This article can be read in the following language: 日本語 (Japanese) 한국어 (Korean) 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified))
When a major earthquake strikes, furniture may fall onto the places where people sleep. More than 6,400 people died and 40thousands were injured in the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake — about 70% of injuries during this earthquake were caused by falling furniture, electric appliances or by broken glass and other debris. In order to protect your life from a large earthquake through simple actions, please rearrange the layout of the furniture in your bedroom and kitchen, and fix furniture with metal fitting, etc. to prevent it from falling.
◆Relocate the furniture
In the bedroom, where you spend the biggest part of your time, relocate tall, top-heavy furniture away from your sleeping areas. You may reduce injury by simply changing the direction of your sleeping position.
(1) Move furniture away from doors and escape routes.
(2) Move top-heavy furniture to a place where you will be safer when it topples. Move heavy objects to lower shelves.
(3) Move large or heavy objects away from your head in the sleeping area.
(4) Move pictures or mirrors away from your head in the sleeping area.
(5) Don’t sleep near the window. If not practicable, position your pillow away from windows. Keep slippers next to your sleeping area in order to safely evacuate on the glass scattered floor. A thick curtain, when closed, may prevent the broken glass from scattering.
◆Anchor furniture to the wall or floor
Secure dishes and glasses in a kitchen cabinet with latched doors and secure the microwave with fasteners against sliding or falling. Please make sure to fix furniture with metal fittings or flexible fasteners. Tools (latches, fasteners, hooks, studs, metal/nylon straps, etc.) are available at your local do-it-yourself stores (such as Kohnan, Ayahadio).
For details: Civil Defence Office (Shimin Anzen Seisaku-shitsu)
TEL: 072-724-6750 FAX: 072-724-6376
e-mail: bousai@maple.city.minoh.lg.jp
This article can be read in the following language: 日本語 (Japanese) 한국어 (Korean) 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified))
