Force is applied to the extra length of thebelt by the shaking of an earthquake, andthe holding strength is weaker than that of
L-brackets.

ChainsKnowledge

with anti-slip gel pads and tip-overprevention wedges, stability islightweight and low-line furniture and home
appliances.

Survival Tips

Tension rods and pole devices

Since it uses surface tension to stick as if it iswet, it can be used easily without damaging

PeopleUse may be restricted in rental housing,wh e r e w a l l s a re n o t a l l o w e d t o b e
dam age d. I n a d di tion, t he hol di n gstrength is reduced when the substrate
is LGS (light steel frame), such as insome condominiums.

Pros

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

top of the furniture to the top of thebracket, and the side of the bracket to

An adhesive sheet is placed under the furniture

Large
Earthquake 2

Secure furniture to the wall using woodscrews or b olt s. L-brac ket s c an beinstalled using the slide method, facing
upward, or facing downward. Installingthe brackets facing downward offers thestrongest support. Align the L-bracket

Anti-slip sheets (pad type)

Large
Earthquake 1

Pros and cons of stabilization methods

Use chains or wires to attach
ceiling to prevent them frommoving.
Pros

Effective to prevent
lightweight hanging objects
from falling due to shaking.
Cons

deformed and easily come off.
049

Anti-slip wedges

Living room, kitchen

Large
Earthquake 2

Insert the wedge beneath the front of thepiece of furniture and lean it toward thewall. A single piece that matches the widthof the furniture can be expected to provide
more of an anti-slip effect than several
pieces.

Do
Now

Large
Earthquake 1

Furniture Stabilization
Checklist

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Pros

It is easy to install without damaging theCons

There are differences in the effectiveness of
preventing movement, depending upon thematerial and shape.

Pla ce t he cups under c aster wh eels t oprevent furniture from moving. Place a cup
under two wheels on the diagonal.

Stabilize the TV on the TV stand using a detachable furniture safety
use anti-slip pads under its legs, and use strong anti-slip pads tosecure the bottom (four corners) of the TV to the TV stand.

Survival Tips

Pros

Stabilize the microwave on the stand using anti-slip pads or safety
strap devices, and secure the stand to the wall using L-brackets

They are effective in preventing the movementof furniture that is placed away from a wall.

china cabinets

Knowledge

Cons

PeopleCaster cups

even if they tip over, and secure them to the wall. Apply anti-shatter

Install safety latches to prevent drawers
from sliding out
To prevent the items stored inside fromdoors
obstruct evacuation from the house, andsecure it to the wall using a safety strap or
could easily fall off during an earthquake

050

051

Use sheet-type mirrors

break easily

Utilize paper and leather

Typhoon,Heavy RainChoose wooden or lacquerware
tableware, or glass that has areinforced spout, which is thatpart that easily breaks.

Unbreakable mirrors made ofacrylic or resin are inexpensive,
lightweight, and safe.

Large
Earthquake 2

Try to change materials that will pose a danger in the event of a disaster
when it comes time to replace them, in order to create a home that
protects your loved ones.

Large
Earthquake 1

Making Your Home Safer

Products made of paper and leather are
lightweight and the number of productswith excellent design is increasing.

Peoplethe wall or ceiling near the bed.
Survival Tips

When not moving furniture, lock casters, insert

caster cups, and secure the unit to the wall with
furniture safety straps.

Knowledge

Join upper and lower units with connectors anditems on top that could easily fall off during anearthquake

obstruct your escape route and doors. Secure theunit to the wall or ceiling using L-brackets or tension
rods, and place a tip-over prevention wedge under
the unit.

Pay attention
to layout

Consideration
for glass items

Glass can break whenit collides with otherobjects, so be careful
where it is placed andstored.

If possible, glass chandeliers
and ornaments should be
replaced with unbreakable
material.

edited by Creative Suite, Natsumesha, 2021)

052

053

Do
Now

Ensure that you are not at a loss if a disaster suddenly occurs when you
are at work or out.

message can then be played backby ot h er s t r yi n g t o r ea c h th atservice that provides safety

if you are not together when adisaster occurs. Prepare multiple
c on ta ct me thods in ca se it isThis service, provided by cell phone
carriers, enables people to register
information concerning their safety
using their cell phone or smartphone.

or email. Also, in case you areunable to make contact, decide on

by others.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainmessageboard services

Comment

to get there, and a meeting place.

Large
Earthquake 2

A message service that allows ape rson in th e area af fec te d bya disaster to record a message

As preparation for a disaster, it is important to decide how you will

Hold a family meeting and confirm
evacuation destinations

Large
Earthquake 1

Preparing Ways tomessage board
service(web171)

Public telephones

family members, relatives, or
acquaintances who live far away
as relay points, as well as therules about contact methods incase of an emergency. If you live
alone, regularly discuss what you
will do in the event of a disasterwith close friends or neighbors
you can trust.

M os t p eople no w h ave s martphone s and use soc ial media an deasier to make contact through social media. It is best to prepare inadvance, such as forming a group with your family.
for disaster relief will be made available for free. It can be accessed by selecting

Public telephones may also be available
telephones allow calls to be made withouta coin or telephone card. Analog public
telephones require the insertion of a coinor telephone card, which is returned after
coins sometimes may not be returned.
* Connection may not be possible dependingon signal conditions.
Source: All About “Proper use of social media during a disaster as recommended
https://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/463515/

054

055

Knowledge

people when a disaster occurs.
In such cases, consider using
the “triangular communication

Use social media

Survival Tips

Secure various communication methods

Peoplesuccessfully place a call using regular phone lines.
However, it is said that calls go through relatively
easily on public telephones.

Smartphone apps
An app that guides you to a nearby
evacuation facility will be useful if you areout or traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Gather information with yoursmartphone
In recent years, the use of social
media by local governments
and lifeline-related companies
has been increasing. However,information on personal websites
and social media accounts may bedisaster information is
also available online

careful not to get swayed by suchinformation.

The internet is useful not only
for weather information, butalso for accurate information
on disaste rs, war nin gs , andadvisories. Make effective useof this information, which can
assist in ma kin g ev ac ua tion
decisions.

Tokyo Metropolitan

Tokyo Metropolitan

Prevention Website

Prevention Map

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Earthquake
Early Warning

Smartphone apps are valuable in adisaster, such as for obtaining disaster
information and directions to nearby
evacuation centers. It is also a good idea
to carry a portable phone charger.

Obtain up-to-date information

Large
Earthquake 2

Install apps that will be useful in adisaster

Large
Earthquake 1

Preparing Ways to Access

An app that sends location information

will help protect you from danger in a disaster.

This is recommended so
you can listen to the radio
have a radio with you.

A push-alert app that delivers
earth qu ake e a r ly warni ngs
and other warnings to yoursmartphone is useful.
056Social media apps

Useful forcommunicatingwith friends anda c quai nt an ce s
and gathering
information.

disaster prevention facilities,s u ppo r t st a ti on s f o r peo pl er et ur n i n g h o m e f o l l o w i n g adisas ter, an d ot he r rele vantfacilities on the maps on theTokyo Metropolitan Government
disaster prevention website.

Obtain correct information
In a disaster, it is important to ensure you obtaincorrect information. You may be able to help solve
problems by posting information on social media
as necessary.

(formerly Twitter) account:@tokyo_bousai
057

Knowledge

Radio app

This site provides information
on disaster preparedness during
normal times and damage status
in a disas ter, so it is u sef ul t oaccess and check its contents on aregular basis.

Survival Tips

Lifesaving apps

PeopleAn app that will notify your location topeople you have registered in advance.

LargeEarthquake 1

Flood risk maps, weather radar

Large
Earthquake 2

can be used to check nearby disaster preparedness facilities.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainprepa red ne s s ap p, wh ic h i s u sefu l in d ail y life and al so in an
emergency. The app not only allows users to have fun while gaining
basic knowledge about disaster preparedness, based on the concepts

Flood risk map
You can visually check predicteduseful in the event of a disaster. You can customize the menu to
your liking from a wide range of contents that are useful for disaster

understood manner, including fromrivers, storm surges, and sedimentdisasters.

Weather radar
You can check the movement of rain
clouds and typhoon information.

Types of disaster information

smartphone or tablet.

your home, and use the chatbot
function to navigate through the
input of evacuation actions.

Knowledge

Check evacuation information,
earthquake information,
tsunami information, weather
information, (warnings andadvisories), sediment-disaster
alert bulletins, tornado warning
information, and eruption
warnings and forecasts.

Helps you organize theappropriate evacuation actions
in chronological order according
to your environment. You canSurvival Tips

Read the disaster
preparedness books

Tokyo My Timeline

PeoplePush alerts of weather information,
earthquake information,
evacuation information, etc. will
be sent for the municipalities

Evacuation Information
Chiyoda City
Evacuation
Order

Chuo City
Evacuation
Order

Minato City
Evacuation
Order

Shinjuku City
Evacuation
Order

Evacuation
Order

058

059

earthquake will spread, is important for making adequate preparations.
your area.

Check the combined risk rankings

the ranking, you can understand in detail the risk of buildings collapsing

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Please use this information when preparing.

Community Earthquake Risk Assessment Survey
earthquake directly hitting Tokyo, this system evaluates the relative risk ofPages 250-1
each neighborhood in Tokyo and ranks the degree of risk.

High risk

Low risk

Rank

Rank

Rank

2,344

1,653

822

288

85

5.6%

1.6%

Neighborhood

45.2%

Neighborhood

31.8%

Neighborhood

15.8%

Neighborhood Neighborhood

Fire risk
Fire risk is calculated from the risks

Community
Earthquake Risk
Assessment
Survey060

061

Knowledge

communities at high risk exist in areas
where there is a high concentrationof wooden houses, and are found inareas including those along Kannana
dori and the JR Chuo line (ward area).

Survival Tips

Rank

The risk of building collapse ismeasured based on the characteristicsof the buildings and ground. High risk
areas are alluvial lowlands with soft
ground and areas where old wooden
and light-gauge steel frame buildings
are concentrated. They are distributed
in areas such as along the Arakawa andSumida rivers.

PeopleRank

Large
Earthquake 2

The lev el of da mage tha t is predict ed vari es de pending on local
characteristics such as topography and the ground. Understanding the
local disaster risks, such as whether buildings are likely to collapse due toLarge
Earthquake 1

Do
Now

Hazard Map Portal Site
A portal site on disaster risk operated by the
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andand landslides in an area by simply entering theaddress you want to check, and with “My Townof disasters

History

are formulated based on
experience from past disasters.
h isto ry of disas ter s, su ch as
enable you to make more practicalpreparat ions. As k neigh borsrisk of damage from hazards
liquefaction.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism “Hazard Map

062

063

Knowledge

or look this information up at alibrary.
Page 101

Survival Tips

A hazard map contains
information such as areas
predicted to suffer damage,evacuation area, andevacuation routes, for use
in mitigating damage froma disaster and for disasterp r e p ar e d n e s s . Ch e c k t he

Learn about yourPeopleHazard Map

Typhoon,Heavy Rainmaps published by municipalities.

evacuation areas, evacuation
rou tes , open s pace s s uch
as large parks, and facilities
such as community halls andconvenience stores. This will
facilitate your early responsein the event of a disaster, andallow you to evacuate to a safe
place.

Check the hazard
map

Large
Earthquake 2

K n o w i n g t h e t o p o l o g y,geological features, cliffs andother dangerous areas aroundyour house, as well as pastdisasters and measures thatwere taken are indispensable
disaster measures. Make sure

Large
Earthquake 1

Know the areaaround your houseeffective community response to disasters under the principle ofneighbors cooperating with each other to protect their community. This
collaborative organization is mostly based on the unit of community orneighborhood associations. The person in charge of disaster responsein the community association, etc., takes a central role in calling forthe formation of this team and conduct activities in line with local
circumstances. Your participation will lead to the enhancement of yourPrepare disaster response goods and equipment
Stocking goods and equipment is essential in order to improve local
disaster prevention capabilities. Consideration of what is necessary isbased on the local circumstances. Storage and management should

Peoplepromptly in an emergency.
Example of disaster response goods and equipment

Survival Tips

People who needsupportKnowledge

People in need of support suchas expectant mothers, children,
the elderly, foreign nationals,
and those with serious illnesses
or disabilities may not be in aposition to promptly ascertainin for m at ion or eva cuate. In
addition to always being aware of
the members of your community
who need support, cooperate withcommissioned welfare volunteers
and others to support them whena disaster occurs.

064

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Cooperation with neighbors isnecessary when a disaster strikes.
Expand your network within thecommunity through activities
such as exchanging greetings
with neighbors on a regular basis
and participating in disaster
preparedness drills conductedby your community association,
so that your life at home or in an
evacuation center following adisaster will go smoothly as well.

Join a volunteer disaster response team toprotect your town

Large
Earthquake 2

Exchange greetings
with neighbors
regularly

Response Team

Large
Earthquake 1

with Your Neighbors

065

Strengths of condominiums

If pumps stop working due to a power
outage, it will lead to a water outage.
Additionally, equipment necessaryfor ensuring safety, such as lighting

Typhoon,Heavy Rainlearn the strengths and weaknesses of condominiums.

Water supply and common
facilities cannot be used due
to power outages

Large
Earthquake 2

Approximately 9 million Tokyo residents live in communal housing such as
condominiums. If the damage is minor in a condominium that meets seismic
resistance standards, you may be able to shelter at home. In order tocontinue sheltering at home, each household and the entire condominium
must be prepared. Mutual assistance through mutual cooperation with

Large
Earthquake 1

Condominiums

may also stop working, so caution isrequired.

Seismic-resistant structure

There is the possibility that sewage
pipes are damaged by an earthquake.
the toilet without noticing that the
sewage pipe is broken, sewage willconsiderable trouble and bad odors.

Survival Tips

Weaknesses of condominiums

Toilets cannot be used
PeopleCondominiums that meetseismic resistance standards
may suffer cracks or damage
due to strong shaking, butthey are less likely to collapse
compared to buildings built toold seismic resistance standards
and sheltering at home is more
likely to be possible.

by the administrator that it may be

Knowledge

Elevators cannot be used
Occupants may be trapped if an elevator
earthquake or power outage, and residents
users may not be able to return to theirhome from outside. Also, if restoring
the elevators takes time, there may beLong-period Ground Motion
When long-period ground motion

occurs in a high-rise condominium,

slow and large swaying occurs, which
can cause furniture to fall over.

066

067

It is important to always be prepared in case an earthquake occurs.

T h e e n ti r e c o n do m i n i u m m a y
gas leak occurs in one unit. As

Large
Earthquake 2

secure furniture

Fire extinguishing(fire extinguisher, fire hydrant)

Large
Earthquake 1

If an earthquake occurs (regular preparation)

Secure the furniture in your home to ensure
safety in the event of an earthquake. Using

Stockpiling
The elevators in a condominium may stop working due to a major

shelter at home.

the emergency stairs. This is because even if
the elevator is working, there is a possibility
that it will stop suddenly due to the earthquake
detection sensor functioning, a malfunction, or
power outage, and you may become trapped.

The key to stockpiling is to always have a little extra of the items you
regularly use (daily stockpiling). The items and quantities you need tostockpile will vary depending on factors such as the structure and age ofyour family. Use the Tokyo Stockpiling Navi to check what your family
Pages 36-7
should stockpile and prepare accordingly.

Survival Tips

advance.

In preparing an emergency bag, it isimportant to think about what each of you
would need, and select items to be put in thebag.
Page 40

Knowledge

Evacuation
ladder

Evacuation ladder
Evacuation ladders are installed incondominiums as an emergency
escape route from the evacuation

convenient)If a disaster occurs, kick or strike witha hard object the balcony wall that(dry cell type, solar
rechargeable type)in front of the breakable wall.
068

PeopleSecure evacuation routes andcheck emergency stairs

Typhoon,Heavy Rainsafety. Pole devices (tension rods) can also be
used in rental housing where the walls cannot
be damaged, or on walls with a light-gauge
steel substrate.
Page 48069

Respond to power and gas outages

In August 2012, the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
began a voluntary system of displaying
signs in an easily seen location insideelevators, so that general users caneasily tell whether the elevator has asafety device installed or not. Check

If a power outage occurs during
a disaster, unplug appliances andturn off the circuit breaker.

installing an earthquake-tripped circuit
breaker.

have such displays. When an elevator
equipped with such a device detects
an earthquake, it immediately stops

Pages 82, 88

ON

OFF

Circuit breaker

If strong shaking or a gas leak is detected,
the micom-meter (intelligent gas meter)
will automatically shut off the gas. A
micom-meter is installed inside the meter
door, in the common hallway next to theentrance.

have such a device, if an earthquake
occurs be sure to press the buttons

Typhoon,Heavy Rainwhen the power is restored. Also consider

Large
Earthquake 2

Elevator safety measures

Large
Earthquake 1

Responding to elevators and lifelines stopping

Gas mainvalve

Install an emergency cabinet

I n c o nd o mi ni u ms , if th e wa te r i s
c ut o f f f or an e xt e nded p e r iod of
drinking water and water for daily
home. Therefore, consider ways tosecure water for your building, such as
underground water tanks or elevatedrooftop water tanks.

070

Prepare portable toilets
After a disaster, if a resident
toi l e ts w ith ou t n ot ic in gthat the sewage pipes aredamaged, sewage will

Knowledge

Secure water in a condominium

Water

Survival Tips

Install an emergency cabinet and stock
it with drinking water, food, portable
toilets, etc. on the assumption thatpeople may be trapped in the elevator
for a long time.

Peopleimmediately.

until the pipes have been
prepare portable toilets andemergency toilets in yourdisaster stockpile.
Page 42071

There are many people living in a condominium. If there is a problem,
consulting with and helping each other is a great source of strength.

Large condominiums:

Equipped with a disaster preparedness

manager permanently on site.
Activities should be conducted at theblock level.
Small, medium condominiums: Often not equipped with a disastersupport for them to live in the eventof a disaster.

Rental condominiums:

Form a disaster preparedness
organization

Stockpiling by the condominium
as a whole

the manager is not on site on weekends
or at night. The role of each resident

Overallmanagement,planning,
collaboration
with the local
community

072

emergency supplies storeroom should

Information
team

Information collection, transmission,

Rescueteam

Rescue, transportation of the injured,etc.

Knowledge

Preparedness
Headquarters

For condominiums, the management
association should create a disaster
preparedness manual and make surethere is a stockpile of portable toilets,

Survival Tips

Organization chart (example)

Consider establishing a communication
system centered around the
management company.
PeopleA variety of responses are required after a disaster, including information
gathering, relief, procurement of supplies, and ensuring safety. Creating
an organization by dividing up the roles among everyone will be ofassistance.

Make sure these goods and equipment
are prepared!
Fire extinguishers, generators, carts, jacks,
saws, axes, pickaxes, rescue ropes, etc.

Supplies
team

Securing stockpiled supplies, providing
food, etc.

Safetyteam

prevention, etc.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainby exchanging greetings regularly
and participating in events and joint
activities will provide strength in an
emergency. Knowing in advancewhether there are elderly people,
people with physical disabilities,
infants, etc. will make it easier to

Large
Earthquake 2

Improve disaster preparedness

It is important to decide in advance what actions each person shouldtake when a disaster occurs. Compile the details into a manual and shareit with all residents. Consider the details based on the circumstances ofyour condominium, such as its size, structure and location.

Large
Earthquake 1

Promote mutual assistancePrepare spare batteries too

radios, cold weather clothing, etc.

073

drills in condominiums

Large
Earthquake 1

Collaboration with the local
community is essential

evacuation drills, which raise
disaster preparedness awarenessthroughout the condominium,
it is also effective to conduct
tours of t he equipme nt thatinteraction by regularly participating in local
events such as disaster preparedness drills.

Ascertain who may especially need help in the eventof a major earthquake. If a list of residents cannot
be prepared, cooperate with the manager to identify
those who require special consideration.

such as in rental housing

Utilization of common areas
Common areas can be used for various
purposes, including as the location of thedisaster preparedness headquarters, aplace for residents to stay when elevators
are stopped, a place to temporarily store
supplies, and a place to collect disastergarbage outdoors. Also consider establishingrules for opening common areas up to thecommunity if nearby evacuation centers are
full.

Knowledge

Todomarukun

association, consider joining a nearby
neighborhood association.

Survival Tips

Tokyo Todomaru Condominiums

PeopleFor large condominiums, considering thecreation of a neighborhood associationand promoting community formation isan effective way to prepare for disasters.
If you live in a small or mediu m-sizedcondominium or rental housing where it is

Ev en in cases where there is no management association or d isas ter
preparedness organization, such as in rental housing, residents must carry out
the emergency disaster response themselves. Although it may not be possible
to organize immediately, it is important from the perspective of disaster
response that, in addition to building a communication system centered on
the management company, residents get to know each other, such as throughgreeting each other.

