Earthquakes and Other Guidelines for Safety

The information on this page is from the 2003-2004 EAP General Information Guide.

Although the following guidelines were prepared with earthquakes in mind, they can be applied in the case of any emergency. EAP urges students to review the following section and keep safety in mind as they acclimate to their new domestic and academic surroundings.

In the even of an earthquake or other emergency, it is important to remain calm in order to deal effectively with what the situation presents. Students are also expected to take some precautions beforehand.

Safety Precautions

Assess living arrangements. Secure furniture and other easily toppled items so that they do not fall over. Do not place heavy or hard objects on high shelves.
Discuss emergency evacuation sites and routes with friends, host family members, and the Study Center and work out methods of contacting each other. After an earthquake or fire, report your whereabouts to the various designated contact people.
Keep emergency equipment, such as medical provisions, water, food, flashlight and batteries, and valuables accessible and in one place. Store enough water and food to last at least three days. At least 3 liters of water (1.5 gallons) per day is necessary for one person. Keep spare water tanks filled with water.
Prepare an emergency bag with the following items and check the contents regularly:
- Emergency food - instant noodles, canned food, crackers
- Medical equipment - bandages, gauze, antiseptic cream or lotion, band-aids, eye drops, anti-indigestion tablets
- Other equipment - thermos or water bottle (full), flashlight, batteries, cash, bank book, passport, other valuables, matches, candles, radio, tissues, plastic bags, string, rope, towels, knife, gloves, can opener, paper cups, helmet, newspaper, plastic sheet, felt-tipped pen
Make it a habit to keep flammable objects away from furnaces, fireplaces, and gas-run appliances. Fire is the most destructive result of an earthquake.

If an earthquake occurs while you are at home:

Extinguish all sources of fire. Turn off the main gas valve, all electric lights and appliances, and locate emergency supplies. Disconnect all electrical appliances.
Turn off any kerosene heaters or gas cooking appliances.
Put on shoes to protect your feet from broken glass, etc.
Secure an escape by opening a window or door.
Get under a table or desk to avoid falling objects. Areas that have many pillars, are free of heavy objects that may be apt to fall, and the areas beneath strong furniture, etc. are relatively safe. In the case of a two-story building the second floor is often safer as the ground floor may be destroyed.
Wear a helmet or quilted hood that will protect the head. If no such headgear is available, even a cushion or towel over the head is better than nothing.
Place a wet towel across the nose and mouth to prevent smoke inhalation.
Listen to the radio for news and instructions.
Eventually, leave the house and take refuge in a safe area. Even though the first large shock has ceased, aftershocks may continue for a considerable time. Therefore, do not attempt to return home right away. It is important to know what the actual situation is in order to avoid further disaster.
Contact the EAP Study Center. People in the U.S. receive news very quickly about disasters abroad and they will be worried.
Most Important: Stay Calm

If an earthquake occurs while you are out:

Watch out for glass, signs, or other falling objects.
Stay away from concrete block fences or automatic vending machines that could fall over.
Do not use elevators.
If in a train or theater, obey the directions of the personnel in charge. If inside a building, get under a solid table to avoid falling objects. If on the street, place a handbag, briefcase, or shopping bag over the head for protection from falling objects, and take emergency refuge in a safe place. If in a department store, movie theater, or underground shopping center, be careful to avoid panic-stricken crowds rushing toward exits or stairways. Wait until the panic subsides, which usually takes only a minute or two.
If driving, pull over to the side of the road. If evacuating, do so on foot, leaving the key in the ignition. Do not attempt to drive during or after a severe earthquake.

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