（ENGLISH/英語） Ｎｏ．４５
KAWASAKIINTERNATIONALASSOCIATIONNEWSIt is said to be highly possible that a large scale earthquake of about 8 degree magnitude
will likely occur in the Suruga Bay area. The damage from this Tokai Earthquake willaffect the 12 million people who live in Shizuoka and the 8 prefectures and 263 urban areas
around Shizuoka. It has also been predicted that if this Tokai Earthquake occurs the areas
west of Chigasaki will be affected by a quake of over 6 degree magnitude.
In order to deal with the earthquake an "Earthquake Disaster Prevention Region" has been set up in theTokai area. Here in Kawasaki, which is not included in the Tokai "Earthquake Disaster Prevention Region", it
has been predicted that an earthquake of about less than 5 degree magnitude may happen so it is not necessary
to be overly worried. However, it is wise to calmly take some measures in order to prepare for the moment anearthquake may happen.
A group called the "Earthquake Disaster Prevention region" panel was set up to judge and deal theoccurrence of earthquakes. An "Emergence Alert" will be issued to the public by the government and theprime minister. (It is the prime minister who initiates emergency policy in the event of disasters).
This Emergency Alert will be broadcasted to the public starting from TV and radio; public body media
organizations and fire engines will ring sirens to alert people. The sirens will continuously ring for 45 seconds
followed by a 15 second break.
When the Emergency Alert is issued, the JR Railway basically will reduce the speed but all services will behalted in the "Earthquake Disaster Prevention Region" and also private railway companies will stop theirservices partially. Students at schools, kindergartens and day-care centers will be sent home under the
directions of teachers and staff, depending on each school. With regard to financial institutions, banks andpost offices not included in the "Earthquake Disaster Prevention Region” will continue to operate as much as
they can. Electric, gas and water supplies should still be running.
As was mentioned before, Kawasaki City is not included in the "Earthquake Disaster Prevention Region".
However, it is not necessary to be overly fearful or worried. It is best that we calmly prepare for the day anearthquake will possibly happen.

What should you and your household do when such an Emergency Alert has been sentout ?
☆ First, carefully take note of information from the City Office and the Ward Offices;☆ Keep tuned to TV and radio broadcasts.
☆ Please call out to your neighbours and join and/or cooperate in the disaster prevention activities in yourneighbourhood .
☆ Try not to do anything that can cause a fire. If you must do something to do with fire, please stay close inorder to prevent the fire from causing an accident.
☆ In the case of not being able to use gas, turn the gas off at the main.
☆ In the case of propane gas, please double check to see that your gas cylinders will not fall down and turnoff the cylinders` valves tightly.
☆ Please make sure you have a supply of water: for example in a bathtub or in plastic tank.
☆ Take some time to see how fire extinguisher works.
☆ If you can, please refrain from using cars.
☆ See to it that your furniture will not fall down, objects on your furniture are secure and things on bookshelves and cupboards should be secured from falling: prepare by taking these objects out beforehand.
☆ You should also prepare an emergency pack of essential items.
☆ Please decide and share responsibilities with your family;☆ Recheck the several ways to contact your family members.
☆ In the case of evacuation please see to it that all your family members should know the location of theevacuation center and the best route to get there.

Most people think that when an earthquake occurs that they should evacuate.
This is not always true.
You should only evacuate your house if your house is collapsing, fire is spreading, aspill of dangerous substances is happening or if some other dangerous situation arises and there is a strong
probability of these things happening.
If you do have to evacuate, please take the following into consideration.
☆ Take care to listen to the correct information given by radio and administration bodies. Do not let
yourself be alarmed by rumours and false information.
☆ Be sure to turn off the gas at the mains and to turn off the electric circuit breakers. If you do not do thisthere is a strong chance that a fire may start when you go to reuse the gas and electricity.
☆ Please try not to use bicycles and cars when going to the evacuation center. Please try to walk to theevacuation center.
☆ Make sure you are wearing solid strong shoes as there may be broken glass and broken electric wires on
the roads and paths.
☆ Put up safety and disaster information and contact information in front of your house.
☆ Try bring as little as possible to the evacuation center. At least bring the things that you would need anduse in everyday situations.
☆ Please help and/or seek help from neighbours with regard to older people who cannot move, handicappedpeople and victims of the earthquake.
☆ Carefully follow the directions given by the city officials, police and firefighters. If you happen to be in astore or train station please follow the guidance given by shop and station staff.

Issued by The Kawasaki International Association
237-1 Kizuki Gion Cho,Nakahara-Ku, Kawasaki 211-0033 Kawasaki International Center
Tel044-435-7000 Fax044-435-7010 Ｅ-mail:kian@bremen.or.jp HP URL:http://www.bremen.or.jp/kian/