074

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

One way to promote cooperation with thelocal community is to join the neighborhood
as so ci a t io n , or for m a n e i gh b or h o o dassociation to connect with the community.
Participating in neighborhood association
activities is not only about interaction, butalso leads to being able to help each otherin a disaster and crime prevention.

such as water tanks and power
generators, and explain how
to use them in the event of anearthquake.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government registers
and publishes information on privately-owned
and rental condominiums in which disaster
preparedness measures having been takenthat make it easy to continue living in after adisaster, such as securing an emergency powersource so that elevators and water pumps canoperate in the event of a power outage, thecreation of a disaster preparedness manual,and stockpiling of goods.

Large
Earthquake 2

Cooperation with the local community
is essential to further enhance disaster075

LargeEarthquake 1

DoNow(disaster prevention and mitigation measures)

Law Enforcement Order in 1981. Compared to the previous estimates,
the number of deaths (damage to buildings due to shaking) and thenumber of completely destroyed buildings will decrease by 30-40% by

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

It is expected that the number of deaths and the number of completely

Large
Earthquake 2

The diagram below is an estimate of the damage reduction effect if seismic

the 1981 standard will result in a reduction of approximately 60%, andresult in a reduction of approximately 80%.

Previous estimate

Approx. 60%
decrease

Approx.
81,000buildings
Current estimate

Approx.
1,200
deathsApprox.
32,000buildings

Approx.
500 deaths
Approx.
14,000buildings

1981 Standard

2000 Standard

Knowledge

Importance of seismic retrofitting to prevent
being crushed to deathApprox.
3,200
deathsApprox. 80% decrease

Survival Tips

Approx.
110,000
buildings
completely
destroyed

Approx. 30-40%
decrease

PeopleApprox.
5,100
deaths(Winter, evening, wind speed 8m/s)

Promoting various countermeasures

Some 90% of the people who were killed in the Great Hanshin-Awaji
Earthquake were due to collapsed buildings or furniture falling over. It is said
that buildings that were constructed over 40 years ago, before revisions tothe building code for seismic resistance came into effect on June 1, 1981,
have low safety against a major earthquake. It is also recommended tocheck the safety of wooden buildings whose construction began between
June 1, 1981 and May 31, 2000. People living in detached houses shouldhave their home inspected for seismic resistance.
076

077

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has established the Tokyo
consultations are provided free of charge, and an advisor may also be
dispatched. Some municipalities have programs to subsidize part of the

Large
Earthquake 2

First, check your seismic resistance by yourself using the following list. If a
lot of the check points apply to your house, have a professional conduct a
seismic inspection.

Large
Earthquake 1

Seismic resistance checklist

built between June 1, 1981 and May 31, 2000
Typhoon,Heavy Rain

A section of the wall or column was removed for the extension

Peopleconsult with a specialist. Please call to make a reservation before visiting.

Knowledge

160-8353

2nd Floor, Odakyu Nishi-Shinjuku O-PLACE, 7-7-30 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-5989-1470

Email: taishin@tokyo-machidukuri.jp
So that Tokyo residents can feel safe using buildings, thismark shows the safety of the building against earthquakes.

Tokyo earthquake-resistant portal sitewith seismic resistance standards.

078

Survival Tips

Consultations are conducted online, in addition to by telephone, email,079

LargeEarthquake 1

Fire Prevention Measures

Large
Earthquake 2

Use a fire extinguisher to fight a fire thatbreaks out
as can be seen from the fact that about 10%of the deaths in the Great Hanshin-Awaji

Typhoon,Heavy Rainstill small. However, remember that yourthe situation seems dangerous, such as thethe suffocation effect!

Install a fire extinguisher
Peopleand alkali salt, and powder. There is also an even more
simple and compact aerosol spray type. The expiration
period differs by type, so be sure to note the date andreplace them accordingly. Keep them where you caneasily get your hands on them, such as near the kitchen,in the hallway, or by the front door.

Survival Tips

Fire extinguisher disposal

fault circuit interrupters, and earthquake-tripped circuit breakers are also
said to be effective. When evacuating, close the main gas valve, and turnoff the circuit breakers.

Knowledge

Importance of measures to prevent the outbreakand spread of fires

disposed of or recycled.
(1) Fire extinguishers that have exceeded their expiration period(3) Fire extinguishers with large scratches or deformationneeded, contact your local municipality or theFire Extinguisher Recycling Promotion Center(Tel: 03-5829-6773). Fire departments do notFire Extinguisher Recycling
Promotion Center* Contact your local government regarding the disposal of

080

081

LargeEarthquake 1

Installing an EarthquakeTypes of earthquake-tripped circuit breakers

Examples of electrical fires following an earthquake

Typhoon,Heavy Rainor unplug electrical appliances due to not being at home or having toevacuate urgently when the earthquake occurs.

Large
Earthquake 2that detects the strong shaking of an earthquake and automatically shuts
off the electricity. Earthquake-tripped circuit breakers are an effective

There are different types such as socket types, distribution switchboard
types, and simple types, with various things to consider when using
them, such as securing lights during a power outage, and regularinspections. Please install the appropriate type, taking into account thecharacteristics and precautions of each product.

Precautions when installing an earthquaketripped circuit breaker
Prepare for a power outage

The shaking of the earthquake

restored after a power outage.

If the power cord is damaged, aWhen using electricity again after an earthquake-tripped circuit breakerhas been activated and the shaking has subsided, be sure to check that
there are no gas leaks and check the safety of electrical appliances
beforehand. If you notice a burning smell after the power is restored,
you should immediately trip the breaker, check the safety again, andstop using the electricity if you cannot identify the cause.

fall or come into contact with an

082

083

Knowledge

Fire after power is restored

Survival Tips

Fire immediately after
an earthquake

Peopleon when the power goes out, so that you can see an evacuation route in
the dark in case the power goes out at night. Also, if you have medical
equipment, prepare extra batteries in case of a blackout.

Fire prevention checklist

Large
Earthquake 1

Mandatory Fire Alarm Systems

Large
Earthquake 2

smoke or heat, thereby alerting you quickly to the outbreak of aTokyo metropolitan area, excluding island areas and Inagi City), all
Electricity

electrical appliances

Replace the device every 10 years
Fire alarms that were installed many years ago may fail to detect a

Typhoon,Heavy Rainthe Fire Prevention Ordinance.

Gas

if 10 years have passed since its installation.

falling overmeter) is still within its period of validity

PeopleOil stove

Other

Survival Tips

such as in the kitchen. Fire alarms can be purchased at stores thatsell disaster preparedness equipment, electronics stores, home
centers, and electronics retailers.

routes such as the hallways or stairs

Fire alarm installation locations
Knowledge

Fire alarms must be installed on the ceiling or wall of each room,
bedrooms, as well as stairs and the kitchen.
* The bathroom, toilet, washroom, storage room, etc. are not included.
sprinkler equipment.

https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/lfe/topics/jyuukeiki/data/2020/2020_1_8_5.pdf

084

085

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has

as designated routes for improvement in 2012, and development is
progressing in 28 sections, totaling approximately 25 km in length. A
consultation desk using private business operators has been set up for thedevelopment to provide support for rebuilding lives based on the wishes of
the rights holders concerned, such as providing information on relocation
locations and proposing plans for the rebuilding of buildings.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainneed for area-wide evacuation. As of July
2022, 40 areas and approximately 11,500
hectares have been designated where

jurisdiction that are effective in improving disaster prevention, such

Large
Earthquake 2

Fire-safe areas

Large
Earthquake 1

Government Measures toPrevent the Outbreak andSpread of Fires

whole of Chiyoda ward and the Ginza andNihonbashi areas in Chuo ward.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is carrying out focused and intensive
efforts until FY2025, targeting development areas that are expected tosuffer particularly severe damage in the event of an earthquake, and is
implementing the following initiatives to turn dense wooden housing areas

currently continuing with the aim of creating a safe and secure city that isearthquake-resistant by not burning or collapsing.

Special fireproofing zones

Metropolitan Government

Survival Tips

These are areas where wooden houses are densely packed, and are
distributed over a wide area centered on the outer periphery of the JR
PeopleSpecial fireproofing zone system anddesignated routes for improvement initiatives[Tokyo Metropolitan

Knowledge

The Tokyo metropolitan government andmunicipalities are working together todesignating areas that need particularly
focused and intensive improvement as
subsidies to promote rebuilding andtaxes and city planning taxes. Initiatives
are un de rw ay in 52 z ones , cov ering
approximately 3,350 hectares (as of April
2021).

086

087

Preparing for Power Outages

Large
Earthquake 1

Checking Electricity, Gas andWater Supply

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Solar lights are disaster preparedness goods
that are powered by sunlight and do not use
any electricity. Incorporating lights that do
not require batteries or fuel into your regular
life will come in handy when there is a power
outage due to a disaster. Garden solar lightsthat are inserted into the soil are recommended
for detached houses with a garden. If you live
in an apartment, choose a wall-mounted typeor lantern-type that can be installed on thebalcony. As they are easy to carry, they can bebrought inside and used as a light in the eventof a disaster.

Large
Earthquake 2

Prepare for power outages by incorporating
solar lights into your life

Lantern type

Inserted typelearn how to turn them off and turn them back on.

Smartphones are essential for communicating andgathering information in a disaster. It is important toalways carry a charger with you. In addition to getting
into the habit of putting a charged portable phonecharger in your bag, prepare a portable solar panel orbattery-powered charger for long-term evacuation.

edited by Creative Suite, Natsumesha, 2021)

088

089

Knowledge

In an earthquake, the supply of electricity, gas, and water may stop. Whenyou evacuate, turn off your circuit breakers, close the gas valve, and close

Keep both solar-powered and battery-powered
smartphone chargers

Survival Tips

Check how to shut down and restore supply

PeopleIn the event of a disaster, a car is useful not only as a means oftransportation for evacuation, but also as an excellent disaster preparedness
tool. You can gather information or charge your smartphone by starting theengine. For this reason, it is a good idea to always keep your gas tank full.

Preparing for Water Outages
In Tokyo, there is an emergency water supply
station within a radius of approximately 2 km.
Check the location of stations near your home inadvance. When using a station, you must bringyour own water container and transportationequipment.

in English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish)

English pageGas Service
Restoration
Map

A gas micom-meter automatically shuts off
the gas supply when it detects a gas leak oran earthquake with a seismic intensity of 5or higher. After that, you can restart the gas
supply yourself by performing a simple reset
operation. First, check the status of gas supply
restoration in your area using the Gas Service
Restoration Map mentioned above, then follow
the steps below.
Turn off all gas appliances.

release it.
at 0570-023388.

* This applies to houses where city gas is supplied from the Tokyo Gas Network.

Store for drinking water
plastic bottle to the brim with tap water. It can be used as
drinking water for about 3 days if kept away from direct
sunlight.

Store for domestic use
A regular household bath can hold approximately
water, it can be used for daily life such as washing,cleaning, the toilet, and watering.

Stay clean with less water

Wipe your body using a small amountIn situations where lifelines have been cut off, water shortages can cause
deterioration in the sanitary environment, so it is important to cook food toprevent food poisoning.

cleaning agent, you can keep yourself clean
without using much water.

Prepare a portable gas cooking stovea toothbrush

Knowledge

Secure heat sources in case the gas is cut off

to use as a heat source during a disaster, so you can have hot meals.

Survival Tips

* If the gas is not restored after performing the above steps, please call Tokyo Gas Network

How to store tap water

PeopleRemove the cap from the restore button.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Emergency Water Supply Station

After an earthquake, you can check the statusof gas supply and restoration in your area via

Large
Earthquake 2

Respond to a gas outage

Large
Earthquake 1

Preparing for Gas Outages

Wrap a 15 cm s qu are piec e ofgauze or tissue paper around yourfeeling of roughness disappears.
Wipe your gums and tongue as
well, then rinse with water.

090

091

It is not only humans who are affected by a disaster. Pets are also susceptible

The immune system of a pet also weakens during
life in evacuation, so be sure to take good careof its regular health, including vaccinations andparasite prevention and removal. Also, in caseyour pet gets lost, it is also important to identify itwith a name tag or microchip, and take and savea photo of your pet. For dogs, be sure to attach aname tag and rabies vaccination tag to its collar.

Susu-chan

Typhoon,Heavy Rainprevent pet-related problems during evacuation, it is necessary to makepreparations such as ensuring they are trained. A pet must be protected by its
owner. Think now about what you can do as a pet owner. Additionally, eacharea has different policies regarding evacuation with pets, so it is importantto check the local disaster prevention plan.

Pet health and identification is important

Large
Earthquake 2

Care for pets as an ownerand family

LargeEarthquake 1

Evacuating with a Pet

Think about your pet when evacuating
If possible, evacuate with your pet. However, it is not always possible to live

ToiletsheetsWater

bag in case you have to evacuate with your pet.

PeopleTeach your dog basic
commands such as

in an emergency.

and train them not tobark unnecessarily.

Knowledge

prevent problems with pets.

Train it to use
a designatedplace for the
toiletTrain it to not
be afraid or
aggressive
towards people
or animals
092

Survival Tips

animals other than dogs, cats, and small birds to be accepted. Please follow
the rules of the evacuation center. However, if your home is safe and you areable to return regularly to care for your pet, then not taking your pet to theevacuation center is also an option. It is also a good idea to look in advancefor a place which can look after your pet, other than the evacuation centerand your home.

Stock up on food, water, medicines, toiletries,
etc., as well as its favorite toys for stress relief.

Have it get
used to being
in a carrier

093

Apply anti-shatter

Fix the top of
cabinets to the wall

objects nearwindows toprevent themfrom breaking
the window

Tidy up storerooms

Add latches
to drawers
and doorssafety of employees and facility
users, how to conduct safety
inspections of facilities, how toevacuate, where to evacuate to,and an emergency contact list.
Also, identify whether there are
any tasks that must be continued
as a priority even in an emergency.
Since the general rule on
returning home following a major
earthquake or disaster is to avoid
moving unnecessarily and to wait
until after 72 hours have passed,
prepare a stockpile of supplies
and equipment for employees andTyphoon,Heavy Rainthings on top of
cabinets

At your company, decide on
persons to be in charge of disaster
preparedness, hold a disaster
preparedness meeting, and make

Large
Earthquake 2

We d o n ot know whe n a d is a st er will oc cu r. There fore, dis as ter
preparedness at work is just as important as at home. Promote safety
within your company to prevent injuries to customers and employees.
It is also important to keep corridors and emergency stairs clear of
obstructions.

Large
Earthquake 1

Create a manual and rules

information issent by the Tokyo
Metropolitan
Government toJoin furniture
togetherArrange partitions in a
U-shape or H-shape.

in areas that will blockexits and evacuationroutes

Prepare emergency supplies and disaster
response goods and equipment
It is necessary to prepare the equipment that will be needed in the event of
a disaster, decide where to store it, and have it ready for use at any time.
portable/emergency toilets, hygiene products, and blankets per person
should be prepared in case of power or water outages.
094

in charge of disaster preparedness at each business site
directly receive disaster-related information sent by the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government using their registeredemail address or LINE account. In addition, a variety ofdisaster preparedness content can be referred to throughTokyo Metropolitan
SME Support
formulation support
project095

Knowledge

Reduce paper volume

Preparedness
Leaders.

system to promote disaster preparedness measures

Survival Tips

Secureequipment toprevent it fromfalling or moving

PeopleHave preparations led by a WorkplacePreparedness

Participate in drills

Condominiums, companies, welfare facilities, etc.

Large
Earthquake 2

In order to minimize damage in the event of a disaster, it is important forevery resident in the area to learn about disaster preparedness. In addition
to participating in local disaster preparedness drills and touring disaster
preparedness centers and disaster experience facilities in Tokyo, experiencing
a disaster preparedness camp at home is also a great drill.

Large
Earthquake 1

Do
Now

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

rescue drills of people trapped in elevators, andevacuation drills, which raise disaster preparedness
awareness throughout the condominium, it is also
possible to conduct tours of the equipment thattanks and power generators, and explain how to
use them in the event of an earthquake. In rental
condominiums, disaster prevention drills may be
conducted by the management company.

Company disaster preparedness drills

At small social welfare facilities and medical institutions
used by people who are unable to evacuate on their own,
facility staff should conduct the initial response in theevent of a disaster. Although there are restrictions on the
personnel and time that are available, regular disaster

Survival Tips

by municipalities
Municipal governments conduct
drills by school district or evacuation
center that several thousand people
participate in. They are mainly heldat public schools.

PeopleMetropolitan Government
Each year, the Tokyo Metropolitan
Government and the municipalities
jointly hold comprehensive disaster
drills with resident participation.

C o m pa n i es sh o ul d c o n du c t di s ast er p r ep ar e dn es s
drills with the same goal of ensuring safety in the eventof a disaster, but also for the purpose of continuingbusiness operations. It is effective to conduct disaster
preparedness drills from the perspective of how quickly
the organization can be returned to its pre-disaster state
after ensuring safety.

guiding residents to evacuate smoothly.

drills include rescue and relief drills,
communication drills, evacuation
drills, and drills to protect yourself
using an earthquake simulator.

Knowledgeneighborhood associations

Cooperation between residents and businesses is important
I t is im po r ta n t f or n e ig h bo r ho o d as s o c i a ti o n s ,condominiums, and businesses to work together inthe event of an earthquake disaster to prevent theby making agreements between groups and workand equipment handling drills.
Source: Rescue Now “What are the differences between disaster drills conducted
https://www.rescuenow.co.jp/blog/column_20230524#646733a4cd72c
e03707f2461-1684494101204
Management Agency, “Smooth evacuation of residents with limited
https://www.fdma.go.jp/mission/prevention/items/manual.pdf

096

097

There are facilities in Tokyo where you can have a realistic experience of a

dedicated to disaster preparedness.

Museum) has facilities that use seismic equipment to recreate theshaking of major earthquakes that actually occurred in the past, so
you can experience the shaking. You can also experience the situation

Large
Earthquake 2

preparedness. Learn the necessary disaster preparedness knowledge
and think about how you will act in a disaster and how to prepare inExperience disaster preparedness at
a Life Safety Learning Center

Large
Earthquake 1

Visit disaster education facilities

also experiential facilities where both adults and children can have fun
03-3590-6565

Honjo Life Safety Learning Center

03-3621-0119

Tachikawa Life Safety Learning Center

042-521-1119

Prevention Reference Center (Fire Museum)03-3353-9119

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center

Scan here for information on how children can properly
learn about disaster preparedness, such as facilities forexperiencing and learning about disaster preparedness.

03-5742-9098
03-3940-1811
03-5997-6471

Meteorological Science Museum

03-3529-2180
03-6758-3900 (Japan Meteorological
Agency main line)

disaster prevention experiential learning tour where you can learn how towhich is said to be the approximate time it will take until support systems
from the national and local governments are fully in place.

Sona Area Tokyo
3-8-35 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
03-3529-2180

Park Management Center)

portal site
https://www.anzenedu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/bosaikyoiku/

098

099

Knowledge* There are also other disaster preparedness learning facilities than those listed in the listof facilities.

At Sona Area Tokyo, the disaster prevention experience-learning
Survival Tips

Park Management Center)

Learn how to survive a major earthquake at
Sona Area Tokyo

People(Earthquake Science Museum)Search for natural disaster monuments
Natural disaster monuments are monuments erected by our ancestors
who survived disasters and preserved their experiences in stone

preparedness
eventsTyphoon,Heavy Rain

The Geospatial Information
Authority of Japan is currently
collecting information on natural
disaster monuments acrossthe country, and announced it
as a new map symbol in 2019.
In addition to being displayedalso view the natural disastermonuments in each prefecture

PeopleAs many disasters occur in Japan, the opportunities to attend disaster
preparedness-themed exhibitions and events are increasing. There area variety of opportunities, from exhibitions that introduce the latest
disaster preparedness systems and equipment for local governments
and companies to events that you can enjoy and participate in with yourchildren and loved ones, and they are effective in increasing your interest
in and deepening your knowledge of disaster preparedness.

Example of the new map symbol fornatural disaster monuments

updated from time to time.
Survival Tips

Natural disaster monumentby the Tokyo Metropolitan
Government

self-help and mutual assistance, and topromote preparation for disasters such as
an earthquake directly hitting Tokyo.

Learn about local traditional legends
Are there any legends in the area where you

Knowledge

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government holds
disaster preparedness events every year

the legends passed down among residents
will help improve your disaster preparedness
awareness.

(Image from a disaster preparedness exhibition)
Map symbol source: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan website
shizensaigaidenshouhi.htm

100

Large
Earthquake 2

throughout history, so it is very important to know and utilize the history
and past experiences of your area.

Large
Earthquake 1

Attend disaster preparedness events

101

LargeEarthquake 1

Volunteers

volunteers conducting activities such as removing rubble and garbage at
the stricken site, helping out at evacuation centers, and transporting andvolunteers who are registered in advance
event of a large-scale accident or natural
disaster such as an earthquake with aseismic intensity of 6-lower or more in a

Typhoon,Heavy Rainproviding mental care to the disaster survivors, holding consultations
and study meetings on rebuilding life, and providing information over theInternet.

disaster volunteers

Large
Earthquake 2

recovery activities in the event of a disaster such as earthquakes, tsunamis,

These volunteers assemble at their own

Fundamentals of volunteer activities
working in the disaster-stricken area, such as removing rubble. However,NPOs and volunteers for smooth volunteer activities.

