You must attend disaster preparedness training, in order to know how to react and respond calmly and correctly, when necessary.
B) HAVE A PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN:
It is imperative for family members to discuss and define how to react, in case another “Great Earthquake” occurs (Oojishin). (Talk about: What is the safest place in the house? Have medications and the emergency bag already been prepared? Where is the place to take refuge? Is it already established what every person should do if there is a sudden tremor or an urgent earthquake alert? [Prevent fires, ensure access to emergency exits among others?] talk about what to do in various situations, as if something really were to happen when everyone is together or when there are only children.
Protect yourself from falling furniture and household items, and if it is your own house, make sure the structure is earthquake proof.
Confirm that there are fire extinguishers and/or if there is some chemical handy, to put out fires, indoors.
C) PREPARE AN EMERGENCY BAG
Flashlight – checkbook – Candles – Radio – Batteries – Cash (Minimum 10 yen) – Lighter – can opener – Clothing – Blankets – quilted hats and caps (Bousai Zukkin) – Gather medication in the event one is taking it – Enough nonperishable food and water to last at least 3 days.
