If an earthquake occurs when you are away from home

In a department store or a movie theater
  • If you are in a department store or a supermarket, protect your head with a bag, etc., and stay away from show windows or display shelves.
  • If you are in a movie theater, crouch down between the seats and watch out for falling objects.
  • If you are in an elevator, stop it at the closest floor and get out. If the door won't open, do not try to escape through an escape hatch. Just wait to be rescued.
  • Stay calm and follow the instructions of staff.
On a train
  • The train may stop suddenly. Hold on tight to straps or handrails.
  • If the train stops between stations, do not jump out onto the tracks. You may get an electric shock or be run over by other trains.
  • Follow the instructions from the station staff or conductors.
While driving a car
  • When you feel a tremor while driving, slow down your vehicle and pull it over to the left side of the road.
  • Turn off your engine, remain inside the car until the tremor stops, and listen to the radio for information.
  • If you find a parking lot or an empty lot nearby, park the vehicle there.
  • When evacuating, leave the key in the ignition and leave the doors unlocked.
  • Follow the instructions from the police officers on the spot.
Be correctly informed
  • Listen to the news reports or police/local government announcements on the radio or TV for correct information. Don't be confused by misinformation.
  • After a major earthquake people can become emotionally upset. Don’t make any irresponsible statements or act selfishly.
Seek refuge in a group.
  • Follow the instructions of the local officials or police officers, and evacuate with other residents of your neighborhood association, etc.
  • Evacuate on foot with a minimum of belongings.
  • Work together with your neighbors to help the sick or the handicapped to evacuate.
To those who need support at the time of disaster

A tip for those who need support at the time of disaster such as earthquake, storm and flood including elderly people, sick persons, disabled persons, infants, and foreigners.

  • If you are away from home, ask the people nearby about the condition of the surroundings and ask them to guide you to a safe place.

Watch out for Tsunami.

Chiba Prefecture is surrounded by ocean on three sides, with a lengthy coastline, which makes it a tsunami-prone region. Tsunamis have caused a lot of damage in the past: the 1703 Genroku Earthquake claimed thousands of victims, mostly the inhabitants along the Kujukuri Coast.

When a tsunami comes or is expected to come, the police keep a strict watch and facilitate the evacuation of people from the coastal area. To survive a tsunami, you are expected to act properly in the following manners.

  • When you feel a strong tremor or a weak but long slow tremor on the coast, immediately evacuate to a safe place: a hill or a sturdy building.
  • When a tsunami warning is issued, evacuate immediately even if you do not feel a tremor.
  • Listen to the news reports or police/local government announcements on the radio or TV for correct information.
  • Tsunamis may strike one after another. Keep alert until the tsunami warning is lifted.
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