Page 145

the disaster siteof activities and matters that were notedwishing to volunteer

during activities

temporary toilets, etc., providing directions for stranded commuters and others, etc.)
setting up emergency water tanks, etc.)

Main regular activities

Knowledge

Main activities

Survival Tips

in the event of a disaster. In general, organizations, such as the social
welfare council of the affected area, are responsible for the operation of

Activities after an earthquake, etc.
The following support activities are conducted under the guidance andTo register:to needs, and arranging their activities

website for more information.

102

Peoplemay not be able to assist. It should be understood that they will not always
respond to requests when, for instance, it could be dangerous or if there are
not enough volunteers.

103

Activities during normal times

established by the special wards andmunicipalities. Fire corps play an

training, and evacuation training. Fireprevention awareness activities are also
conducted during disaster prevention
week and local events. Vigilance activities
are also conducted when festivals andevents are held in the area.

but also as a cornerstone of local
disaster prevention, including rescue
operations and evacuation guidancein the event of earthquakes, windmembers have a different status fromare people who usually have their own
jobs, such as company employees or
self-employed people, as well as local
residents, such as housewives andstudents.

activities. In addition, members areas compensation based on theirperformance at disasters and training
which the y a tt end. Me ritori ous
service and accomplishments arerecognized with awards from theGovernor of Tokyo or the Fire Chief.
104

of a large-scale disaster, they work withdamage, they carry out activities such as
monitoring the water level of rivers.

Healthy people over the age of 18 who live, work, or go to school
your power to protect the safety and security of your area. If you would
23 wards) or your local municipality (if you live in a municipality).

Knowledge

with activity uniforms and clothing,and you will have the opportunity toparticipate in seminars and training
sessions to acquire the knowledge

attend the scene from their homes andSurvival Tips

that of part-time (special position)
local public servants. Upon joining

Activities during a disaster

PeopleTreatment of fire corps
members

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

simulates activities at disaster sites isconducted, and guidance is provided toLargeEarthquake 2

What is a volunteer fire corps?

Large
Earthquake 1

Volunteer Fire Corps

like to join or are interested, please register using
the QR codes below.
Scan here if
you live within
the 23 wards

Scan here if
you live in a
municipality

105Voice from experience

The evacuation
center was crowded
when additional foodaid would arrive. I
once again realized
the necessity ofstockpiling food.

Voice from experience

missing person. I have decided that I will
inform people of my destination before
evacuating.

(60s, Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake)(50s, Great East
Japan Earthquake)

Preparation andActions for a Mega
Earthquake (2)Nobody knows when or where a mega earthquake
will occur. Use this chapter as a reference tosimulate in advance what actions you should take inthe event a disaster occurs while you are at home,
at work, or out. By understanding the things tokeep in mind when living in an evacuation center,you can avoid trouble without panicking after adisaster.

106

Voice from experience

After the earthquake, I got in my car to go andpick someone up, but the roads were congested
and I had a hard time. I have decided not to use a
car after an earthquake.
30s, Chuetsu Offshore Earthquake

107

STEP 1The Moment an Earthquake Strikes

STEP 2After the Shaking Stops

If you are watching TV and an Earthquake
Early Warning alert is displayed, or if you
receive an Earthquake Early Warningon your smartphone or mobile phone,which consists of a beeping sound andyou are doing, stay calm and protect
yourself.

108

Start evacuating
immediately

of absent family
membersfamily members if
you are separated

Check your footing
and act

family members

Check if family members areor trappedbuilding is damaged,
facilities, start support
actions if necessary

Rescuerescue trapped persons,assistance dependingon the situation

Access information

condominium
safety of neighbors,while telling others
when to evacuate

opened and closed, damage tolifelines, communications
status, damage to furniture

the earthquake and thesituation of damage tothe wider area

Decision to evacuate
to evacuate based on damage
to the building, the conditions
inside, etc.

Knowledge

If you receive an Earthquake Early Warning

If there is a risk oftsunami or
sediment disaster

where, and whether
you need assistanceyourself, seek help from your family or someone
neighbors, and if someone is trapped or stuck under
furniture, cooperate with others to rescue them.
After that, obtain information such as the scale of thedisaster and decide whether to evacuate.
Tsunagu Network Communications)

Survival Tips

An Earthquake Early Warning is informationon the estimated seismic intensity andarrival time of strong tremors or long-period
ground motion, which is provided assoon as possible after the occurrence ofan earthquake. From February 1, 2023,
Earthquake Early Warnings will also be
issued based on long-period ground motion
levels.

If you are not injured

Check whether you

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Earthquake Early Warningwhether you need assistanceIf you are
injuredshaking.

Request assistance

Check your condition

Check whether you are

Large
Earthquake 2

Protect yourself until
the shaking stops
epicenter, it will take some time for theshaking to begin. Therefore, stay still ina safe place and monitor the situation
for at least one minute. Think about

Large
Earthquake 1

The Moment an Earthquake
Strikes and Evacuation Flow Chart

109

Flow Chart of Evacuation to an
Evacuation Area or Center

Large
Earthquake 1

STEP 3Large
Earthquake 2

The evacuation method in Tokyo is generally a two-stage evacuation
method in which people gather at a temporary evacuation area and thenevacuate to an evacuation area. However, depending on the local situationand the conditions of the disaster, your local government may instruct or
guide you to evacuate directly to an evacuation area or evacuation center.
Danger of

instead of a temporary evacuation area, so please prioritize safe evacuation. In addition,
as the method of evacuation will differ by municipality, check the evacuation method in110Knowledge

are also cases where you should evacuate to an evacuation area or evacuation center

Survival Tips

If you are close by and can return home safely

Typhoon,Heavy RainNo damage

Shelter at home

Danger of

Evacuate to an
evacuation center(Elementary andjunior high schools,
etc.)

thick soles

Damage is
too great tolive at home

Check to see if yourhouse is damaged

move in

Remain at thetemporaryevacuation area

The temporary
evacuation area is safe

Evacuate toan evacuation
area (Large park/
public space)

What to wear
when evacuating

Head toward the temporary
evacuation area
(Elementary and junior highschools, neighborhood park)order has been issued

The temporary
evacuation area is in

See the next page for checkpoints when deciding whether
to evacuate.

111

LargeEarthquake 1

Two Stages of Deciding to Evacuate

If there are no dangers,
go to decision 2

A place where evacuees gather temporarily
from nearby to grasp the situation and form agroup prior to moving to the evacuation area.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Check Points

park.

Quoted fromJIS Z8210

A place to evacuate to in order to escapedanger. They include large parks, plazas,
university campuses, and school grounds.

A place to live for a certain period of time if
Quoted fromJIS Z8210

in. Schools, community centers, etc.
Survival Tips

Stay at home if you
have no concerns

go to an evacuation center

Shelter athomeKnowledge

Go to an evacuation center if you feel unsafe or decide it is dangerous.

Check Points

Large
Earthquake 2

Decision 1: Determine the danger

Evacuation
Center

Evacuation timing
The decision to evacuate can sometimes mean the difference between life
your decision based on information from radio, television, and government
ears.
112

113

Use social media

Social media such as X (formerly Twitter) and
Facebook are valuable sources of information.
However, during an emergency, false rumors
and information could also spread through

Large
Earthquake 2

We have evacuatedto XXX Elementary
SchoolLarge
Earthquake 1

When Deciding Whether
to Evacuate

Make it a point to gather correct information.
Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Confirm the safety ofyour family

When a disaster breaks out, people are too
preoccupied with protecting their own lives,and could fail to realize that their own hands
or feet are bleeding, or that someone aroundthem is hurt. When the shaking stops, family
members who are together should check
among themselves that they are not hurt andthat the house is not in danger.

After the shaking has stopped, you could be endangered if you act according
to the wrong information. Before making a move, you need to gather proper
information. Use a battery-powered (or rechargeable) radio that will work
correct information.

of your family who are with you, check thethere is an evacuation route. While listening to
information over the radio and other media,
visually inspect the situation around you.

It is said that the deadline for saving

a disaster, gather correct information,and stay in a safe place.
114

115

Knowledge

Obtain correct information

Survival Tips

Confirm the situation insideand outside the home

Rushing out of your house in a panic puts

What to Do Before
Evacuating

Large
Earthquake 1

Indiscreet actions are
dangerous

ON

your attention to your neighbors. Check to see
if anyone has been enclosed, entrapped, or
hurt, and whether there is anyone who needs

Turn off the water main valve

When evacuating, be sure to turn off
faucets and water valves. Turning off
the water valves can prevent waterfrom leaking into your home.

Turn off the circuit breakers

If one of the household items thathave fallen over is an electricalappliance that has its switch on, it

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Confirm the safety ofneighbors

Large
Earthquake 2

OFFthe situation around you with your own eyes
and ears, such as if there are any dangerous

restored.

important to help one another.

the safety of buildings

An emergency risk assessment is conducted by the municipality insecondary disasters caused by aftershocks, and is conducted as

If the gas pipe or gas appliances
are broken, a gas leak could cause

the municipality. The determination of the degree of danger, isWhen evacuating your home, leavea memo in a place that your family
will know, such as the inside of thedoor, with relevant informationsuch as your safety and that ofyour family and where you haveevacuated to, and lock your door
when you leave.
such as a tsunami or sediment disasteris imminent.

The building is dangerous to enterBe careful when entering thebuilding
The building can be used

116

Use message boards andsocial media
under the assumption that phones
will not work. Social media will be
useful, too.
117

Knowledge

and in easily visible locations outside the building, in order to inform
users of the building and pedestrians.

We haveevacuated to*** Elementary
SchoolLeave a note inside saying you
are safe
Survival Tips

inspection of a damaged building to determine the risk of collapse,

Close the main gas valve

TokyoLargeEarthquake 1

Check Points for
Sheltering at Home

Check support informationfrom your local government

quick, or from a public facility or convenience
store. Free Wi-Fi is provided during a disaster.

You can stay with your pet

Some evacuation centers may notallow you to bring your pet.

Receive supplies at anevacuation center
Water

Water

Typhoon,Heavy RainYour privacy is protected

Check whether there are any concerns
about living in an evacuation centertog ether wi th a la rge n umber ofpeople.

LargeEarthquake 2

Check the website and disaster preparedness
emails from your local government for the latest
information and be careful of aftershocks. If
you cannot access the information from home,
try accessing it from an evacuation center

You should stockpile your own supplies inprinciple, but food and other supplies can bereceived at an evacuation center. Check youris also important to discuss any concerns with a

You can take your own measuresagainst cold and heataway from your home

You will not have to worry about
your home being burgled while
you are away.
Points for deciding whether toshelter at home

One way to live as an evacuee after

such as if you have a young childIf you have individual needs that makeyou concerned about your surroundings,
sheltering at home may be less of aburden.

Also consider this if your loc al evacuation
center is full!
118

Contact a volunteer center if
you have trouble
tasks such as cleaning and tidying up yourhome, or removing household items that are
no longer usable, proactively consult withthe center instead of keeping it to yourself.
In addition to cooperation with local people,
various organizations such as local governments
and volunteer centers can provide support.

Keep a light on at all times toprevent crime
In order to prevent crime when living inyour home, keep a light on day and night sopeople outside can see that you are home.

119

Knowledge

Easy to respond to individual needs,

which is to stay in your home and live
there. Consider the characteristics ofsheltering at home and evacuating toan evacuation center, and consider
the evacuation plan that suits you
and your loved ones. Use the above
checklist to check whether thedamage to your building is serious
and whether lifelines can be secured.

on how to respond.

Survival Tips

The temperature control at large
evacuation centers may be inadequate.

Eliminates the worry of being

LargeEarthquake 1

Preparing for Being
Unable to Return Home
Preparation for staying away from home

According to the damage estimates foran earthquake directly hitting Tokyo,
there will be up to 4.53 million stranded
commuters and others. If the roads are

In order to be able to stay at your workplace or a temporary shelter,

Typhoon,Heavy Rainand others after a disaster, emergency
vehicles will be unable to pass andrescue efforts will be hindered. Thereis also a risk of being hit by aftershocks
while walking, or encountering a crowd
collapse. Stay in a safe place instead ofrushing to get home immediately aftera disaster occurs. The estimated lengthof stay is for about three days after adisaster, while rescue and life-saving
activities are prioritized.

multiple means of communication, such as disaster emergency message
services and social media, and tell the people you contact that you will
return home when it is safe to do so, rather than that you will return
immediately. Also, keep in close contact with relevant schools, daycare
centers, kindergartens, and nursing care facilities and check their
response in the event of a disaster.

Large
Earthquake 2

Expect to be unable to return home for three days

Items that companies should stockpile

Water Water

Water

If a disaster hits while you are at work or school
Mouthwash

Vegetable

Veg etable

Vegetab leVegetable

Survival Tips

If a disaster hits while you are at work or school, check that it is safe andstay where you are instead of returning home immediately. To ensurethat you can stay there if a disaster hits while you are in your workplace,

Veget able

for their employees. Check what kind of supplies your workplace has on aregular basis.

Knowledge

If a disaster hits while you are out shoppingor for leisure
Out of those who will be stranded when a disaster occurs, it is estimatedleisure and will have nowhere to go. If a disaster hits while you are out,
evacuation area and wait for the confusion to subside. Temporary shelters
will be opened to accept stranded commuters and others, so go to a
nearby facility. Temporary shelters are stocked with food, blankets, andother supplies to last at least three days after an earthquake.
120

121

Gathering information as a stranded person
In the event of a disaster, information such as the opening statusof temporary shelters will be posted on the Tokyo Metropolitan
Tokyo app. Information will also be disseminatedfrom time to time on the websites and X (formerly
Tw i t t e r ) a c c o u n t s o f t h e m e t r o p o l i t a n a n dmunicipal governments. Always carry a sparebattery and charging cable so that you can use yoursmartphone to gather information.

Tokyo app.
122

123

Knowledge

You can check the loca tion of
temporary shelters and support
stations for those returning homeo n t h e d is as t er pr e pa re d nes s

to return home, it could lead to dangerous congestion. When returning
home, check your surroundings closely and choose a time when there
are not many people. Workplaces, schools, and temporary shelters
may establish rules such as prioritizing who can return home, and may
notify stranded commuters and others of such rules in advance. Also,in principle, support stations for people returning home (convenience
stores, gas stations, etc.) will become available from four days after thedisaster to provide those walking home with tap water and lavatories.
If you are walking home, make use of the support stations for people
returning home.

Survival Tips

important at temporary shelters. Onceyou have decided to stay at a temporary
shelter, as a user of the facility who isunable to return home, you should also
support the operation of the facility asmuch as possible. Assuming that thefacility has also been affected by thedisaster, you should actively participate
in the operation of the facility by
distributing supplies, cleaning common
areas, and doing whatever else you
can do. In addition, regardless of
their age, gender, nationality anddisabilities, various types of people
will gather at the temporary sheltersthat accept stranded commuters andothers with nowhere to go. When using
a shelter, please be considerate andmake concessions to those who require
special consideration.

Apple

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Mutual support at
temporary shelters

Wait about three days after the disaster, until the confusion has died
down, before returning home. However, if stranded commuters andLargeEarthquake 2

In addition to having your employer
stockpile emergency supplies, you
should keep sneakers, warm clothing,portable phone charger, medicine,
contact lenses, etc. in your workplace
locker.

Large
Earthquake 1

Plan the timing of your return home and use
support stations for people returning home

Make your own
preparations in case you
cannot return home

LargeEarthquake 1

Evacuation Center

Evacuatio ncenterPreparation to receive evacuees

Typhoon,Heavy Raincenter. Normally, the facility manager will unlock the facility and start
preparations for its opening. However, at the onset of a disaster, themanager could be late in arriving due to being caught up in the disaster.
Therefore, it is possible that the evacuees themselves have to prepare
for the opening of the shelter.

Large
Earthquake 2

Process of opening an evacuation center(example)

The lock is opened, and preparations tosafety within and around the facility is made,whether a means of communication can be
secured.

Preparing the layout

What is an evacuation center

Search for evacuation centers here
(Tokyo Metropolitan Government

124

Establishing a reception deskn
Receptio

regular emergency shelter and need special care.

Knowledge

An evacuation center is a place for people who cannot continue to live intheir homes to live in evacuation for a certain period of time. The Tokyo
Metropolitan Government has about 3,200 evacuation centers comprisingschools, community centers and other facilities, and about 1,600 welfare

Survival Tips

various spaces that have been considered inadvance, taking into account the situation of
the evacuees and the facility. An environment
where people can live is prepared.

Evacuees are guided
from evacuation areas
to the evacuation
center, and registration
begins. A name list is
prepared to grasp thesituation of the local
victims of the disaster,
including the evacuees
and those needing care.

125

LargeEarthquake 1

Guide to Evacuation Life

Giving your contact information
After arriving at the evacuation center,give your address, name, and contact
information, and you will be grouped withneighbors or by neighborhood association.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainshelter to shelter. It is important to uphold the rules in evacuation center
operation and life. Evacuees helping each other and cooperating is
indispensable.

Large
Earthquake 2

After arriving at the evacuation center(example)

Confirming the safety of family
members, etc.

We have evacuated.

We have evacuatedto XXX Elementary
SchoolTaro XX00

Evacuees should uphold the rules of life at an evacuation center and help
the living space of a fellow evacuee, speaking in a loud voice, and smoking
in non-designated areas go against manners. Consideration toward those
who need support is also necessary at an evacuation center.

126

Role sharing

Knowledge

Rules and manners at the evacuation center

Survival Tips

We are at XX
Elementary Schoolwith Mr. Okamura

and neighbors. So that those with hearing
impair ments can also understand theinformation, write out the information on
cardboard, etc.

Carry out the duties
allotted to you suchas helping out at theregistration desk or
cooking. There aremany things thatneed to be done byc o o p e ra t i n g w i t heach other.

127

LargeEarthquake 1

Dos and Don'ts at an
Evacuation Center

Large
Earthquake 2

Waste
Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Maintain sanitation
Securing watera place to put rubbish, and be sure to tightly close the garbage bags toand secure drinking water and water for domestic use.

Survival Tips
Knowledge

Use of the toilet
may deteriorate and lead to the spread of infectious diseases if they are notproperly maintained. Therefore, use the toilets in the manner instructed byTake care of your health in
the changing environment
The drastic change of environment could
negatively affect your health. Be sure to takeeconomy class syndrome by moving your bodyand keep warm during the winter.

128

129

Wash your hands carefully withsoap before cooking or arranging
food, touching ingredients, andafter u sing th e toil et. Cooking
utensils should also be washed anddisinfected after each use.

Prevention of heat stroke
Beware of heat stroke at an evacuation
center in the summer. Children, theelderly, and those with chronic illnesses
are especially at risk of heatstroke, so
people around them should pay attention.
Frequently replenish the water and salt
thirsty, wear permeable clothing that isabsorbent and quick-drying, and avoid theheat.

Survival Tips

Sleep and turning off thelightsFood poisoning can occur at any
time of the year. The best method
to pre vent t hi s is to was h yourhands. You should also be careful
about the dishes you use. When
you are unable to use water, one
good method is to serve food on
disposable containers that haveplastic wrap spread on them.

There are many things about living in an
evacuation center that you are not used
to, and because of this, people often do
not sleep well and consequently become
ill. There are those
who can not sleep
when the lights areon, and those who
cannot sleep when131

Knowledge

Prevention of foodpoisoningwould be to turnthe lights off every
other day.
130

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Sanitation in cooking
meals

contagious diseases can easily breakout. It is recommended that you wash
your hands and gargle frequently. Whenn o w ater is co ming ou t of the taps,
having ethanol ready as a disinfectant
will provide peace of mind.

Large
Earthquake 2

Water

share of food and supplies may haveto be shared with other people.
Consideration toward those who
cannot line up is also important.

Prevention of infectious
diseases

Large
Earthquake 1

Distribution of supplies

they have a disability that is not easily discernible.

Large
Earthquake 2

the elderly, foreign nationals, and those with disabilities. Try to beconsiderate and supportive of such people, including those who are

Large
Earthquake 1

Consideration toward people who need support

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Respect privacy
privacy by being especially considerate toward households with women andsmall children, and those who need support.

Expectant andnursing mothers

Moth ers with infants Children rid themselves
are concerned about of stres s by playing.
b r e a s t f e e d i n g t h e i r Secure a place and timechild. Women who aretheir feelings andgiven birth also need become refreshed.

132

At times, the elderly
and people withdisabilities may be
inconvenienced but
will not come out andsay it. Try to speak tothem frequently in acheery manner andu se va rious formsof commun ication
to keep them fromfeeling alone or afraid.

Sexual minorities

Knowledge

An evacuation center does not provide a perfect residential environment.
Keep in mind that you have to protect yourself, and if you see someone acting
suspiciously, contact the police or facility staff.

