Disaster Prevention
Japan is a country prone to earthquakes. In recent years, major earthquake events have occurred in several regions of the country and now it is predicted that such a major earthquake is highly likely to hit the Tokai area in the near future. Moreover, due to the recent effects of climate change, natural disasters like typhoons and torrential rains that cause serious storm or flood damages have also been
occurring more frequently in the summertime.
Familiarizing yourself with emergency procedures and evacuation areas is essential for minimizing potential dangers and damages.
(1) Disaster Preparation：
- Live in an earthquake resistant apartment. Construction code was renewed in 1981, thus the buildings built after 1981 are recommended.
- Secure bookshelves or heavy furnishings to the wall. Do not sleep where furniture or items may fall down on you.
- Store three days supply of water (9L per person) and food.
- Prepare an emergency bag including items such as a first aid kit, everyday items, valuables such as your passport, etc., to take with you when evacuate. A flashlight or slippers (shoes) should be kept at your bedside
- Please discuss in advance with your family and friends how to confirm your safety and where to meet. In the event of a disaster, cell phone lines may be difficult to access, and it may be impossible to make contact.
(2) When an Earthquake occurs：
- Protect yourself (Hide under a desk/table and cover your head; move to a spot where you will avoid falling objects).
- Open a door to secure an exit. (Do not rush outside until the tremors stop.)
- If possible, switch off any heaters and gas.
- Get the right information from TV, radio, or mobile phone.
- Do not use elevators when evacuating.
Earthquake Early Warnings
Just as an earthquake occurs in the epicenter, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues prompt alert with the estimated seismic intensities and expected arrival time of principal motion. This is done on the basis of the data observed by seismographs near the epicenter.
The warning is provided through the media such as TV, radio or mobile phone. It aims to mitigate earthquake-related damages by allowing countermeasures to avoid danger and enabling people to quickly protect themselves in public transportation, at public facilities, offices, houses and so on.
Earthquake Early Warning System (Japan Metrological Agency)
- How to make contact in case of disaster
Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171): This dial is put into service when a disaster causes telecommunications to the disaster-stricken area to increase, making it difficult to get connected.
Disaster Emergency Message Board (web171): This message board uses the Internet to confirm the safety of people in the disaster area.
- NU Survivor Confirmation System(ANPIC)
During a disaster, you will be able to inform the university of your situation by using the Survivor Confirmation system. Accurate safety information is vital for providing proper aid for sufferers.
Get details of this system from the index tab of "防災 (Disaster Prevention)" on the NU-Portal site. Register your e-mail address and become acquainted with the system.
Your registered e-mail address can also be used for the Survivor Confirmation System or to receive the important announcements from Nagoya University.
▶ NU Guide for Natural Disaster Preparedness
▶ What to do in a major earthquake
(3) Typhoons, Heavy Rain, and Flooding
- Pay attention to weather information and stay indoors unless necessary.
- Be careful of things blown into the air by strong winds.
- Keep away from swollen rivers that are at risk of flooding.
- Be careful not to fall into ditches when roads are flooded.
Weather Warnings / Advisories in Aichi (Japan Meteorological Agency)
Disaster Management Office, Nagoya University
Guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention at Nagoya University
(4) Useful Information about Disaster Prevention
〈Nearest Evacuation Area〉
- Higashiyama Campus：Higashiyama Park, Nagoya University Affiliated Upper and Lower Secondary Schools
- Tsurumai Campus：Tsuruma Park, