How to protect yourself in the event of a disaster（災害時に身を守る方法）

Last updated date：2023/3/1

How to protect yourself during a disaster

Do not panic during an earthquake. Stay calm and act with a cool head. Please take steps to protect yourself according to your surroundings. Always remember that you are the only one who can protect yourself from danger.

When at home

- Protect your head with something nearby, such as a cushion, futon or pillow.
- Hide under a sturdy table or desk.
- Take care not to be injured by glass fragments, etc.
- Do not flee outside but open a door or window and secure a safe route out.

When at a department store or supermarket

- Press yourself up against a pillar or alongside a wall, taking care to avoid collapsing display shelves or falling products.
- Protect your head using clothing, personal belongings or a shopping basket.

When in the workplace

- Hide under a sturdy table or desk away from windows, lockers or bookshelves.

When in an underground shopping mall

- Underground places are said to be relatively safe during an earthquake, so press yourself up against a pillar or alongside a wall, and wait for the shaking to subside.
- Emergency lighting will turn on after a while, so do not panic even if the power goes out.
- If a fire breaks out, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or something similar and calmly follow the instructions of a member of staff.
- When there is a risk of tsunami, once the shaking has subsided, follow the directions given by a member of staff and move promptly above ground.

When in a theater or cinema

- Crouch down between the seats and protect yourself from falling objects.
- Calmly follow the instructions given by a member of staff.

When in an elevator

- Press the buttons for all floors and get out at the first floor the elevator stops at.
- If you are trapped in the elevator, contact someone using the emergency button or interphone and wait to be rescued.
- There is a risk of aftershocks, so do not use the elevator to evacuate.

When driving a car

- Do not brake sharply. Grip the steering wheel firmly, gradually reduce your speed and pull over to the side of the road.
- Once the shaking has subsided, get information on the latest situation through your car radio, etc.
- If you leave your car, leave the keys in the vehicle, as it may be need to be moved in an emergency.

When riding a train

- Trains come to a standstill during a major earthquake, so please make sure to hold onto the handrail or hanging strap tightly.
- If you are sitting down, brace yourself by leaning forward and keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor.
- Follow the instructions given by crew members.

When outside

- Stay away from things that could easily topple over, such as vending machines, concrete block walls, or telephone poles.
- Protect your head with a bag or something similar and stay away from buildings where there is a risk of things falling, such as signs or exterior walls.
- Never approach areas where electric cables are hanging down, or where there is a gas leak.
- Never approach areas where the road has liquefied, or where there are cracks in the ground.

Stay away from vending machines or concrete block

Stay away from things that could easily topple ove

Do not approach areas where the ground has split

When near a mountain or cliff

- If you feel an earthquake, evacuate from dangerous areas immediately.
- Do not approach mountains or cliffs, as landslides sometimes occur during aftershocks.

Where to inquire
Content	Contact details
About ways to protect yourself during a disaster	Regional Disaster Prevention Division, General Affairs Bureau (*Inquiries in Japanese only) Tel: 045-671-3456 Fax: 045-641-1677 Email: so-chiikibousai@city.yokohama.jp