Elderly anddisabled people

Survival Tips

Foreign nationals

Crime prevention

Infants andchildrenBecause of differences incustoms and culture, and may face challenges suchas not being able to use
the language, nonJapanese people may Be aware of such diversity
and be c on side ra te o fimportant to provide them privacy.
with proper information
through an interpreteror someone capable of
speaking their language.
133

LargeEarthquake 1

Preventing Disaster-related
DeathsStaying still in a cramped position can cause
blood clots to form in your legs, which can bemoving your body regularly.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Economy class syndrome

Large
Earthquake 2

In past disasters, many people have died not only at evacuation centers,
but also while sheltering at home. Remember that the risk can be
reduced by consciously moving your body and taking steps to improveyour lifestyle.

Page 221

Anaphylaxis
shortly after a drug or food enters the body, and
it is possible that a severe allergic reaction could
occur. Carefully check that food and snacks do
not contain any allergens.

Page 221
Survival Tips

Dehydration
Evacuating with and caring for a pet

health and behavior on a daily basis, and prepare emergency supplies foryour pet as well.

refraining from drinking due to water shortages
or dislike of unclean toilets. Be conscious about
drinking water.

Page 217

Prevent disaster-related deaths with “TKB”

environment. Improving the living environment
can help prevent disaster-related deaths.

134

135

Knowledge

As a general rule, people and pets are not allowed to live in the same spaceat an evacuation center. Owners are responsible for caring for their pets inMany evacuees living in a large group during a pandemic increases the riskof infection spreading. If living in an evacuation center, you can reduce

Items to prepare at an evacuation center

Large
Earthquake 1

Evacuation Center Management
During a Pandemic

Sanitation

Large
Earthquake 2(preferably non-contact type)wearing a mask, and getting into the habit of disinfecting with alcohol
frequently.

plastic bottles (for handwashing during water outages)

dividing up items

Infected people

Close contacts

Reduce the risk ofinfection by zoningof floors and rooms(for hand washing)

Typhoon,Heavy Rain(gowns)(foot-pedal type)disposal of leftover food)(for leftover food disposal)

reception

portions and spreading over plates
to keep them from getting dirty)(for disposing of vomit)

Living space(preferably 2 m high)(for ventilation)(towel blanket in summer)
gauge(for partitioning)

automatic wrap type)

Requiring special
assistance

Staff

Communication equipment
Survival Tips

Other

Knowledge

Prepare 2-meterpartitions to prevent
droplets fromspreading(for signboards)

136

137

Sleeping in a car leads to disaster-related death

Large
Earthquake 2

In addition to increasing the risk of economy class syndrome, sleeping
in a car can lead to increased stress and the early symptoms of poor
health due to reduced contact with other people, which can lead todisaster-related deaths. If it is unavoidable, please note the following
points.

Large
Earthquake 1

Sleeping in a Car or Tent

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Do not leave the engine runningpoisoning. Take measures to protect yourself from thecold, such as covering the car with insulating material.

90°

Make your sleeping area level by placing a towel on
the seat. This will reduce the risk of economy classsyndrome.

Do not park on a slope

Stop in a populated area

Knowledge

poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

If you cannot avoid parking on a slope, put chocks
under the tires and remember to apply the handbrake.

of your car being broken into or tampered with.

Sleeping in a car in the Tokyo metropolis is not recommended
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government does not recommend evacuating by car or
sleeping in a car, especially in the city center, from the perspective of securing
measure.

138

Survival Tips

Some people choose to sleep in a car or tent following a disaster due toreasons such as evacuation centers being full, heating and cooling issues,and concerns about bringing children or pets with them. If you choose thisas a temporary evacuation method, it is important to be fully aware that139

Burglary, theft

Sexual assault, abduction
Move in groups and avoid
blind spots
Even during the day, there is a risk of beinga victim of crime if you are in a deserted
place or a place where others cannot see
you. Carry a security buzzer with you when
you go out. Move in a group and be careful
not to approach a blind spot alone.

Be more careful aboutlocking doors
Wh en leav ing your home , t ake
all possible precautions such as
covering broken windows so theycannot be seen from the outside,locking the front door with a door
chain and padlock if the door frame

where children are alone

Be careful of sudden visitors

Knowledge

Make sure to carry your valuables
with you or ask someone you trust,such as a family member, to stayat the home. Also, it is importantto keep them close to you while
sleeping.

Fraud, malicious renovations

Survival Tips

There have also been cases of male andfemale children being molested, andof being yelled at and hit by strangers
who are releasing built up stress. It is
important not to create an environment
where children are unsupervised and toensure that an adult is always present.

leaving a light on in each room.

Carry valuables with you
at all times

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Make sure to give the impressionthat you are home to avoid beingt arg e ted b y b urg lars . Ins ta ll abattery-powered security light witha motion sensor near the entrance.

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Earthquake 2

Give the impression thatyou are home

140

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Earthquake 1

Crime Prevention
During a DisasterIn the past, there havealso been reports of fraud
and unscrupulous businessp ra c t i c e s t h a t t o o kadvantage of earthquake
disasters. Some victims
were charged large sumsof money under the guiseof gas and electricity
inspections and home
repairs.
141

Discuss your disaster experience

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Earthquake 1

Returning to Daily Lifedisaster in everyday conversation is

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Earthquake 2

with family, friends, and local people
ca n h elp r edu c e s t re ss f or bo t h(post-traumatic stress disorder)
after a disaster due to the intense

Typhoon,Heavy Raingood care of such stress.
Go to Page 234

Measures against stressIn situations where we are prone to both physical and mental
stress, we need to maintain our health through self-care. Keepthe following points in mind and acquire a mindset for overcoming
life after a disaster.

Survival Tips

that time
comfortable distance from them

Knowledge

Accepting deathWith 19,765 fatalities in the Great East Japan Earthquake (as of March 1,
people had to accept the death of an acquaintance or loved one. In the eventof an earthquake directly hitting Tokyo, it is estimated that about 6,100

142

143

assist in the recovery and reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas after

Generally, in a disaster-affected area, the local social welfare council andgovernment take the lead in setting up a disaster volunteer center, which
accepts volunteers and matches them to the needs of disaster victims.

role of disaster volunteers is to provide a wide range of support to disastervictims, not only by cleaning up and cooking meals, but also supporting theoperation of evacuation centers and responding to the needs of disastervictims.

volunteer center set up in your municipality.
National and local
governments

General volunteers

operations

Information
provisionand support

Transmissionof information

Information
provisionand support

General volunteers,
voluntary actiongroups, etc.
SupportTransmissionof information

Municipal disaster volunteer center(operated by the Social Welfare
Council, etc.)

SupportSupportAscertaining
local needs

Evacuees at evacuation centers and at home

Edited and created based on

144

145

Knowledge

Ascertaining
local needs

Municipalities (disaster
response headquarters)

Voluntary actiongroups, etc.

Ascertaining
the local
damage(support)
situation

Survival Tips

Ascertaining the
local damage(support) situation

Tokyo Metropolitan Government(disaster response headquarters)

Tokyo Disaster Volunteer Center
Management: Tokyo Voluntary Action Center, Voluntary Action Group
Establishments: Tokyo Voluntary Action Center, Tokyo Metropolitan
Government Bureau of Citizens, Culture and Sports

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Example of activities

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Earthquake 2

How to request volunteer support

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Role of disaster volunteers

such as work gloves and sneakers,
and be careful of fallen furniture,etc. when cleaning up.

Reopening business
The central government and theTokyo Metropolitan Government
have various programs to support
SMEs and agriculture, forestry, andPage 262

Moving into emergency
temporary housing
If you have lost your home, you canmove into emergency temporaryf r o m th e e v a c ua ti on c en t e r to
emergency temporary housi ng,
a n d s tar t o n t h e r oa d to l i vi n g
independently as soon as possible.

Moving to the home of a
relative or acquaintance146

disaster, you can look for work at
employment service center) or receive
support such as vocational training.

Page 261

Resuming schoola disaster or your school has beendamaged, you can receive emergency
scholarships to help cover matterssuch as school tuition or transfer

Page 261

147

Knowledge

Another option would be for you tomove into the home of a relativeor acquaintance. It is important
to lighten the burden on them bystating that you will only be there

Resuming work

Survival Tips

Page 259

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

business. Apply to your municipality
to receive such support.

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Earthquake 2

When rebuilding your life after anearthquake, start by cleaning up sothat you have space to live in. Wear

Starting to Rebuild Your Life

Large
Earthquake 1

Clean up to rebuild
your life

Voice from experience

There was an evacuation advisoryrose up to the stairs of my house. I
realized it was necessary to evacuate
early.
(60s, 2019 Typhoon Hagibis)

Voice from experience

I created a “My Timeline”
and simulated evacuatingwith my whole family.
(60s, 2019 Typhoon Hagibis)

Preparation andActions for Typhoons
and Heavy RainIn recent years, the damage from not only
earthquakes but also large typhoons and heavy
rains has become more severe. Expressions suchas “once in several decades” or “once in several
centuries” have become commonplace, and there
are many situations where conventional wisdom
cannot do anything.
You can minimize the damage by making yourpreparations more thorough. Understand the

Voice from experience

I regret not making use of the experience
about the he av y rain c aused by thepassing front. I have decided to follow
evacuation orders.

(60s, August 2012 Heavy Rains)

wh i ch di f f er f rom e art hq uake s , a nd ta ke
countermeasures.

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149

Weather Conditions that
Require Special Caution

Various changes brought about
by abnormal weather
Rising temperatures

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Predicted impact of climate change
More powerful typhoons

rises by approximately 1.4ºC /4.5ºC (increase in the numberof extremely hot days andsweltering nights)

Rising sea levels
approximately 0.39 m / 0.71 m

winds fromtyphoons
will be more
frequent

Heavier rain
precipitation increases byapproximately 12% (approx.
15 mm) / 27% (approx. 33 mm)

The blue text
and the red text indicates the predicted outcomes if no additional measures are taken beyond the current
situation.
*Created based on Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Japan
Meteorological Agency, “Climate Change in Japan 2020”

As temperatures rise, sea levels will also rise,Rain that falls heavily over a periodof several hours in one location,
resulting in rainfall ranging from
one to several hundred mm. Suchrain causes disasters such as seriousof houses.

Typhoons

The strength of a typhoon isdetermined by the maximum
wind speed near its center. The
strongest level is an “extreme”
typhoon, which can cause
wooden houses to collapse.

Rainbands
A phenomenon that causes heavy rain whencumulonimbus clouds form in a line and passover or stagnate in generally the same place.

Knowledge

Climate change is threatening
everyday life

Torrential rain

Survival Tipsof rain falling increases byapproximately 1.6x / 2.3x.

accurate forecasts due to the complex factors
involved, the Japan Meteorological Agency
issues warnings of the possibility of heavy rain
due to a rainband about half a day in advance.
Be aware of the danger of heavy rain disasters

occur, especially in areas at sea level.

Meteorological Agency website

150

Large
Earthquake 2that the way that rain falls has changed. In particular, damage fromtorrential rains occurs all over Japan almost every year and is no longer
a rare occurrence.

rises due to greenhouse gas emissions and other factors.

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Earthquake 1

Weather-related Disaster
Risks Due to Climate Change151Check the hazard map

A hazard map is a map created for each municipalitythat displays areas where damage is expected andwhere to evacuate. Because the damage caused

Hazard Map

A My Timeline is a chronological list of actions that you will take in theevent of a disaster, which you decide in advance. “Tokyo My Timeline”
allows you to organize appropriate evacuation actions in advance, whiledamage.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainand areas that are at risk of sediment disasters. Be sure to check yourDecide what actions to take in a disaster

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Earthquake 2

but also by the topography and characteristics of land, such as alluvial

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Earthquake 1

Risk of Wind and Flood
Damage From Hazard Maps

Creating a Tokyo My
Timeline

Check local risks at the same time
disasters, and allows you to create evacuation plans tailored to thecharacteristics of your area. It is important to consider appropriate

storm surges differ, be sure to check each type ofwill be submerged.
Survival Tips

Flood Hazard Map (Bureauof Construction, Tokyo
Metropolitan Government)

Knowledge

Check the disasters that may occur
around you
Check the hazard maps to ascertain whether you are in
if so, to what extent. Check the route from your hometo the evacuation area, as well as from your nearestmap” which you can also use.

152

T h e To k y o M y T i m e l i n e i s a l s oTokyo app. Use it to gather necessary
information in the event of a disasterto evacuate more safely!
Page 17153

minimize the damage.

Preparation outside
your home

In addition to warnings, organizations
including the Japan Meteorological Agency
release various types of disaster prevention
weather information in stages over time.
Understand the meaning of each and checkthe actions you should take.

Check information
about public
transport
suspensions early

If you know that heavy rain or a typhoon is approaching, be sure toprepare both inside and outside your home. By knowing what to do inFix shutters and screen doors
curing tape to prevent
them from being blown
away by the wind.

Preparation inside
your home

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Understand the types of
warnings and information

Prepare inside and outside your home

Fill the bathtub with water
Filling the bathtub withwater is extremely
useful, as you can use
the water to wash yourif the water is cut off.

Clean gutters and drains

Suspended

if the window glass

Move outdoor objects indoors
M o v e p l an t e r s , o r n aments, clothes-drying
po les, e tc. in do or s or
prevent them from being
blown away by the wind.

You will be able to keep
war m in yo ur car andcharge your smartphone
if the power goes out.

Check the risk
level tooCharge your smartphone and computer
Keep your smartphoneand laptop fully charged
in case the power goeso u t. Yo u ca n al so us e
your l apt op t o charge
your smartphone.

Knowledge

Fill up your car with gas

website and social media in
advance.

tains and lower theblinds too.

Survival Tips

Recently, the suspension ofrailway operations is often
planned when a typhoon
is expected to approachnearby. To avoid tr oubl e,

The Jap an Mete orol ogicallocations with increased
danger on real-time maps.
color, which are useful when
deciding whether to evacuate.
154

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Earthquake 2

are more likely to occur due to heavy rain and storm surges causedby typhoons and fronts. Also, unlike earthquakes, information about
typhoons can be obtained ahead of time, so gathering information isessential.

Protecting Yourself fromWind and Flood Damage

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Earthquake 1

Knowing the Latest Weather

Japan

Meteorological

Agency KIKIKURU
155

Try to Evacuate Early

If you may need to evacuate, check the information frequently and make adecision early. If you live in a safe area, or if the wind and rain are alreadyPay attention to disaster prevention
weather information
It is important to collect accurate informationin order to protect yourself from typhoons
and torrential rain. Also, as there are differentt yp e s o f i n fo r ma t i o n , it i s i m p o r t an t t ocorrectly understand the caution levels.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

One of the criteria for deciding whether to evacuate is the disasterprevention information that uses “alert levels.” Under this system,

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Key points for deciding to evacuate

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Criteria for Deciding to Evacuate

Disaster prevention weather information
alertness, so that local residents can intuitively understand the degree ofrisk of a disaster and take appropriate evacuation actions.
Alert level

Actions to take

Alert level 5

Take the most appropriate
action to protect your life

Evacuation information

Advisory
Announced when there is a risk of a disaster

Emergency safetymeasureswind, etc.

Alert level 4

All persons should
evacuate

Evacuation order

Alert level 3

Elderly people, people withdisabilities, young children,etc. and their support
persons should evacuate.

Evacuation of the elderly,etc.

Announced when a heavy rain warning(sediment di saster) has already beenannounced and conditions are such that alife-threatening sediment disaster could
occur at any time.

Alert level 2

evacuation actions

surge advisory

Alert level 1

Be prepared for disaster

Early warning information(possibility of warnings being
issued)Sediment-disaster alert bulletin

Survival Tips

Warning

This calls for immediately taking action to protect your life in a safe place.
However, at alert level 5, there is life-threatening danger and a disasterhas already occurred or is imminent, and this alert level is not always
issued, so it is necessary to evacuate by alert level 4, without waiting for it
to reach alert level 5.

Knowledge

Everyone should evacuate by alert level 4

An n o un c e d wh en th er e i s a r i sk o f aserious disaster occurring due to heavy

Emergency warning
Announced when
there is a very high riskof a serious disasteroccurring due to heavy
ra i n , h e a v y s n o w,
extreme wind, blizzard,
waves, or storm
surges of a particularly
abnormal level.
the Japan Meteorological Agency website

156

157

frequently to get the latest information. Also, be sure to know the location

Prepare an emergency
backpack in advance

If the rain is so heavy that you
need to evacuate, it will be easier
to walk in comfortable sports
yourself with a hat, gloves, andraincoat.

possible dangers before evacuating. However, that does not necessarilymean that you should always move to an evacuation center; instead,
you should prioritize actions that will protect your life.

If you live in a low-lying area,“wide-area evacuation” isrecommended.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainwith disaster preparedness goods
at all times. In case of heavy rain,pack a change of clothes, a towel,
and a rain cover.

Emphasize on ease of
movementOnce you are prepared, carefully assess the depth of the water and the

Large
Earthquake 2

lost in the rain when the time comes.

Precautions When Evacuating During Windand Flood Damage

Large
Earthquake 1

Preparing to Evacuate During Wind andFlood Damagel owla nds , w h ere th e e le vat ion is a t or
below the high tide level, many areas will
areas, pay close attention to the weather
inf or mation and voluntarily u ndertake“wide-area evacuation” to outside of thearea as soon as possible.

Bread

Be careful when moving during
flooding
Be aware that the covers of gutters andwhich can be dangerous. The depth of waterthat can be walked in is about the height

There are websites where you
can see the water level of rivers inLive camera footage(Tokyo Metropolitan
Flood Channel)
158

Turn off the circuit
breaker when evacuating
breaker (and solar power
generator) when evacuating inorder to prevent an accident.
Also, there is a risk of electric
shock if you use electronicequipment that has been
submerged in water. Contact anelectronics store or retailer after

must not take unnecessary risk.
Knowledge

to see a river out of curiosity.

Survival Tips

Avoid dangerous places

Secure safety indoors(evacuating upstairs)
possible to secure your safety by moving
no risk of your house being washed away,
the height of your living room is higher than

159

How to Escape a Submerged Car

Be careful to avoid going close to rivers, irrigation canals, and areas with

Break a window with an escapehammerAvoid underground andsemi-underground areas

so be careful.

road or your car falls into a pond or riverand become s su bmerged, the ext ernal
water pressure may prevent the door fromuse the cutter part of the escape hammer to
cut the seatbelts, then use the hammer tobreak a side window and try to escape.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainoften it is impossible to see outside,
so there is a risk of being unable to

Large
Earthquake 2

into them.

Large
Earthquake 1

Areas to Avoid During Wind and Flood Damage

hammerRivers and irrigation canals
Stay away from rivers and irrigation

Survival Tips

c ar e ful ly che ck t he local dis a ster
prevention information and prepare toevacuate immediately.

car. You can break the glass by removing theheadrest, inserting the metal rods between
the glass and the frame, and force it open
using the principle of leverage.

submerged

You may be unable to move if your car
gets submerged in an underpass. The
engine of a passenger car may stop if
the water reaches a depth of 30 cm or
more.

pressure on the door will decrease as
the difference between the water leveloutside the car and the water level
inside the car decreases, so you may
be able to open the door. Calmly assess
the situation and push the door open as
hard as possible.

Knowledge

Be aware of “underpass
flooding”

It takes a fair amount of time for a
car to submerge in water. Even if you

Source: JAF website

160

161

Voice from experience
Voice from experience

Although a lot of masks andother supplies were delivered
to the evacuation center, I
should have stocked up on
dust goggles at home.

Even though it was midsummer,t h e t e m p e ra t u r e s u d d e n l ydropped before the tornado,
and I remember feeling coolness
and stillness, as if the air had
stopped.

(50s, July 2009 Tatebayashi Tornado)(70s, Eruption of Mt. Kirishima(Shinmoedake))

Preparation andActions for Other
Disasters
Earthquakes are not the only disasters that can
strike Tokyo. Many various risks can be assumed,
ranging from natural disasters such as landslides,
lightning strikes, tornadoes, heavy snow, andvolcanic eruptions, to human threats such as
terrorist and armed attacks, as well as infectious
diseases. In this chapter, we have compiled
knowledge on the various risks that lurk in Tokyoand measures to deal with them. Learn about
them now so you can respond calmly, which
could save your life.

162

Voice from experiencemove.

(50s, Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 Heavy Snowin the San'in Region)

163

Signs of an impending sediment disaster

Landslip

Know the sediment disasterhazard areas
Area Map that is available at the Tokyo

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Signs are cracks on cliffs, smallstones falling down, water wellingup on cliffs, spring water stopping or
becoming cloudy or muddy, being
able to hear the earth rumbling, etc.

Protect yourself from a sediment disaster

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Earthquake 2

If you notice any of the following signs, evacuate quickly.

Large
Earthquake 1

Sediment Disasters

that there is a risk of harm to the livesof residents in the event of a landslide,
and where a warning and evacuation

Landslidedev e l o pe d to pr e ven t se dim e nt

Signs are cracks and sinkholes inthe earth, the ground developing
clefts and becoming uneven, water
spurting from cliffs and slopes,
water in wells and streams becoming
cloudy or muddy, sounds of rumblingfrom the earth or mountain, trees
leaning, etc.

areas in your neighborhood.

