High-rise buildings behave very differently during earthquakes. Elevators stop, stairwells become crowded, and panic causes dangerous movement. From my experience as a former firefighter responding to large-scale disasters, I have seen that improper evacuation causes more injuries than the earthquake itself. This article explains how to evacuate safely from high-rise buildings.
- ■① Why High-Rise Buildings Are Especially Dangerous
- ■② What to Do During Strong Shaking
- ■③ Assess the Situation After Shaking Stops
- ■④ How to Evacuate Safely if Evacuation Is Required
- ■⑤ Dangers Inside Stairwells
- ■⑥ What to Do After Exiting the Building
- ■⑦ Reentry Is More Dangerous Than Evacuation
- ■⑧ Prepare Before an Earthquake Happens
- ■まとめ｜Evacuate With Judgment, Not Panic
■① Why High-Rise Buildings Are Especially Dangerous
High-rise structures create unique risks:
- Long evacuation times
- Elevator failure
- Falling glass and exterior debris
- Fire spread across multiple floors
Understanding these risks helps prevent deadly mistakes.
■② What to Do During Strong Shaking
When an earthquake begins:
- Stay inside the building
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Move away from windows and glass walls
- Never attempt to use elevators
Most serious injuries occur when people try to move during shaking.
■③ Assess the Situation After Shaking Stops
Once the shaking ends:
- Check for injuries
- Look for fire, smoke, or structural damage
- Listen to emergency announcements
- Prepare for aftershocks
Evacuation should be a decision, not a reaction.
■④ How to Evacuate Safely if Evacuation Is Required
If evacuation becomes necessary:
- Use stairwells only
- Hold handrails and move slowly
- Stay to one side to allow emergency responders through
- Assist children, elderly, and injured occupants
Order and patience prevent falls and crushing injuries.
■⑤ Dangers Inside Stairwells
Stairwells are not always safe:
- Poor lighting during power outages
- Falling debris from above
- Exhaustion during long descents
- Panic from overcrowding
Move carefully and rest when needed.
■⑥ What to Do After Exiting the Building
Once outside:
- Move far away from the building exterior
- Avoid glass, signs, and falling debris zones
- Go to designated assembly areas
- Do not block emergency access routes
The outside of buildings can be more dangerous than inside.
■⑦ Reentry Is More Dangerous Than Evacuation
After evacuation:
- Never reenter without official approval
- Expect aftershocks
- Follow instructions from fire and safety officials
Many injuries occur during unauthorized reentry.
■⑧ Prepare Before an Earthquake Happens
Preparation improves survival:
- Know stairwell locations
- Learn building emergency procedures
- Participate in evacuation drills
- Keep emergency shoes at work
Preparation prevents hesitation under stress.
■まとめ｜Evacuate With Judgment, Not Panic
High-rise evacuation is not about speed—it is about timing and judgment. Staying inside during shaking and evacuating only when necessary saves lives.
結論：
As a former firefighter who has responded to high-rise emergencies, I have seen that calm decision-making and controlled evacuation save far more lives than rushing for exits. In high-rise buildings, knowing when not to evacuate is just as important as knowing how to evacuate.
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