Earthquakes strike without warning. When they do, survival depends far more on preparation than on strength or luck. Many injuries happen not because buildings collapse, but because people are unprepared. As a former firefighter who has responded to real disaster scenes, I will explain practical earthquake preparedness steps that truly protect lives.
- ■① Understand the Real Dangers of Earthquakes
- ■② Secure Your Living Space Before an Earthquake
- ■③ Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
- ■④ Learn Immediate Response Actions
- ■⑤ Make a Family Communication and Reunification Plan
- ■⑥ Prepare for Nighttime Earthquakes
- ■⑦ Understand Evacuation Timing
- ■⑧ Practice and Review Your Plan Regularly
- ■まとめ｜Preparation Is the Strongest Form of Protection
■① Understand the Real Dangers of Earthquakes
Earthquakes cause multiple hazards at once:
- Falling furniture and glass
- Fires from broken gas lines
- Power outages and communication failure
- Panic and delayed evacuation
Understanding these risks helps you prepare for more than just shaking.
■② Secure Your Living Space Before an Earthquake
Most injuries happen indoors. Preparation includes:
- Anchoring shelves and cabinets to walls
- Securing televisions and appliances
- Installing latches on drawers and cupboards
- Keeping heavy objects off high shelves
These actions drastically reduce injury risk.
■③ Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
After a major earthquake, help may not arrive quickly. Prepare:
- Drinking water for at least 3 days
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Copies of important documents
A small kit can make a huge difference.
■④ Learn Immediate Response Actions
When shaking begins, knowing what to do saves lives:
- Drop to the ground
- Cover your head and neck
- Hold on to sturdy furniture
- Stay indoors during strong shaking
This simple action prevents the most common injuries.
■⑤ Make a Family Communication and Reunification Plan
Phones may not work after an earthquake. Plan ahead:
- Decide a family meeting point
- Choose an out-of-area contact person
- Share written contact information
- Teach children what to do if separated
Clear plans reduce panic and confusion.
■⑥ Prepare for Nighttime Earthquakes
Many deadly earthquakes happen at night. Prepare by:
- Keeping shoes and a flashlight beside your bed
- Securing bedroom furniture
- Sleeping away from windows
- Knowing safe spots in the dark
Night preparation prevents serious injuries.
■⑦ Understand Evacuation Timing
Evacuating at the wrong time is dangerous:
- Do not run outside during shaking
- Check surroundings after shaking stops
- Evacuate only if the building is unsafe
- Watch for aftershocks
Knowing when not to move is just as important.
■⑧ Practice and Review Your Plan Regularly
Preparedness fades if not practiced:
- Conduct drills with family members
- Review emergency supplies every 6 months
- Update plans when moving or changing routines
- Learn from past disasters
Preparedness is an ongoing process.
■まとめ｜Preparation Is the Strongest Form of Protection
Earthquake preparedness is not about fear—it is about control. Securing your home, preparing supplies, learning correct actions, and planning communication all work together to protect lives.
結論：
As a former firefighter who has worked in real earthquake disaster zones, I have seen that prepared people survive with fewer injuries and recover faster. Earthquakes cannot be stopped, but with proper preparation, their impact on your life can be dramatically reduced.
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