164

Prepare an emergency bag
Emergency

area, and an emergency bag. If you feel in danger,change into clothes that are easy to move aroundin, and be ready to evacuate any time. When you
evacuate, keep your baggage to a minimum so thatyou can keep your hands free.

Knowledge

Signs are sounds of rumbling fromthe mountain, river water suddenly
becoming cloudy or muddy andcontaining driftwood, an unpleasantearthy smell, the river level becoming
lower despite continuous rainfall, thesound of trees being torn and stones
bumping into each other, etc.

Area Map

Survival Tips

Mudslide

Sediment

Confirm your evacuation area
Regularly talk withyour family about yourdesignated evacuation
area and how to contact
your evacuation routes.

165

LargeEarthquake 1

Lightning
Areas where you must be cautious

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

trees

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Earthquake 2

riverbank, beach, and on the sea can be dangerous. You also need to be on
alert when you are in a high place, such as at the top of a mountain or ridge.

when you are close to a tree, especially,
keep at least 2 meters away from the tree
(trunk, branches and leaves).

In an open space
It is dangerous to be in an open space like astrike you. Quickly move to a safe place.
Survival Tips

Lightning can be life threatening. Although high places and tall, protruding
actually in open areas such as a golf course, or under a tree taking shelter
from the rain. If you hear thunder or see thunderclouds approaching, quickly
move to a safe place, such as a reinforced concrete building, car, bus, ortrain.

166

Knowledge

Lightning can be life threatening
sa fe place n ear by,take shelter at least 4
meters away from any
utility pole. Maintain alow posture and makesure that nothingin you r possess ion
protrudes into the air.

167

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Tornadoes
Protect yourself when a tornado strikes

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

You can check areas where there is theprobability of strong wind gusts, including
tornadoes, ahead of time by viewing the Radarand Nowcasts weather map on the Japan

Large
Earthquake 2

Check the areas where
tornadoes are forecast

What is the
Tornado Radarand Nowcasts?

If you are inside
In a detached home, move to a room on theyears. Although tornadoes occur at any time of year, more tornadoes are seen
particularly from summer to autumn, when cumulonimbus clouds are most
likely to develop. When a tornado forms, strong gusts of wind blow, pick up
debris from the ground, including materials from buildings and signs, and turnavoid danger, enter a sturdy building such as a reinforced concrete building
or an underground facility and wait for the storm to pass.

168

If you are outside
Move inside a sturdy building or undergroundthrough the air. In theevent you are not near
any of these structures,take cover or hide in aditch, and wait for the
tornado to pass.

169

Knowledge

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in Japan

Survival Tips

or hide in the bathtub. Close the storm
shutters and curtains, move away from
windows, and wait for the tornado to pass.

LargeEarthquake 1

Heavy Snow
Protect yourself from heavy snow

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Be careful not to slip

Large
Earthquake 2

Avoid commuting to work or school

If heavy snow is forecasted, stockpile enoughfood so that you will not need to leave home,and make preparations to stay warm without
electricity in case of a power failure. Also, besure to return home as soon as possible if you
are out.
When it snows and afterwards (especially themorning after heavy snow), roads become
resistant footwear such as snow boots, and beuse cars.

If you usually use a car

may close, and there is even the possibility that ordinary roads will become
impassable. When heavy snow is forecast, you should return home as soon as
possible and avoid going out again. Heavy snow in 2018 caused large-scale

warming, in recent years heavy snowfall sometimes occurs over a short periodof time, so using winter tires will not necessarily be safe. It is necessary to bementally prepared and ready with a shovel for shoveling snow.

170

Points to be aware of when shovelingor removing snow

When sh oveling snow or removing it fromyour roof, use equipment such as safety lines
and helmets, put on slip
resista nt footwear, an dalways work in a group of
two or more. Since snowthat has accumulated on
the roof loosens as it melts
on sunny days, take care to
avoid snow that slides off
the roof.
171

Knowledge

Heavy snow can paralyze a city

between vehicles that you normally would, and do
not brake or swerve suddenly.

Survival Tips

Refrain from using your car as much as possible.
If you must drive, change your tires to wintertires for use on snowy and icy roads, and preparea shovel, boots, blanket, and emergency food.

LargeEarthquake 1

Volcanic Eruptions

Large
Earthquake 2
Typhoon,Heavy Rainon some areas of Tokyo. Ash will not only affect the transportation system,

the Meteorological Agency website and make preparations in advance if
you are in an area that will have a large volume of ash fallout.

the islands. Since November 2013, a magma eruptions have repeatedly
occurred on Nishinoshima island of the Ogasawara islands, and the lava

172

173

Knowledge

There are 21 active volcanoes in Tokyo

Survival Tips

Kanto region, and it is estimated that up to 10 centimeters of ash will fall

LargeEarthquake 1

Protect yourself from a volcanic eruption
Prepare food and items for a disaster

When a volcano erupts, the ashes may affect

Entry
Prohibitedfrom 1 to 5 according to the degree of volcanic activity. Take actions
suitable to the level.
Level 5

Evacuate from dangerous residential areas

Level 4

Evacuate elderly people and other people who require
special care in residential areas that require vigilance, andprepare for evacuation in residential areas

Level 2Entering the area around the crater is prohibited

Level 1government regulations, and do not enter dangerous areas

Confirm the dangerous areas on
the disaster prevention map
areas and evacuation centers beforehand
using disaster prevention maps (which show
dangerous spots, evacuation routes, evacuation
centers, etc.) made public by the municipality
or others.
Meteorological Agency website

174

Check the designated evacuation area
beforehand
When an evacuation order or evacuation of
the elderly, etc. is issued due to a volcanic
eruption, quickly evacuate to the municipal
designated evacuation area nearest to you.

Evacuationarea

If an eruption occurs
taking steps to prevent yourself from inhaling volcanic
ash and gases such as holding a towel to your mouth,
quickly evacuate to a safe place such as a shelter.

Be careful of volcanic ash
When the volcano erupts, volcanic
ash will fall along with large andKnowledge

Mountain climbing and entering mountains is prohibited, and

It is also better if you prepare helmets, masks andgoggles as protection against dust.

Survival Tips

Level 3Water

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Volcanic alert level

Large
Earthquake 2

When the Meteorological Agency announces
a volcanic warning, restrictions on mountainentry, evacuation orders and evacuationof the elderly, etc. will be issued. Follow
the instructions. If you feel even slightly
endangered, evacuate.

will affect the respiratory systemcausing coughing or breathingeyes to become itchy, painful or
bloodshot, so protect yourself
with dust masks and goggles.
Also, take care as there is a risk ofaccidents due to poor visibility anddamp conditions due to volcanic
ash.
175

LargeEarthquake 1

Terrorist and Armed Attacks
Missile attack

Such an attack can result in sudden, unpredictabledamages. If the target of an attack is a nuclear
facility, the damages could be huge.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Attack by insurgents or special forces

Large
Earthquake 2

target of the attack, and it is estimated that thetime to impact will be short.

Attacks using chemical agents, etc.

As Tokyo is the center of government and economy, it could become thetarget of terrorist and armed attacks. The Act Concerning the Measures for

Landing invasion and air attacks
In an invasion, landing operations are likely totarget the coastal areas, and it can be assumed
urban areas.

systems. Make a note to listen to information broadcast over social media,
television, radio, and other media, and follow the instructions.

176

177

Knowledge

Danger of terrorist and armed attacks

Survival Tips

Attacks using chemical or biological agents,
or nuclear materials will have health effects,
requiring special response.

Evacuation from an attack by
insurgents

When there is a risk of terrorism or armed attack, try to obtain information

The damage from an attack by insurgentsby paying attention to the television, radio, and internet news.

will generally be limited to a relatively

First evacuate indoors and then follow the

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Earthquake 2

continue, so evacuate to a safe

Evacuation from chemical or
biological attacks

place.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainsmall area, but the damage may spread.

Large
Earthquake 1

Protect yourself from a terrorist or armed attack

Cover your mouth and nose with a

If an explosion occurs
low and hide under something like

instructions of the authorities.

h a n d k e r c h i e f, a n d l e a v e t h e a r e aimmediately. Evacuate to a safe place

If a fire breaks out
or armed attack, cover your mouthand nose with a handkerchief, etc.,
quickly evacuate while keeping
yourself as low as possible.

such as a closed-off place indoors or highground upwind.

Evacuation from a nuclear
explosion or radioactive
contamination
Hide behind cover and evacuate to anunderground facility or strong building. An

Tap on pipes or other things nearby
to let others know where you are.

Follow the instructions of the authorities
and consult a physician.

Calling out loudly for help shouldbe the last resort since this could
cause dust to be breathed in.

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179

Knowledge

radioactive contamination of the area.

Survival Tips

to keep from inhaling smoke, andthat is unlikely to become contaminatedRun away
Evacuate inside a nearby building or abasement (a sturdy building is best).

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Move away
Move away from windows or to a room
broken glass from a blast.

Issuance of warnings via J-Alert

Protect yourself

When there are no buildings
Hide behind something or get low andprotect your head.
Survival Tips

If there is a possibility that a ballistic missile may fall on Japan, theNational Early Warning System (J-Alert) which can instantly transmit
information, will be activated. In addition to a special siren soundand message being played over the wireless emergency alert system,
emergency information will also be sent via emergency alert email to*The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is progressing the designation of
intended to reduce the direct damage from the blast waves caused by amissile attack.
It is important to evacuate to the nearest building or basement assoon as possible. When doing so, evacuate to a sturdy building or
underground facility if there is one nearby.

If a ballistic missile falls

Civil
SiteEvacuation
facilities

precaution, if you are outdoors, cover your mouthand nose with a handkerchief, move away from thearea immediately, and evacuate to a well-sealedindoor location or upwind. If you are indoors, turnoff ventilation fans, close the windows, and seal
the room.
181

Knowledge

Evac uate immediately. Go into abuilding or underground nearby. A
missile will possibly land in the area

180

Large
Earthquake 2

Militarily powerful countries arec o n c e n t ra t e d a r o u n d J a p a n ,and there is a noticeable trend
to war d f u r t h e r s t r e n g th en i ngof military power and increased
military activi ty. In particular,
North Korea has launched ballistic
missiles in quick succession since
September 2021 and has been
repeating missile launches at an
u n pr e c e de n t e d ra t e si n ce t he
beginning of 2022. These militarym o v e s by N o r t h Kor e a p os e agrave and immediate threat toIf you hear a J-Alert

Large
Earthquake 1

Evacuation from a missile attack

LargeEarthquake 1

Infectious Diseases andPandemics
infectious diseases

Infectious diseases that are

fever, plague, Lassa
fever, etc.

terms of their transmissibility
and the severity if infected

Class II
infectious
diseaseTuberculosis, SARS,(H5N1, H7N9), etc.

Infectious diseases that are
dangerous in terms of theirtransmissibility and theseverity if infected

Cholera, bacillary
dysentery, typhoid, etc.

Infectious diseases that cancause an epidemic outbreakthrough employment indengue fever, etc.

Infectious diseases for which
the government conducts
surveys of infection trends,
and based on the results,
provides and discloses
necessary information to thegeneral public and medical
professionals to prevent theiroutbreak and spread

Knowledge

chlamydia, etc.

Infectious diseases that canbe transmitted to humans
through animals, food, andSurvival Tips

and multiply, resulting in symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and cough.

Class V
infectious
diseaseRabies, malaria,

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Ebola hemorrhagic

Class IV
infectious
diseaseInfections occur when pathogens such as viruses or bacteria enter your body

Approach to the Category

Class I
infectious
diseaseClass III
infectious
diseaseIf there is an infectious disease outbreak

Designated infectious
diseases

Large
Earthquake 2

Categorya low risk of death to those with a high risk of death, are designated under

not taken, these diseases can spread rapidly in Tokyo with its high population

density. If you think you might be infected, immediately get proper treatment
at a medical institution.

182

183

Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places where there
people are speaking at close range.

to touch above your neck before washing your hands or using alcohol
disinfectant.

Wash your hands and disinfect with alcohol
frequently
The basics of hand washing are to wash your hands with soap and running
your hands with, let them dry naturally.

prevent clusters (group outbreaks) from occurring.

Prioritize evacuating in a small group or individual spacehome. If you must evacuate to an evacuation center, it could also benecessary for people to evacuate to hotels, lodging facilities, andcommunity centers as well as private facilities that are not designatedas an evacuation center, rather than gathering in large numbers at
designated evacuation centers.

Search for a place with a private room
who have not stay in separate rooms as much as possible. When aperson suspected of having an infectious disease evacuates, care must
be taken to ensure that the dignity of each individual is protected, noSurvival Tips

Pay attention to yourhealth after returningfrom abroad

is not safe, you will have to live in a designated evacuation center withmany other evacuees. As there may be situations where it is not possible

rooms.

Avoid bringing, taking away and spreading viruses

symptoms such as diarrhea or
fever after your return. Go to a
medical institution as soon as
possible.

the spread of infection by not bringing viruses into or carrying them outof disaster-affected areas.

185

Knowledge

If you feel unwell after returningfrom abroad, there is the risk thatyou have contracted an infectious

184

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Avoid unconsciously touching your eyes
nose, and mouth with dirty hands

If a disaster occurs while an infectious disease such as Covid-19 is

LargeEarthquake 2

Avoid the three Cs (closed spaces, crowds
and close quarters).

Infection control measures during a disaster

Large
Earthquake 1

Basic infection control measures

The basic measures against infectious diseases such as Covid-19 arehand washing and cough etiquette, including wearing a mask. Remember
to wash your hands with soap, disinfect them with alcohol, or wipe themwith a disinfectant wipe before and after touching shared items, whenreturning home from an outing, before and after cooking, before eating,and after taking out garbage. Furthermore, knowing what items to prepare
for the infection control measures that will be necessary at home and at
evacuation centers will provide peace of mind in an emergency.

If you are staying at an evacuation center due to a disaster, be sure topractice thorough infection prevention measures, such as hand hygieneand cough etiquette, even more so than you do at home.

Things to prepare for an evacuation center
Items you should take to an evacuation center

Large
Earthquake 2

Evacuation center

Large
Earthquake 1

Necessary preparations for infectious diseases

Typhoon,Heavy RainAt homeThings to stockpile at home

detergent/soap

used/stockpiled medicines)

Things you should stockpile at all times

Water

Survival Tips

Mouthwash

Water

Wet
wipes

used/stockpiled medicines)
Knowledge*Water may be cut off during a disaster. To clean your hands when water is not available,
wipe them with a disinfectant wipe or wet tissue to reduce the amount of virus. Wipingthem with a tissue moistened with bottled water is also effective.

186

187

simultaneously or in succession, increasing the damage and increasing

disease with an earthquake. It is necessary to also keep these situations inmind.

seismic intensity of 7 observed in Kawaguchi Town, where the shaking wasstrong, followed in quick succession by earthquakes with a seismic intensityof 6 Upper at 6:11 pm and 6:34 pm. There were 46 people killed andhas always been an area prone to sediment disasters such as landslides and

The Kumamoto Earthquake consisted of twoearthquakes that occurred on April 14 and 16,
more than 198,000 houses were damaged. As a result, many people took
shelter in evacuation centers, and nine days after the earthquake there
were still more than 67,000 people in evacuation centers in Kumamoto
number of evacuees complaining of diarrhea and nausea at some of the

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Earthquake + Heavy Snow: Chuetsu Earthquake

Earthquake + Infectious Disease:
Kumamoto Earthquake

Large
Earthquake 2

or different types of disasters occur simultaneously or close to each other

Large
Earthquake 1

Complex Disasters

used water kept in buckets to wash their hands after using the toilets,
resulting in poor sanitary conditions. Furthermore, as preparation
against the frequent aftershocks, many people wore their shoes inside
the evacuation center, increasing the risk of norovirus being brought into
the residential area from the toilets. After norovirus was detected at anevacuation center, infection control measures such as prohibiting thewearing of shoes inside and disinfecting the toilets with hypochlorous acid
were implemented.

addition to the earthquake damage, numerous avalanches and sediment
Survival Tips

collapse of buildings due to accumulated snow. Heavy snowfall also delayedreconstruction work in the following year, and it was 2 years and 10 months

Knowledge

Many houses collapsed due to strong shaking
in the Terasako district of Mashiki Town,
Kyodo News]

Large-scale landslide over a prefectural road in Myokenmachi,
188

189

Voice from experience

Assistance with the toilet was
the hardest part. Evacuating
without bringing adultI learned the importance ofevacuation goods.

(60s, Great East Japan Earthquake)

Voice from experience

I had a list of people in need of support
in my head, so after the tornado hit,
I immediately headed to the homeof the oldest person who was living(60s, 2006 Typhoon Shanshan)
alone.

Disaster Preparednessfor Diverse People
Not only people who need support, such as thosewith disabilities, but also people without suchneeds will have to help each other while living
together in a large group at an evacuation center.
If each person prepares for disaster with a desire
to understand others, more lives can be saved
and it will lead to smoother care and recovery
after a disaster.

Voice from experience

The toilet was the biggest problem formy daughter, who uses a wheelchair. She
had a hard time going to the toilet, and I
felt that I should have prepared portable
toilets.
(60s, September 2000 Heavy Rain in the Tokai Region)

190

191

support re qu ire m ore
a n d p r e p a rat i o n t ha t

Survivalcharacteristics of theirdisability, etc.

Safety check and measures

It is essential for people
in need of suppor t,

It is essential to havediscuss ions n ot onlywith the person wh oneeds support, butalso with their support
perso ns, neighbors,and medical personnel(page 195).

m e d i c i ne s, m e d i c a l
supplies, etc. to lastfor three days to one

Temporary evacuation area

preparedness

provide support (page194).

with you at all times will
be useful for life after adisaster.

Interaction with the local
community

Participate in disaster
preparedness drills

opportunities toin te ract w ith y our
local community on aregular basis to become
familiar with as many
people as possible.

community andpreparedness drills asmuch as possible will
help those around you
gain an understanding.

Help Card

Home

Evacuation centers will beestablished for people who
continue to need support
due to having lost theirhome, etc.

If your home has been

Knowledge

or a Help Card ( pa ge

Evacuation center

Survival Tips

n
uatio
Evac
plan

*Some municipalities do not have temporary evacuation areas.

Evacuation area

Having a disaster

Create an evacuation

First, gather at a temporary evacuation area, form a groupconsisting of people from a certain neighborhood or business
unit, and then conduct a group evacuation.

ation
Medic

Disaster preparedness
notebook, Help Card

Create an individual
evacuation plan

Try to Evacuate Early
begin evacuating at the stage that evacuation information indicates

Prepare evacuation supplies

It is necessary to

immediate action, that
their surroundings bemaintained in order toprotect their lives.

necessary medical
and welfare care andDiscussing evacuation

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Knowledge of evacuation

broadcast vehicles, etc. Also, decide in advance with your municipality
how you will receive information.

Largedecisions, so preparing in advance will help for a smoother life after adisaster. Keep the following points in mind while discussing in advancewith the person who needs support, their support persons, family doctor,
and welfare facility staff, and create an individual evacuation plan. It isalso important for people who need support to assist each other.

Evacuation Flow Chart for
People Who Need Support

Large

Daily Measures for People
Who Need Supportand safe, return homein accordance with the
instructions.

Welfare evacuation centerAn evacuation center shelter that accepts
and protects people who require special
care. Your municipality may direct you toevacuate directly to a welfare evacuation
center instead of an evacuation center.
193

Share the plan with neighbors
methods, evacuation routes,
communication methods, divisionof roles, etc. with family, support

It is essential to have discussions
n ot on l y w it h th e person wh oneeds support, but also with theirsupport persons, neighbors, andmedical personnel.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainadvance the location of the evacuation area or evacuation center that thehome is the safest to use, whether there are any buildings that may
collapse or areas that may have a landslide along the route, and whether
write these details on an evacuation route map. Also, be sure to consult
carefully with the people around you who will provide support.

Points when creating

Considerations for routine
treatment
Regularly share information
with your family doctor about
evacuation methods andresponding to an emergency
during a disaster.

Rely on relatives andacquaintances outside
the disaster area
center or welfare evacuation centerto assist you, consider evacuatinghouse outside the disaster area.

Survival Tips

bridges that should be avoided.

If a disaster occurs while you are outor receiving contact byKnowledge

provide support.

s a f e t y. A l s o, w h e n g o i n g
Mothers, and also carrya disaster preparedness

194

Large

An individual evacuation plan is a plan that is created to support theevacuation of a person who cannot evacuate by themselves and requires
support to evacuate, such as an elderly person or a person with a disability.
In addition to plans created by a municipality, an individual evacuation
plan created by the person in question, a relative, or a local organizationand is submitted to the municipality can also be treated as individual
evacuation plan.

Discussing Evacuation

Large

Creating an Individual
Evacuation Plan

195

Prevent acute exacerbation of conditions

in a different manner than usual.

Informin g not o nly fam ily
members living together andseparately, but also neighbors
through regular interaction,that there is a person who
needs support will be helpful
in a disaster. Ensure furniture
will not fall over and on to
your head in a disaster Have
your bedroom as close to the

Typhoon,Heavy Rainchange in the environment can cause infections and worsen complications.

