In Japan the rainy season starts in June, and there is a risk of disasters such as downpours and flooding. To decrease damage from heavy rain or flooding, be sure to take the following preventive measures as a regular routine.
(1) Clean up the ditches around your house.
If ditches are full of fallen leaves, earth and sand, water will not flow smoothly. The water may overflow into the streets and even into the houses. To ensure better drainage, make sure to clean up the ditches before it begins raining.
(2) Keep sandbags at home.
If you live in a house which may be flooded, you may feel secure by preparing sandbags. When it rains heavily, set up the sandbags in the water’s path. You can buy sandbags at a do-it-yourself store, so-called Home Center.
(3) Always store 3 days-worth of food and drinking water.
This preparation is also necessary in the event of an earthquake.
a. Drinking water: 3 liters a day for each person
b. Foods: Canned/bottled/retort-packed foods that do not require cooking
(4) Prepare an emergency bag.
a. To prepare for power failures, pack a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries in the bag and put it in a place near the entrance of your home. Such preparation also comes in handy when you must evacuate to safer places in the event of natural disasters such as heavy rain, typhoons, and earthquakes.
b. Pack as many water bottles and as much light-weight foods as you can carry.
c. Your emergency bag should include, as needed, diapers and food for infants, medications, spare eyeglasses or contact lenses, sanitary items and tissue paper, etc.
For details: Civil Defense Office (Shimin Anzen Seisaku-shitsu)
TEL: 072-724-6750
FAX: 072-724-6376
e-mail：
bousai@maple.city.minoh.lg.jp
