Public Service Announcement for Yokohama City

28th August 2024

This week's edition is on how to prepare for a major earthquake.

Today, we will be introducing three important points on how to be ready for a large earthquake, including what to prepare beforehand, and things to beware of when fleeing.

The first point is about how to ensure your safety.

Move away from TV’s, light fixtures, and kitchen cabinets, and get under something such as a table to protect yourself from falling objects.

When the shaking subsides, check all fire sources and assess the damage to your surroundings.

If you are outside, watch out for things that could fall on you, such as signboards or glass from windows. 

If you are on the coast, be on the alert for tsunamis. Evacuate to higher ground.

The second point is about evacuation sites.

If your home is safe, you can continue living there.

However, if it feels dangerous to stay at home, evacuate to a safe open space, such as a nearby park or vacant lot. If fires break out, evacuate to a larger open space.

If your home has collapsed or sustained damage and you can no longer live in it, you should evacuate to an evacuation shelter (Designated Evacuation Center). 

If you are unclear on the locations of evacuation sites, please check the Yokohama City website.

The third point is about preparations in daily life.

After a major earthquake, power and water may be cut off.

To ensure that you can live comfortably in your home after a disaster, take measures to prevent furniture and appliances from toppling over to reduce damage, and prepare stocks of food and water, a portable toilet, and any other necessary items in your daily life. You should also decide how you and your family members will contact each other in case of communications failures.