Elderly people and people with health concerns
Large

may decrease, and they may become malnourished. Consult a doctor,
nurse, or dietician in advance about nutritional balance and easy-to-eat
meals.

Disaster Preparedness
Measures by Group

Large

Preparations for Managing
HealthPrepare the following items in your emergency bag as necessary

Example of Assistance(at least 3 days worth)

The support person
should spread theirhands out to cover the
lower ribs.

above. It is a good idea to learn it by receiving guidance from a hospital
doctor or nurse, or by participating in a respiratory class at a local healthand welfare center.

Knowledge

In a comfortable position,
repeat a pattern ofbreathing through pursed
lips, followed by abdominal
breathing.

Survival Tips

(quantity needed for a while)

Visually impaired persons

Large

Points for creating an evacuation planI f t h e s u r r ou n din g en v ir on m en t h a s
evacuation, such as steps, abandoned bicycles, or signs placed on the street, and discussdisaster.

Large

association, or your neighbors.

preparedness drills with your neighbors
on a regular basis and discuss supporting

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag asnecessary

Typhoon,Heavy Rainmeeting place with your family that is easy
Points for creating an evacuation
plan

Self
with severe visual impairments to use tohelp. In addition, if the symptoms of dementia become more severe due to changes

tactile maps that can be felt with the hands.

Support personroutes with someone who can see and havethem convey information.
Survival Tips

long-term care and that they have symptoms of dementia. If they have mobility

Self
Knowledge

move around.

Support person
so guide the person to a place where it is easy to movearound. Also, when calling out to someone, do notgrab their arm directly from behind.

198

199

Persons with a physicaldisability or intractable disease

If using the phone to contact people

Pleaseevacuate

emergency alert system, etc. in adisaster.

station and consult about your condition.
Also, decide how you will communicate withyour regular medical institution. If you are
to set it up so that it will not fall over in an

Points for creating an evacuation
plan

Prepare the following items in youremergency bag as necessaryroute, as narrow roads may become

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag as necessary

Largeon alternative contact methods.
Al so, mai ntai n r el at ions hi pswith your nei ghbors so they canprovide you with information that is

Large

Hearing impaired persons

Points for creating anevacuation plan

while)

impassable due to collapsed buildings,
etc.

outerwear)

evacuation route that could
become obstructions, andmethods with the people at your

Hearing Impaired

local neighborhood associationor community association.

Survival Tips

Self

provided at the evacuation center, and if not, consult with the staff.

Support person

Support person

Write down information about changes in the situation, the distribution of foodand relief supplies, etc. Sign language is the preferred method of communication,
but there are other ways to convey information, such as gestures and written
communication. Written communication can also be done using a smartphone or

their body temperature, guide them to a space withheating and cooling equipment.

Knowledge

interpretation into sign language.

Self

Regularly consult with your doctor about your illness and medications,
Large

the person is out alone, or if they become separated from their family
or support person during evacuation. It is also important to remind the

Persons with a mental disability

this with their doctor in advance.

if they are in trouble.

Points for creating an evacuation
plan

medication (e.g. wafer to assist

route, as narrow roads may become

swallowing)

impassable due to collapsed buildings,

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag asnecessaryworth)

person about support you may
require and who to consult with if

etc.

consulting with your family doctor)

your condition worsens.

SelfYour days and nights may become reversed and you may become agitated due toSupport person

Support person

themselves, help the person search in their belongings to see if there is anything tosy m p t o m s m a y w o r se n . C o n s u l t s o y o u c a n b econnected to professional support as soon as possible.

short sentences.

Knowledge

friend.

Survival Tips

Self

Points for creating an evacuationplan

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag asnecessary

Large

Persons with an intellectual disability

Persons with an infant or young child

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag as necessary

hospital registration cards

Points for creating anevacuation plan

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag asnecessary

Points for creating anevacuation planevacuation route, as narrow roads

insurance card, hospital registrationroute, as narrow roads may become

may become impassable due to

cards

impassable due to collapsed

collapsed buildings, etc.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainrecognize that you are pregnant.

Large

you about how to evacuate with your child.
If your child attends a childcare facility, etc.,
discuss with the facility how to contact andhand over the child in the event of a disaster.

on how advanced your pregnancy is andthe surrounding environment. If you areconcerned about evacuating, let the people

Large

Pregnant womenbuildings, etc.

to gestational hypertension, gestationalbottles, disinfectant (even if the baby

diabetes, etc.)

Survival Tips

Self

pregnant.

nursing, changing diapers, playing, etc. Inform the reception if your child has any
allergies.

Support person

Support person

private room or a space where she can lie down, and create an environment that isIf there are several households that have children,
placing them together will improve their convenience,such as ensuring peace of mind and receiving supplies.

Knowledge

Inform the reception at the evacuation center that you are pregnant. Carry the

Selfadvance and organize the necessary matters.

of communication. Also carryat least 3 days worth of items
and medicines that you needon a daily basis.

Also, if you have halal or other dietaryrequirements due to your religion, prepare
food that suits your needs.
Prepare the following items in youremergency bag as necessary

the details of support

Points for creating anevacuation plan

Prepare the following items inyour emergency bag asnecessaryworth)

languages against a Japanese

Points to consider when thinking
about evacuation

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Receiving support fromfriends in the same situation
will provide peace of mind, so

not be able to communicate smoothly andLarge

To assist foreigners and others who may

Large

Persons with concerns about ensuring privacy

an evacuation center, prepare a place toevacuate, such as a relative or

map.
receive supplies)

your partner or friend inquires about you
being missing. Give your name to someone
you trust.

religion, so you will need to devise options.

Support person
Carefully communicate information such as meal times, when relief supplies willaround the evacuation center with an interpreter.

Self
or women, so some evacuation centers will also have universal facilities. Set up atime slot for when each person can use them alone.

Support person
Con sult with the staff regardin g how to rece ive
supplies that are based on gender, and devise a way

Knowledge

Inform the reception about how much Japanese you can understand. You may be

Survival Tips

Self

Survival Tips
When a disaster occurs, many emergencies
arise in various places. These Survival Tips
provide easy-to-understand explanations ofknowledge that will be useful when a disasteroccurs. If you know how to perform CPR, andcan protect your life and those of your loved
ones in an emergency.

Appendix

Disaster Facts
and Information
You Should Know
Summarizes the knowledge you need to know
to deepen your understa nding of disaster
preparedness, such as how disasters suchoccur, knowledge about weather informationnecessary to respond to disasters, and symbols
and signs that will be useful in the event of adisaster.

208

209

Chest compression
Place your hands on the center of thefor an adult. Do about 100 to
120 compression s per m in ute.
Wh en yo u are con duct in g both

Artificial respiration

gently tap them on the shoulder andask loudly, “Are you OK?” Check to
see if they respond, can move theirhands and feet, if they are in painfrom injuries, and whether they areconscious or not.

airway, an d use t he thumb an dbreathing is irregular. When there is no
movement of the chest or abdomen,
you can determine that the person is
not breathing normally, and then begin
chest compressions.

instruction and immediately resume
chest compressions
How to use an AED
Page 212*The risk of infection is said to be extremely low even whena mouthpiece is not used, however, from the perspectiveof preventing infection, it is safer to use one.

211

Disaster
Knowledge

Check for breathing

Closely observe the movements of

S w i t c h o n t h e A E D. A p p l y t h eelectrode pads directly to the chest,
and if a shock is needed the AED
will inform you with a voice prompt.
Stand clear of the person and push

Survival Tips

who needs help!” In addition, if thesituation is safe, request someone
to bring an AED (automatic external

AED

For Diverse
PeopleIf there is no response, request thecooperation of people nearby bycalling out in a large voice, “Someone,on their forehead to pinch theirnose. Using a mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation mouthpiece*, cover themouth so no air leaks, and breathe infor about 1 second. Check to see that
their chest rises when you do so.

Other Disasters

In the event of a disaster, ambulances
will probably be late in arriving. If

Request cooperationfrom others around you

210

respiration, repeat in cycles of 30
chest compressions and 2 breaths.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainreaction

Large
Earthquake 2

First Aid

Large
Earthquake 1

Survival Tips

How to Stop Bleeding

Large
Earthquake 1

AED

Direct pressure to stop bleeding

Other Disasters

based on the results of the electrocardiogram
analysis, charging will start automatically andaudio instructions will be given.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainside. (Wipe down these areas
if they are wet with sweat,

The AED will automatically perform an
analysis of whether an electric shock isnecessary (do not touch the person while
the electrocardiogram analysis is being

Large
Earthquake 2

Switch on the AED and apply
the electrode pads to the

Directly apply sterile gauz e or a
cl ean cloth to the bleeding a rea
and compress strongly with yourh an d o r a ba n da ge. T he s iz e o f
the cloth should be large enoughto completely cover the wound. Inorder to prevent infection, always
wear rubber gloves or use a plastic
bag, and be careful to not come incontact with the blood.

Indirect pressure to stop bleeding

instructions. Continue doing this until
emergency personnel take over or until
the person gives some kind of response or
purposeful gesture, or until they are breathing
normally.

Source: Tokyo Fire Department “How to perform CPR if you see someone collapse”
https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/lfe/kyuu-adv/life01-2.html

212

Severe bleeding can be life threatening
The total amount of blood in the humanbody makes u p abou t 7 to 8% o f th efor some reason not beating in a normal rhythm.
An AED can be used if the electrode pads can
example by moving their underwear to apply
them. After the electrode pads are applied,
clothing may be placed on top.

Disaster
Knowledge* How to turn on an AED varies
depending on the model, suchas those that turn on when thelid is opened and those that havea power button.

After the shock, resume chest compressions,leave the electrode pads attached, do notby pr e ss in g do wn o n th e ar t e r y
between the injury and the heart,compressing it against the bone. For
bleeding from the lower portion of
the arm, use your thumb to strongly
press the artery at the center of theinner side of the upper arm. For leg
bleeding, straighten the bleeding leg
and strongly press down at the groin

Survival Tips

Once you are sure no one istouching the person, press
the shock button.

For Diverse
Peoplebleeding through the direct pressure
method, try indirect pressure.

AED installation
locations(provided by the
National AED Map

this blood can be life threatening. Arterial
bleeding with bright red spurts of blood
must be stopped immediately. Bleedingfrom capillary veins will, in most cases,
stop naturally.
213

First Aid for Cuts
Things to prepare

Cloth, bandages, water, sterile gauze

Large
Earthquake 2

W
at
er

Water

Large
Earthquake 1

First Aid for Fractures and Sprains

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Prepare large pieces of cloth orbandages that can cover the wound.

If the wound has dirt or otherdebris, wash clean with water.

If the wound is bleeding, protect
the wound by applying sterilegauze, etc.

Wrap a bandage.

Try not to move the part that has been broken and is painful. Prepare
something that can serve as a splint to support the broken bone, andFor Diverse
Peopleimmobilize the injury by binding the splint and the joints on both sides ofthe fracture with a cloth, etc.

Use it after rinsing the wound clean with water and applying a sterilegauze, etc. Do not tie the knot right over the wound.

If the burn covers less than
10% of the body (the areaof the palm of your handi s a b ou t 1 % of t h e bo d ycool with clean water for overeases.

214

Disaster
Knowledge

furoshiki, and large handkerchiefs can also serve as triangular bandages.

Wa
te
r

A triangular bandage can be used on any part of the body and scarves,

Cool minor burns with water

Survival Tips

First Aid for Burns
Triangular bandage

Other Disasters

Secure with a splint

Things to prepare

Treating Dehydration and Heatstroke

Large
Earthquake 1

Bandage Substitutes
Gauze, tights

Large
Earthquake 2

Place the person in a comfortable
position and gently loosen
their clothes, belt, and otherconstricting items.

Lay the person face up and placec u s h i o n s u n der t h e i r fe et t oPrevent dehydration

Body parts that should
be cooledcentimeters.

For Diverse
PeopleWind the leg portion of the tights
around the head and tie the ends.
If they are washed and kept clean,
they can be used repeatedly.

Survival Tips

Other items that can be substitutes for bandages

Water, sugar, salt

In order to prevent dehydration,
it is a good idea to prepare an oral
rehydration solution, which has antimes higher than water. The only
things necessary are water, sugar
and salt. Dissolve 4 tablespoons

Yo u c a n a d j u s t y o u r b o d ytemperature by heating or coolingthe back ofyou r ne ck,
under yourarms, andyour groin.

in 1 liter of water.
216

217

Disaster
KnowledgeThings toprepare*Only items that are clean

Other Disasters

Elevate their legs

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Use tights as a substitute for a
bandage. First, place gauze, etc.,
over the wound and then coverwith the body portion of the tights.

Loosen clothingWhen carrying

Large
Earthquake 1

Transporting the Injured or Ill
Where to carry them

It is expected that many injured people will need to be treated when a

Typhoon,Heavy Rainand schools.

Lean the person on your back andcatch their legs by passing yourhands under their knees, and hold

When carrying a person on as t ret che r, h ave his l e g s po in t
forward and try to avoid shaking thestretcher or causing it to vibrate.
This is very important to preventthe condition of the victim fromworsening.

Things to prepare

Minor
Very minor injury

hospital
Minor: First aid station
Very minor injury:
First aid provided by yourself
or other Tokyo residents

Go to a first aid station first
First
aid
stationDisaster
Knowledge

teams consisting of doctors, dentists,
pharmacists, nurses, ward staff, etc.
will perform triage (classifying the sickSurvival Tips

If there is no stretcher

Moderate

Severe: Disaster key hospital

For Diverse
Peoplenot suited to injured people whohave disorders of consciousness,broken bones, or internal injuries.

Using a stretcher, etc.

SevereOther Disasters

Carry on your back

event of a disaster can be found on

Spread out the blanket and place a stick one-third in from the side. Foldthe blanket over so it wraps the stick. Place the other stick at the edgeof the blanket and fold the rest of the blanket over so that the stick is
wrapped. You can also use a sturdy plank as a substitute.
218

Large
Earthquake 2

Hospitals are in chaos during a disastersure to check in advance. However,transport the person directly to a
hospital in an emergency such as lossof consciousness or heavy bleeding.

Source: Tokyo Fire Department homepage “Transporting the Injured or Ill”
https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/inf/bfc/leader/cp8/index.html

219

Vomiting or back injury
Lay the person on their stomach,facing one side. Take care that they
do not choke on their vomit.

Spread out your toes.

Raise your heels up
and down and standon your toes.

Stretch your toes up.

Hold your knee withboth hands, relax yourleg, and rotate yourankle.

Lightly massage yourcalves.

Other Disasters

Curl your toes.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Place the person in a comfortable
position and gently loosen theirclothes, belt, and other constricting
items.

Large
Earthquake 2

The basic position is laying
face up

How to Prevent Economy
Class Syndrome

Large
Earthquake 1

Safely Positioning the Injured
or IllLay the person on their back anduse cushions, etc., to lift their upper
body.

Raise the upper body with cushions,etc., and also place a cushion under
the knees to bend them.

Labored breathing or
chest pain
Put the person in a sitting position
with their legs extended and placecushions, etc., between their legs
and chest to support their upper
body.
220

Is breathing but unconscious
To secure an airway, place theperson on their side with their top
leg bent at a right angle at the knee.

Disaster
Knowledge

Treating Anaphylaxis

Survival Tips

Abdominal pain or injury to
the abdomen

For Diverse
PeopleHead injury or laboredbreathing

A severe allergic reaction canoccur after coming into contact
with or ingesting an allergensuch as food or medicine. Lay
the person straight and inject anadrenaline autoinjector into theirthigh. Inject it perpendicular to
the thigh.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare “How to prevent economy classsyndrome”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000170807.html“Serious side effect and disease treatment manual”
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/2006/11/dl/tp1122-1h01.pdf

221How to Call for Help if You Are Trapped

If you are trapped inside a room

A crowbar is a tool that can move heavy objects using leverage. It canbe used to rescue people trapped in buildings or cars during a disaster.
Rescue equipment such as crowbars and jacks are sometimes stocked inlocal emergency supplies storerooms.

Typhoon,Heavy Rainon shouting as this could exhaustyou a n d e nd an ge r y ou r li f e.
Instead, make large noises by, forinstance, using something solid tohit the door or walls to let others
realize that you are in the room.

If you are stranded on an upper

Rescue fromvehiclesBreak a window of a carthat has become stuck
to rescue the people
who are inside.

Another option in an emergency is to use a pantographjack stored in a passenger car to lift heavy objects.

Survival Tips

with a mirror, write your locationand SOS on a piece of paper anddrop it toward the ground, andmake noises. It is also a goodidea to practice whistling with

Pry open doors andwi n d ow s t h a t c an n o t
b e o p en e d d u e t o a nearthquake to rescue thepeople who are inside.

Precautions when using a jackDisaster
Knowledge

If there is no space between theobject to be lifted, use a crowbar orother item to create space.
Lift the object only to the heightnecessary to rescue people, and be
careful of the heavy object fallingback down.

or buttocks are released after being continuously compressed fora long period of time. When the pressure is removed after a longblock of wood or similar in the space opened by thejack to prevent the heavy object from falling backdown if the jack moves.

It is necessary to seek help as soon as possible to prevent “crush

Source: Toyonaka City Fire Department “Disaster Prevention Training Handbook”

period, an irregular heartbeat may occur and could cause death.
syndrome.” Also, when there is a possibility that “crush syndrome”
may occur, it is dangerous to move the person yourself.
222

For Diverse
PeopleHelp people who
are t ra ppe d un derfurniture, pillars, etc.

Other Disasters

Removal of debris Prying open doors

Stranded on an upper floor

Large
Earthquake 2

If you cannot move

Large
Earthquake 1

Rescue Methods_contents/rescue.pdf

223

How to Use the Toilet When Water Supply
Is Cut Off

Items to carry water easily

Western toilet
water supply is interrupted, you
can do this by pouring a bucketof water into the toilet bowl.

Using plastic bags andfuroshiki wrapping clothThings to prepare

Cardboard box, plastic bag,adhesive tape

Plastic bag, furoshiki wrapping clothwater supply is interrupted, you
can do this by pouring a bucketof water all at once into the toilet
bowl while pressing down thethis by putting cloth adhesive tapeon the bottom and sides before use.

Place water in a plastic bag and tie
the mouth. Place this in the centero f a f u r o s hi k i w rap pi n g cl ot hthat has its adjacent corners tied
together. If two people each holdone of the knots, the water can beeasily carried.

In principle each person must provide their own containers toreceive water. It is convenient to have a collapsible water tank.

224

Disaster
Knowledge

Spread a polyethylene bag inside a

Survival Tips

toilet paper but throw it away as
trash.

For Diverse
PeopleThings to prepare

but throw it away as trash.

Other Disasters

Using plastic bags andcardboard boxes

For a western toilet, if the toilet

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

A polyethylene tank or water tank anda carrying cart will be convenient incarrying water from an emergency
water supply station. Putting water inplastic bottles and carrying them inbackpacks, etc., will also help when
walking over rough roads.

Large
Earthquake 2

How to Carry Water

Large
Earthquake 1

Water and Toilet Measures

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

r

saste
Di

Large
Earthquake 2

Toil e t

Equipment

Large
Earthquake 1

How to Set Up a Manhole Toilet

Toilet” at a designated evacuation center or apark that serves as an evacuation area.

Retrieve the parts for assembling the manhole

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

SupplyWarehouse

toilet from the emergency supplies storeroom.

surrounding ground before opening the manhole
cover.

Remove the safety pin on the topof the extinguisher.

Hold the nozzle and aim it at the

Squeeze the handle and spray

For Diverse
PeopleStand so the exit is behind you.

Other Disasters

Check that there are no abnormalities in the

Install the partitions and toilet.

Survival Tips

Use it like a regular toilet and dispose of toilet
paper directly into the manhole. Excrement will

the agent directly on the source

locations.

permission, as it is extremely dangerous and may result in a fall accident!
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism “Toilets in Times of Disaster”
https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001180224.pdf

226

227

Disaster
Knowledge

Precautions during installation

How to Use a Standpipe

Large
Earthquake 1

How to Use an Indoor Fire Hydrant

Large
Earthquake 2
Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Open the cabinet and extend thehose.

outlet. Turn the spindle driver,bend your knees to take a low
position, and lift the lid.

the pipe.

Other Disasters
For Diverse
PeoplePress the start button. When the
red light starts to blink, the pumpwill begin operating.

This is effective in places likenarrow roads inaccessible bySurvival Tips

Another person opens the valve.

Aim the nozzle at the source ofPrior training is required to use it.

at the heightof your hip.

that there are two people.

228

229

Disaster
Knowledge

Straighten the hose, and after
signaling, spray the water. Point thenozzle at thetarget, andLargeEarthquake 1

How to Use a Portable Fire Pump

Large
Earthquake 2

Firestorms Can Occur in a Disaster

Typhoon,Heavy Raincistern, pool, etc.

Other Disasters

Close the drain cock and water hoseoutlet valve, and attach the suctionof air called a “whirlwind” can occur, causing great damage. This wind
not only can blow people and objects away, but can also cause the rapid

For Diverse
Peoplemany people had evacuated to, resulting in approximately 38,000

Survival Tips
Disaster
Knowledge

Start the pump, attach the hose to
the outlet, and extend the hose to

Spray water in the direction of thethan one person. Prior training is required to use it.
Source: Tokyo Fire Department “Dictionary of Fire Knowledge”
https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/libr/qa/qa_41.htm

230

231

LargeEarthquake 1

Maintaining Your Physical and
Mental Health
Exercises for Evacuation Life

Knee circles(right and left,

Hip circles(right and left,

Knee bends

Leg/knee side
extensions

Ground stamp(right and left,

Wide squat

For Diverse
PeopleUpper body

Survival Tips

Openingshoulder blades

Wrist and ankle
circles (right andOther Disasters

Side extensions

Neck circles(right and left,

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Hands overhead

Large
Earthquake 2

These are exercises that people living in evacuation centers or temporary
housing can do to help maintain or restore their physical and mental
capabilities.

Disaster
Knowledge

Chest extension

232

Lower backextension

Leg stretch

Calf/Achilles
tendon233

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stressthe possibility of PTSD occurring
increases.

Try to communicate with others.
Understand that anyone can feel anxious and worried, but they will
gradually recover.
It is important not to try and “cure” painful feelings, but to support
each other.

What is ASD?

Pay special attention to children!
Avoid leaving the child alone as much as possible to ensure theirsafety and give them peace of mind.
Increase the amount of physical contact with the child.

Tokyo Metropolitan Mental Health &Welfare Center
1-1-3 Shitaya, Taito Ward, 110-0004

03-3844-2212(Chiyoda, Chuo, Bunkyo, Taito, Sumida, Koto, Toshima,
Kita, Arakawa, Itabashi, Adachi, Katsushika, andTokyo Metropolitan Government Tama
General Mental Health & Welfare Center
2-1-3 Nakazawa, Tama City, 206-0036

234

Disaster
Knowledge

03-3302-7711(Minato, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya,

Reference materials:
National Information
Center of Stress andDisaster Mental Health,National Center of
Neurology and Psychiatry,“Psychological first aid:
Guide for field workers”
https://saigai-kokoro.ncn
p.go.jp/images/upload/fil
es/whopfa_jpn.pdf

Survival Tips

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Chubu
General Mental Health & Welfare Center

For Diverse
PeopleA variety of symptoms may appear after a disaster, including
insomnia, depression, headaches, and loss of appetite.

Stay close to the person and give them a sense of security.
Look them in the eye and speak slower than usual.
Speak clearly and use short sentences.
Do not force them to talk about painful experiences.
Listen to them if they want to talk about any problems they have.

Other Disasters

After a disaster, a person may
feel like they are not themselves,
have dissociative symptoms thatmake them feel like they are ina dream, experience temporary
forgetfulness, or become
extremely depressed.

If someone around you is experiencing anxiety

Typhoon,Heavy Rainor a specialist.

Large
Earthquake 2

begins to develop around one
month after a disaster occurs.
If the symptoms of acute stress

For those affected by a disaster

Large
Earthquake 1

Caring for PTSD

Philippine
Sea Platepi
neSeismic
intensity

Se
a

Pl
at
e

Locations of earthquakes that occur in the southern
Kanto region

Imperceptible to people.

1

Felt slightly by some people keeping still in buildings.

2

Felt by most people keeping still in buildings.

3

Felt by almost all people inside buildings.

4

Active faults
These have been active in the most recent period of geological time

6 Lower

6 Upper7

and some may topple over. Wall tiles and windows may sustain
damage and fall. For wooden houses with low earthquake
resistance, roof tiles may fall, and the houses may tilt or collapse.
People need to crawl to move, and may be thrown through the air.
Almost all unsecured furniture move and more start toppling over.
Large cracks may form in the ground, and large-scale landslips
and massive collapse may occur.

Disaster
Knowledge

earthquake that occurs inside the tectonic plate is called an intraplate
earthquake.

things such as dishes or books on shelves fall. Unreinforced
concrete block walls, etc., may collapse.

Survival Tips

plates, and when the land plates can no longer resist this stress and slip,

Almost all people are startled. Hanging objects such as lights sway
Most people feel the need to hold onto something stable. Things
such as dishes or books on shelves may fall. Unsecured furniture
may move and unstable objects may topple over.

Earthquakes along the boundary between thePhilippine Sea Plate and the North American Plate
Earthquakes within the Philippine Sea Plate
Earthquakes along the boundary between thePhilippine Sea Plate and the Pacific Plate
Earthquakes within the Pacific Plate
Earthquakes along the boundary between thePhilippine Sea Plate, the North American Plate, and
the Pacific Plate

Mechanism of earthquakes

Situation0

For Diverse
PeopleIzu-Ogasawara
Trench

N

gh
ou
Tr
ai
k
an

ugh

that describes the energy of the earthquake. Even an earthquake with asmall magnitude could have a large seismic intensity in areas near thesource.

Other Disasters

Saga
mi T
ro

Ph
ili
p

Seismic intensity describes the degree of shaking. Seismic intensities

There are even more cases of wooden
houses with low earthquake resistancetilting or collapsing. Even buildings withhigh earthquake resistance could tilt. Morereinforced concrete buildings with low
seismic resistance collapse.

source of future earthquakes.
236

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Eurasian
Plate

North
American Plate

Seismic intensity and magnitude

Large
Earthquake 2

Knowledge of Earthquakes

Large
Earthquake 1

Disaster Facts and Information
You Should Know237

manholes.

Long-period ground motion“long-period ground motion.” Here, “period” means the time it takes forthe ground to move back and forth to complete one cycle.

Long-period ground motion levels

Long-period ground motion is ranked according to situations inside tallbuildings, such as human perception and reaction, and the movement
or toppling over of furniture.

Buildings have what is called a natural period—the rate at which theysway back and forth. When this natural period and the seismic wave
period match up, the subsequent resonance will make the building shake

Grade 1

Almost everyone can feel the
shaking. Some are startled.

long-period ground motion and sway largely for a long period. The

Grade 2

Slow swaying throughout
the building

Medium and high-rise
238

Grade 3standing.

Grade 4People cannot remain
standing, have to crawl to
move, and are tossed about by
the shaking.

casters move slightly. Dishes
and books on shelves may
fall.

Unsecured furniture may
move, and unstable items
may topple over.

Disaster
Knowledge

the more powerful
the swaying

holding onto something.

Blinds and other hanging

Survival Tips

characteristics, the standard for issuing earthquake early warnings is when
Grade 3 long-period ground motion or higher is predicted, as damage may
occur in high-rise buildings.

People feel large shaking andwant to hold onto something
stable. They have problems
moving, such as having

Situation

For Diverse
PeopleHuman perception and reaction

Other Disasters

Level

Swaying characteristics of tall buildings

observation
results

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

When a large-scale earthquake occurs, a slow, large shaking (groundLong-period ground motion observation informationrefers to the information that is announced approximately
10 minutes after an earthquake occurs, in circumstances
when Grade 1 l on g- pe riod grou n d motion cl ass or
higher has been observed, and includes the grade of thelong-period ground motion that has been detected at Long-period
observation points. More information can be found on the ground motion

Large
Earthquake 2

Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which soil behaves like a liquid due to theoccurrence of an earthquake. It could cause damage such as the tilting or
sinking of houses and other buildings. It could also result in the uplifting

Long-period ground motion observation
information

Large
Earthquake 1

Liquefaction

and some may topple over.
Most of the unsecured
furniture will move and somewill topple over.

Super high-rise239

Earthquake Early Warning is information on the estimated seismic intensity
and arrival time of strong tremors, which is provided as soon as possible
after the occurrence of an earthquake. When an Earthquake Early Warning

rise or sink due to an earthquake.

Earthquake

Large
Earthquake 2

through media including television, radio, and the Internet.

Types of Earthquake Early Warnings

Large
Earthquake 1

Knowledge of Tsunami

Earthquake Early Warnings

becomes a large wave that spreads
in all directions and strikes coastal
areas.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

There are two main types of Earthquake Early Warnings: forecasts andalerts. An Earthquake Early Warning forecast is issued when an earthquakewith a maximum seismic intensity of at least 3, long-period ground motion

Other Disasters

Earthquake Early Warning alert is issued for areas that will have tremors
with a seismic intensity of at least 4 or long-period ground motion of atleast Grade 3 when an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of atName of Earthquake
Warning Issued

Ground motion
forecast

Earthquake Early
Warning forecast

Ground motion
alert

Maximum seismic intensity 3 or higher,
long-period ground motion of Grade 1 or

Mechanism of a tsunami
When a large earthquake occurs below the

Earthquake Early
Warning orEarthquake Early
Warning alert

higher, long-period ground motion ofGrade 3 or higher
Maximum seismic intensity 6 Lower orhigher, long-period ground motion ofGrade 4 or higher

Mechanism of Earthquake Early Warning system

becomes a large wave that spreads in all
directions, i.e. a tsunami. The deeper thewater depth, the faster the tsunami travels,and the more shallow the water, the higher

When an earthquake occurs, the P waves that cause small shaking are

powerfully inland at a speed that most people
will not be able to outrun. It also recedes very

P wave by the seismometers, the Earthquake Early Warning is issued towarn people of the approaching S wave. However, in areas close to theepicenter, the Earthquake Early Warning may not be issued in time.

sea. It is also important to know that multiple
tsunamis may hit.

240

Types of tsunami
alerts and warnings
Meteorological
Agency homepage241

Disaster
Knowledge

Ground motion
emergency
alert

Issuance Criteria

Survival Tips

Type

For Diverse
Peopleto occur. When the maximum seismic intensity is expected to be at least 6
Lower or long-period ground motion of at least Grade 4, the Early Warning
alert is positioned as an emergency warning.

Typhoon structure

Eyewall

The eye of the typhoon is surrounded by the eyewall,a ring of dense cumulonimbus clouds. This is where
the strongest wind and rain of the storm occurs.

Outer band

Outer rainbands around the spiral band, forming
about 200 to 600 km from the center of the typhoon,
which intermittently produce strong rain,
thunderstorms, and at times, tornadoes.

Above theclouds

Air is released clockwise.

Survival Tips

Cross section of a typhoon
Eye of the typhoon

Disaster
Knowledge

Descending air

Low-pressure systems forming over tropical waters are called tropicalEyewallor the South China Sea that have a maximum wind speed (10-minuterotation. Because of this, in low latitudes where east winds normallyblow, the typhoon moves north while being steered to the west. When thetyphoon reaches the middle and high latitudes where strong west winds

For Diverse
PeopleTyphoons and tropical cyclones

the eyewall, which produce strong and continuous
rainfall.

Other Disasters

180° E

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Air descends, with no clouds, and weakening windand rain. The eye has a diameter ranging from around
20 to 200 km.

Large
Earthquake 2

Eye of thetyphoonSpiral band

Hurricane
Typhoons
CycloneLarge
Earthquake 1

Knowledge of Climate Change,
Typhoon and Heavy Rain

Outer band

Ascending air

northeast at a high speed.
242

243

continues to be issued even after the rain has stopped if
there is still the risk of serious sediment disasters, etc.
Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters
occurring from violent winds.

Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters suchcollapse of levees, due to heavy rain, long rain,snowmelt, etc.

Storm surge
warning

Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters

occurring due to high waves. High waves are completely
different from tsunamis occurring from earthquakes.

occurring through the abnormal rise of the ocean
surface due to typhoons, low pressure systems, etc.

Storm surge
emergency
warning

Issued when it is forecasted that a powerful typhoon witha level of intensity observed only once every few decades
or an extratropical cyclone of comparable intensity willproduce violent winds.
Issued when it is forecasted that a powerful typhoon witha level of intensity observed only once every few decades
or an extratropical cyclone of comparable intensity willproduce high waves. High waves are completely different
from tsunamis occurring from earthquakes.
Issued when it is forecasted that a powerful typhoon witha level of intensity observed only once every few decades
or an extratropical cyclone of comparable intensity will
result in storm surge.

Other typhoon and heavy rain bulletins andforecasts
Record-time
heavy rain
information

If short-term heavy rain that only occurs once every few
years is observed or analyzed during a heavy rain warning,
Meteorological Agency will make an announcement.
If the conditions are such that a life-threatening sedimentdisaster could occur at any time after a heavy rain warning

alert levels

244

Agency. Locations at risk of sediment disasters, warningand evacuation districts, and emergency warning districts
Sediment Disaster Risk Map.

Disaster
Knowledge

Information regarding disaster prevention weather information and

Sedimentdisaster
alert bulletin

Survival Tips

Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters

High wave
emergency
warningetc. occurring.

For Diverse
PeopleHigh wave
warning

Storm
emergency
warning

Other Disasters

Flood warning

Heavy rain
emergency
warning

Issued when heavy rainfall of an intensity observed only
once every few decades is forecasted due to typhoons or
torrential rain. When a heavy rain emergency warning isissued, it is expected that there is an extremely large riskof serious damage such as inundation and sedimentdisaster occurring. The emergency warning continues tobe issued even after the rain has stopped when there is

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Stormwarning

Issued when there is the risk that heavy rain will cause

Large
Earthquake 2

Heavy rain
warningTyphoon and heavy rain emergency warnings

Large
Earthquake 1

Typhoon and heavy rain warnings

Heavy snow warning, emergency warning
occurring due to heavy snow.

Issued when heavy snow with a level of intensity
observed only once every few decades is forecasted.

reduced visibility due to snow.

M7.9

1927

M7.3

1943

M7.2

Tottori Earthquake

Deaths: 1,083

1944

M7.9

Tonankai Earthquake

Deaths/missing: 1,223

M6.8

Mikawa earthquake

Deaths: 2,306

1946

M8.0

Nankai Earthquake

Deaths: 1,330

1948

M7.1

Fukui Earthquake

Deaths: 3,769

M7.3

Great Hanshin-Awaji
Earthquake

Deaths: 6,434

Issued when it is forecasted that a powerful typhoonwith a level of intensity observed only once every few

decades or a extratropical cyclone of comparable
intensity will produce violent winds accompanying snow.

risk of serious disasters resulting from reduced visibility
due to snow.

weather information and alert levels

Earthquake

Major volcanic eruptions that had an impact
on Tokyo
Year

Disaster nameDamage etc.

1707

Hoei-Eruptionof Mount Fuji

Large quantities of
volcanic ash

1940
1983
1986
2000

246

Deaths: 19,747
Fire and Disaster Management
Agency, Ministry of Internal
Affairs and Communications,*Earthquakes that caused more than 1,000 deaths

1902
Information regarding disaster prevention

M9.0

Great Kanto
Earthquake
Kita Tango
Earthquake

Izu-Torishima
Eruption
Miyakejima
Eruption
Miyakejima
Eruption

Izu-Oshima
Eruption
Miyakejima
Eruption

Disaster
Knowledge

In addition to serious disasters occurring from violent
winds, warnings are also given about the extremely high2011

DamageSurvival Tips

Snowstorm
emergency
warning1923

disasters occurring from violent winds, warnings are also
given about the risk of serious disasters resulting from

Disaster nameFor Diverse
PeopleSnowstorm
warning

Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters occurringfrom gales accompanying snow. In addition to serious

Scale

Other Disasters

Snowstorm warning, emergency warningYear

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Heavy snow
emergency
warning

Issued when there is the risk of serious disasters

Earthquakes since the Great Kanto Earthquakethat wrought enormous damage

Large
Earthquake 2

Heavy snow
warning

Large-Scale Disasters
in the Past

Large
Earthquake 1

Various Weather Information

Deaths: 11

All residents evacuatedfrom the island
All residents evacuatedfrom the island
247

Date

Disaster nameMain damage

2013

TyphoonWipha

February 8,
2014

Heavy snow
and rainFebruary 14,
2014

Heavy snow
and rain

September 8,

Kanto/Tohoku
heavy rain

August 21-22,
2016

TyphoonMindulle

October 22,
2017

Typhoon Lan

September 8,
2019

Typhoon
Faxai

Deaths: 1
Minor injuries: 6
Houses totally destroyed: 14
Houses partially destroyed: 73
Houses destroyed to some degree: 1,743

October 12,
2019

TyphoonHagibisDeaths: 3
Minor injuries: 10
Houses totally destroyed: 36
Houses partially destroyed: 667
Houses destroyed to some degree: 1,204

2019

TyphoonBualoi

Minor injuries: 2
Houses partially destroyed: 1
Houses destroyed to some degree: 91923
1923 Great Kanto Earthquake(from the archives of the Tokyo Metropolitan

2000
Miyakejima Eruption

2011

2013
Typhoon Wipha sediment disasteron Izu Oshima Island

Minor injuries: 1
Houses partially destroyed: 20

Disaster Relief
Act

Disaster Relief Act
Establishment ofdisaster response
headquarters

Serious injuries: 1
Houses totally destroyed: 1
Houses partially destroyed: 2
Houses destroyed to some degree: 21

Disaster Relief
Act

Disaster
Knowledge

248

Houses partially destroyed: 1
Houses destroyed to some degree: 332
Minor injuries: 1
Houses partially destroyed: 1

Survival Tips

TyphoonMirinae

Serious injuries: 6

For Diverse
PeopleAugust 8,
2021

Minor injuries: 61

Other Disasters

Typhoon
Chan-hom andstorm front

Disaster ReliefAct

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

October 8-11,
2020

Houses partially destroyed: 27
Houses destroyed to some degree: 183

Laws that applied

Large
Earthquake 2

Deaths: 37
Missing: 3
Serious injuries: 10

Large
Earthquake 1

Recent major storm and flood damage
that had an impact on Tokyo

Minor injuries: 2
Houses destroyed to some degree: 2249

in addition to overall combined risk. This data assesses the statusof the development of roads that will serve important roles when adisaster strikes such as community roads and city-planned roads. Moredetailed information about combined risk ratings published by the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government is available from the Bureau of Urban
Development by scanning the QR code below.

Large
Earthquake 2sum. Communities with high combined risk need to develop measures
tailored to the characteristics of each area. The “combined risk in light ofCombined Risk Ratings

Large
Earthquake 1

Community Earthquake
Risk Assessment Survey

Community
Assessment Survey

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Earthquake Risk

Other Disasters
For Diverse
PeopleSurvival Tips
Disaster
Knowledge

LegendMunicipal borders
Neighborhood borders*White areas indicate areas not subject toassessment.

Upper occurs, even though it does not qualify as a massive earthquake,
Metropolitan Police

Stage 2 restrictions

Keiyo doroAc
prohcess
ibite
d

ri

Survival Tips

Route #1
Machida-Atsugi Line
Route #139

Route #16

Route #246
Route #16

“Routes for Authorized Emergency Vehicles” are given priority designation as“Emergency Access Roads” and vehicles are prohibited from entering.
*Only vehicles engaged in disaster response measures are allowed access.

Disaster
KnowledgeAc
re s ce s
tric stedrido

For Diverse
PeopleExpressway national highways, Shuto Expressway, etc.

o

i
sh
ba
ae

Other Disasters

Nakahara kaido

Kanagawa Prefecture

Key road routes to be designated, if necessary, as Emergency Access Roads

Route #20, Route #246, Mejiro dori/
Shin-mejiro dori, Sotobori dori

od

ss d
c e iteAc hiboprDaisan keihin doro

LegendRoutes for
Authorized
Emergency
Vehicles

ur

46
#2

ori

g
Me

Route #246

Expressways designated as Routes for Authorized Emergency Vehicles

Kanpachi dori

e
ut
Ro

hi

Tomei
Expressway

Regular roads designated as Routes for Authorized Emergency Vehicles

Kannana doriShuto Expressway

0

0
#2

#6

m
ra
Ku

bo
ri d

e

i

jiro dori
Route #20

Kanpac
dori

ut
Ro

or

Shin-me

So
to

In
ok
as
hir
ad

do ri

kaid
o

Kannana dorioro

Acprohcess
ibite
d

e
ut
Ro

ori

Tokyo Gaikan
Expressway

Kannana dori

san

inom
e

Chiba Prefecture

u
Hak

e/S
h

Me
jiro
d

Mitaka dori

Koganei kaido

ShinKoganei kaido

Route #411

To h
ach
id

Om

Chuo
Expressway
Inagi Ohashi dori

Kamakura kaido

Shuto Expressway

Fuchu
kaido

Kanagawa
Prefecture

Imokubo kaido#200 (
utee #2
Ro
Rout
o
ri
aid doo k wn
an
To
Kit
ew
N
a
m
Ta M
ach
ida
kaid
o

Yamanashi
PrefectureNds s it ec e ibAc rohp

It suka
ic
kaid hioRoute #122

Tokyo Gaikan
Expressway

Shiki
kaido

Kaw
asa
kaid kioTomei Expressway
Route #246
Daisan keihin

HachiojiMusashiMurayama Line

Accessprohibited

Metropolitan
Intercity Expressway

Sotobori doriMutsumibashi dori
Sh
inSh
Ok
int
uta
ak
k
ka iyam aido ma
idoaChuo-namboku Lineiori

Route #16

do r

Itsukaichi kaido

ri

s d
ce s
Ac stricte
re

ejir
od

Kannana do

Chuo Expressway

od
o ri
Sh
inm

Accessprohibited

Route #20

a
nan
Kan

Me
jir

Yo
sh
kaid inooRoute #4

Route #17
(Nakasendo,

Route #17

Saitama Prefecture

Route #411

AccessprohibitedA
re cce
st ss
ric
te
d

Kanpachidori

Metropolitan Intercity
Expressway

Accessprohibited

Gaikan Expressway

su y
et wa
n- s sKa preEx

Kan-etsu Expressway

Route #4
(Nikko kaido,

Route #17
(Nakasendo,

Chiba Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Stage 1 restrictions

Restrictions Followinga Major Earthquake

Large
Earthquake 2

well as to ensure the smooth passage of emergency vehicles engaged in

Large
Earthquake 1

accurately and smoothly based on the Disaster Countermeasures BasicRebuild your life using support systems

Large
Earthquake 1

Support Systems
Damage certificate

Disaster Sympathy Money
Disaster disability compensation money

Need money for the time being
to live and to rebuild life

Support fund for disaster victims torebuild their lives
Disaster Relief Fund
Income tax casualty loss deduction

Wish to rebuild your house

Disaster reconstruction housing loan

Income tax disaster exemption

Public vocational training
Wish to resume work

Wish to continue studies
Wish to resume school

Wish to rebuild my business

Student Services Organization
disaster special measures
Disaster reconstruction loan
Loan system for SMEs and agricultural,the degree of damage to thedwelling (owned housing,destruction

Moderate partial
destruction

30% to under 40%

Partial destruction

20% to under 30%

Quasi-partiallydestroyed
Not quasi-partiallydestroyed (partial

10% to under 20%

the table. For details, inquire at

Flow of damage certificate process
Take photos of the damage to your house
Apply to your local municipality office
Receive an on-site investigation of
the damage
Damage certificate is issued
for the correct one.

Percentage destroyedLess than 10%

Disaster
Knowledge

Vocational training allowance

used as material to determine
eligibility for various disastervictim support measures.

Degree of damage
Total destruction

Survival Tips

Wish to get a tax reduction
or exemption

Criteria for thedamage certificate

For Diverse
PeopleDisability from injury or disease

housing.

Other Disasters

Death of a parent or child, etc.

and/or reduction/exemption of payment of taxes, national healthTyphoon,Heavy Rainmunicipality. Following this, you can apply for various systems that canhelp you rebuild your life. In addition, if you were insured for earthquakes,
etc., you can receive insurance money.

Large
Earthquake 2

There are various systems in place to help you rebuild your life when you
have incurred damage from a natural disaster such as an earthquake.

The families of those who lost their lives or are missing due to the disastercan receive sympathy money. For details, inquire at your local municipality

Support fund for disaster victims to rebuild
their lives

Recipient

Disaster relief fundThose who have suffered injury or damage to their residence or property
are eligible to borrow funds for disaster relief. However, income limits

Those who became severely disabled due to the disaster can receive
disaster disability compensation money, depending on the degree ofabdominal organs and require continuous nursing care

above

Disaster
Knowledge

current value, and if the income tax casualty loss deduction does not
apply to such loss, you can receive an income tax exemption/reduction
under the Disaster Exemption Act.

Survival Tips

When your income in the year of the disaster does not exceed 10 million
yen, and damages to your home or household possessions (excluding

For Diverse
PeopleWhen a disaster results in damages to your property such as housing
and household possessions, which are needed for daily life, you canIncome tax disaster exemption

the psyche and require continuous nursing care

Recipient

Income tax casualty loss deduction

Other Disasters

Disaster disability compensation money

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

(Lived with the deceased at the time of death, or lived under the same household

Large
Earthquake 2

damage to their livelihoods through the disaster, depending upon the
degree of damage suffered, such as total destruction of their residence.

Large
Earthquake 1

Disaster sympathy moneysecure housing on their own. Depending upon the situation, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government plans to promptly and appropriately provide
disaster survivors with emergency temporary housing by using public
housing such as metropolitan housing, renting private housing, andconstructing temporary housing.

Emergency repairs for damaged homes

Typhoon,Heavy Rainpremiums

Emergency temporary housing is for people who have lost a place
to live because their home was total destroyed (collapsing, burning,

Large
Earthquake 2

procedures for applying and calculation methods.

Emergency temporary housing

Under this system, in cases where a house has suffered partial

telephone bills, NHK reception fees, etc.

Disaster reconstruction housing loandisaster.

Survival Tips

Those who own or reside in dwellings that were damaged by the disastercan receive a disaster reconstruction housing loan to rebuild their homes.

This applies to all owner-occupied homes, including detached houses
and condominiums, but please note that in principle, people who enter
into emergency temporary housing will not be able to use the system.

For Diverse
Peoplewhere the house is located.

if the house cannot be lived in without extensive repairs, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government and municipal government will cooperate to

Other Disasters

equivalent to partial destruction due to a disaster, and it is not possible
Relevant utility service

Large
Earthquake 1

Other reductions/exemptions from taxes, etc.

Housing Finance Agency, which provides the loan.
Disaster
Knowledge

Implementing
organization
Eligibleborrowers

partial destruction,” “moderate partial destruction,” or “partial destruction” due to a disaster are eligible if they meetcertain conditions.

Earthquake insurance is insurance which provides compensation for

Fires are especially likely to occur as a secondary disaster after a large
earthquake, so check the coverage for natural disasters and purchase themost suitable plan.

How to purchase earthquake insurance

Receiving earthquake insurance

Those who cannot receive unemployment
supporttraining
Vocational
training
allowance

Recipient

Recipientwere not participating in the employment
insurance program, etc.
Those who cannot receive unemployment

Continuing studies, returning to school
emergency scholarships to help cover matters such as school tuition.

In addition, if your home was damaged by the disaster, preferential
treatment in relation to applications and loan interest rates is available

Disaster
Knowledge

Insurance will be paid according to the degree of damage to the building orhousehold possessions. Even if you do not have the insurance papers with

Recipient

Corporation.

take the procedures to receive insurance.

260

Survival Tips

insurance. The scope of coverage varies depending on the type ofresidence, such as condominium, rental apartment, or detached house.
Check the conditions carefully before purchasing.

Publicvocational
training

For Diverse
PeopleThis insurance covers moveable items inside your home, such as furniture
and appliances. Purchasing this insurance is recommended in case yourproperty is damaged in a disaster.

vocational training. Please inquire with Hello Work for details.

Other Disasters

Home contents insurance

Those who have lost work can look for a job at Hello Work (the national

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Fire insurance

Resuming work

Large
Earthquake 2

caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption or a subsequent tsunami.
Damage from liquefaction caused by earthquakes is also covered.
*For information on purchasing earthquake insurance, refer to “How topurchase earthquake insurance” below.

Large
Earthquake 1

Support for daily life

261

This is a disaster reconstruction loan to support small and medium-sizedcompanies that were affected by the disaster in rebuilding their business.

Eligibility

Type
Disaster
preparedness
River-related

due to a designated disaster

Finance Corporation also loans operating funds and management funds

Subsidies forseismic evaluationof buildings,
Building Planning Section, Urban Buildings
Division, Bureau of Urban Development,

and reinforcement Tokyo Metropolitan Government(Bureau of Urban
Subsidies for seismic
evaluation of
condominium
buildings, seismic

Tokyo
Todomaru
Condominiums

Condominiums Section, Private Housing
Metropolitan Government

Condominiums Section, Private Housing

For Diverse
PeopleBusiness funds are also loaned at low interest rates to agricultural
cooperatives and other cooperatives.

Disaster Management Section, Urban
Development Projects Division, Bureau of
Urban Development, Tokyo Metropolitan
Government

Other Disasters

The Shoko Chukin Bank provides loans to small and medium-size
companies that have suffered damage, and Credit Guarantee Corporations

Management Section, Disaster Prevention
Division, Bureau of General Affairs, Tokyo
Metropolitan Government
S0000040@section.metro.tokyo.jp
Disaster Prevention Section, Rivers Division,
Bureau of Construction, Tokyo Metropolitan
Government
S0000386@section.metro.tokyo.jp

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Loan system for SMEs and agricultural, forestry,
and fishery businesses

Community risk
ratings (Bureau
of Urban

Telephone

Large
Earthquake 2

Finance Corporation or Shoko Chukin Bank.

Large
Earthquake 1

Inquiries About
Disaster Preparedness

Disaster reconstruction loan

Metropolitan Government

Navi dial:
Water supply(Bureau ofor

to SMEs

systems

Landline phone
number:Policebusinesses provided by the local municipality

Volunteering

Natural Disaster and Accident Rescue Division,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

Tokyo Fire Department:
tfdinfo@tfd.metro.tokyo.jp* Cannot be used for emergency calls suchas to call 119.
* Emails are limited to text format.

03-3212-2111

Inagi City Fire Department Headquarters

042-377-7119

Oshima Town Fire Department Headquarters

04992-2-0119

Miyake Village Fire Department Headquarters

04994-6-0119

Hachijo Town Fire Department Headquarters

04996-2-0119

Disaster
Knowledge

Fire department

Survival Tips

Main loan

Customer Service Center,
Bureau of Waterworks

Tokyo Volunteer and Citizens Activity Center
https://www.tvac.or.jp/toiawase.html*Residents of Musashino City, Akishima City, Hamura City,
Hinohara Village, and the islands should contact themunicipality where you live with questions in regard to watersupply.
*Please direct inquiries related to electric, gas, or telephoneservice to your service provider.
262

263

Support Stations for those attempting
to return home during a disaster
Facilities (convenience stores, fast food shops, casual

A place to live for a certain period of time if yourthat will support people who have become stranded
following a disaster and are attempting to returnhome on foot. Support stations will provide roadinformation, drinking water, toilet facilities, a place torest, and other assistance.

are schools, community centers, etc.

Tsunami Evacuation Area

include large parks, plazas, university campuses, andschool grounds.

This sign indicates a safe location or elevated groundwhere people can evacuate to when a tsunami
occurs.

A facility where people who are unable to return home following a disastercan temporarily stay. Approximately 1,200 facilities, including public andprivate, have been designated.

This sign indicates a reinforced concrete building
evacuate to if there is no elevated ground nearby
when a tsunami occurs.

Emergency Water Supply Station
Water will be distributed at emergency watersupply stations when thewater supply has been cut.
E mer gen cy wa ter supply
stations include facilities that
store water under locations
such as water supply facilities
and parks, and where faucets
near evacuation centers.

264

Disaster
Knowledge

Temporary Shelter

Tsunami Evacuation Building

Survival Tips

Places where evacuees gather temporarily to grasp the situation prior
to moving to an evacuation area. These are school yards, neighborhoodparks, and other places with enough space to secure the safety of thepeople gathered there. The same pictogram as for evacuation areas may
be used, or depending on the region, unique signs may be posted.

For Diverse
PeopleTemporary Evacuation Area

Other Disasters

A place for emergency evacuation to protect yourlife from approaching dangers such as earthquakes,

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

Evacuation Area

Large
Earthquake 2

Evacuation Center

Large
Earthquake 1

Pictograms Legend

Help Card

This mark is worn by expectant mothers when they
go out to make it easier for people around them toshow consideration.

Designated as the universal symbol by the World
Blind Federation in 1984, this symbol is displayed onbuildings, facilities, equipment, and other objects
developed with special consideration for the safety
and accessibility of the visually impaired. The symbol
is used on crosswalk signals, voice guidance devices,international mail containing materials in braille,
books, printed materials, etc.

displayed to indicate that a facility has toilet facilities
for ostomates, etc.

Heart Plus MarkThis mark is used to represent
people with internal conditions
that are not readily apparent toothers such as those associatedw i th th e h e a rt , res pirat or yfunctions, kidneys, bladder,
rectum, small intestine, liver,and immune system.
267

Disaster
Knowledge

International Symbol of Access for
Individuals Who Are Blind

Ostomate MarkThis symbol, representing an ostomate (someone

Survival Tips

This symbol is the universal symbol that indicatesa building, form of public transportation, etc., isaccessible to people with disabilities. This symbol is
not for wheelchair users only, but for all people withdisabilities.

Mark for Assistance Dogs

This mark is t o rai se a wa reness of the Act on
Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons.
Facilities used by a large number of people, suchas department stores and restaurants, are required
to accept assistance dogs (guide dogs, assistance

For Diverse
PeopleInternational Symbol of AccessMark for Expectant Mothers

Other Disasters

This mark indicates that the holder has a hearing
impairment and is used in situations such as whenrequesting consideration with regard to how tocommunicate. It is also used at institutions such as
local governments, hospitals, and banks to indicatethat assistance is provided to people with hearing
impairments.

Typhoon,Heavy Rain

A mark used by people with conditions that are notoutwardly apparent, such as a prosthetic limb or joint,internal medical condition, intractable disease, or the
early stages of pregnancy. The mark is displayed to
inform those around them of their need for special
consideration.

A card created to help those with disabilities or otherconditions inform the people around them about theirdisability or condition when an emergency or disasteroccurs. Information such as emergency contact
numbers and details on the type of support theyrequire is printed on the card. Please contact your local
government if you require one.

266

Mark for the Hearing Impaired

Large
Earthquake 2

Help Mark

Large
Earthquake 1

Symbols for People Who Need
Special Care in an Emergency

Index of Glossary Terms
Weather radar
A system that uses a rotating
antenn a to emit rad io waves
snow over a wide area with a radiusof several hundred kilometers.

Temporary shelter
11, 120, 121, 122, 123, 264

A f a c i l i t y t h a t t e m p o ra r i l yaccommodates people who havetrouble returning home due to adisaster.

Temporary evacuation area

First aid station

Emergency toilet

201, 202, 203, 219

A place established by amunicipality in the event of adisaster based on a local disasterand other medical relief activities.
are established near disaster key
stations, which are established in
evacuation centers.

A toilet that can be assembled
using material such as cardboard
as a toilet seat. It is usually used
together with a bag and coagulant
for a portable toilet.

Earthquake-tripped
circuit breaker80, 82, 83

Emergency safety measures
Action to be taken when a local
based on disaster prevention
Meteorological Agency. By thetime the order is issued, there isan extremely high possibility thatsome kind of disaster has alreadyoccurred, and all residents should
immediately ensure their personalsafety as their lives are in danger.

breaking out in electrical equipment
due to the shaking of an earthquake

AED (automated110, 111, 113, 193, 264

209, 210, 211, 212

An area to which you evacuate
temporarily when evacuation
orders are given, or when the

A device that gives an electric shock
to a person in cardiopulmonary

Temporary evacuation areas
include local elementary schools,
junior high schools, and parks.

42

to pump blood. Installed at public
places such as railway stations andschools.

Firestorm

11, 231

power is restored after an outage.
It detects strong shaking from anearthquake and automatically cuts
off the electricity.

Stranded commuters andothersEarthquake Early Warning
108, 238, 240

Information on the estimatedseismic intensity and arrival timeof strong tremors or long-period
ground motion, which is provided
as soon as possible aft er theoccurrence of an earthquake.

People who become stranded due
to an earthquake or other natural
disaster that occurs when they areat a place other than their home.

A phenomenon in which a
tornado-like vortex of air, calleda whirlwind, which is caused by a

268

269

Portable toilet
12, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,

69, 70, 71, 73, 94, 121, 191

A portable toilet tha t can be
attached to a toilet bowl or used as
is if there is no toilet seat.

Evacuation of the elderly, etc.
Action to be taken when a local
government issues a Level 3 alert
based on disaster prevention
Meteorological Agency. Whenthe order is issued, it is necessary
to evacuate the elderly, people
with disabilities, young children,and their support people fromdangerous areas.

Individual evacuation plan

Support Stations for those
attempting to return homeduring a disaster
Facilities (convenience stores, fast
food shops, casual restaurants, gasthat w ill support people w ho
have become stranded following
a disaster and are attempting toreturn home on foot. They provide
road information, drinking water,
toilet facilities, a place to rest, andother assistance.

180, 181

T h e N a ti o n a l E a r l y Wa r n in g
System, through which the national
government transmits information
about situations where there is little
time to respond, such as ballistic
missile information, earthquake
early warnings, and major tsunami
warnings, through emergency alert
emails sent to mobile phones andwireless emergency alert systems.

Earthquake directly hitting
Tokyo
Emergency watersupply station
A place where water is distributed
when water supply has been cut
due to a disaster.

3 ,6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 30, 32, 60,
100, 120, 142

Flood risk map
A m ap c re ated b y th e To ky oMetropolitan Government thatal l o ws yo u t o v is ua ll y c he c k
including fr om r iv ers , s torm
surges, and sediment disasters,
using the Disaster Preparedness
To k y o a p p . T h e n a t i o n a lgovernment is progressing thedissemination of such maps as new

Evacuating upstairs
To evacuate by moving upstairs toto a different location is dangerous

An earthquake that directly hits
the Greater Tokyo Area, which ispredicted to occur within the next
30 years with a 70% probability.

192, 194

A plan that describes in advance
information including who will
provide support for people who
require assistance to evacuate,
such as the elderly and people withdisabilities, and where they will be
evacuated to. The plan is preparedby the municipality in principle.

270

Shelter at home
Staying at home, as opposed togoing to an evacuation center,when the building where you live
was not damaged by the disasterand there is no danger of tsunami

271

Rainbands
A meteorological phenomenon
that c auses heavy rain whencumulonimbus clouds form in aline and pass over or stagnate ingenerally the same place.

Long-period Ground Motion
9, 67, 108, 238, 239, 240

Earthquake-induced slow shaking
with a period of a few seconds or
more, which travels far from theearthquake focus.

Disaster Preparedness
Tokyo app
This is the Tokyo Metropolitan
p r e p a r e d ne ss a p p, w h i c h i s
useful in daily life and also in an
emergency.

Tokyo Metropolitan
Government Disaster
Prevention Map
A map provided on the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government disasterthe location of disaster prevention
facilities, support stations forpeople returning home following
a disaster, and other relevant
facilities.

Tokyo Stockpiling Navi 17, 36
A Tokyo Metropolitan Government
website that informs you of theitems and quantities needed for“daily stockpiling” and also allows
you to purchase them.

Tokyo My Timeline
A tool for creating a timeline thatallows each person to decide inadvance what actions to take inpreparation for evacuation due toTokyo My Predicted Damage
14

A w e b t o o l f r o m t h e To k y oMetropolitan Government thatallows you to create an individual
damage prediction tailored to
you by inputting attributes suchas where you live, the degree ofthe disaster, conditions about
your building, and your householdcomposition.

Designated route for
improvement

Sediment Disaster Hazard
Area Map
A map showing areas where there
is a risk of a sediment disasterNankai Trough megaearthquake
6, 7, 9, 14, 32
The ocean trench megaearthquake that is predicted tooccur with an epicenter in the
Nankai Trough, which stretchesfrom the Tokai region to Kyushu.

86, 87

Planned roads that are effectivein improving disaster prevention,
including stopping the spread ofand rescue, in order to create
spread,” especially in developedar ea s wh e r e se ve re dam ag e
is expected in the event of anearthquake.

Emergency warning
An emergency warning is issued bywhen there is a very high risk of asevere disaster.

272

273

Hazard map

Evacuation area
33, 110, 111, 113, 120,

A map that contains information,such as areas predicted to suffer
damage, evacuation areas,and evacuation routes, for use
in mitigating damag e from anatural disaster and for disaster
preparedness.

Emergency bag
A bag that contains the essential
goods to take with you when you
have to evacuate.

Evacuation order

A place for emergency evacuation
to protect your life fromapproaching dangers such as
immediately after a disaster.
They include large parks, plazas,
university campuses, and school
grounds.

Manhole toilet

226

A type of toilet for use after adisaster that can be quickly set up
by installing a simple toilet seat or
panel over a manhole in a sewer
pipe.

Action to be taken when a local
government issues a Level 4 alert
based on disaster prevention
Meteorological Agency. Once anorder is issued, all residents in thetarget area should immediately
evacuate from dangerous areas.

Disaster Preparedness Tokyo
Edited and published by: Management Section, Disaster Prevention Division,
Bureau of General Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001

Cooperation by:

Committee for the Study and Editing of “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo” and “Disaster
Readiness Guide”

municipalities on the degree ofdamage to dwellings, etc., causedby disasters such as earthquakes,

Hajime Kagiya, Professor, Faculty of Tourism and Community Studies, Atomi University
Hidehiro Suzuki, Professor, Graduate School of Risk Management, Nihon University

Mami Tomikawa, Director and Representative of Active Disaster Prevention Project,
MAMA-PLUG

Evacuation center

Chie Nakajima, Hanako Editorial Department, Magazine House Co., Ltd.
Itsuki Nakabayashi, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Metropolitan University

33, 110, 111, 113, 124,
*The contents of this book are based on information current as of

A place to live for a certain periodof time if your home is damaged
school, community center, etc.

274

*Situations during actual disasters may not necessarily be the sameas in this book.
*Except for cases allowed under the Copyright Act, theunauthorized duplication, reprint, reproduction, borrowing, etc.
of illustrations, figures, images, and photographs in this book areprohibited.

Let's get prepared.
Do everything to protect yourself.

TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT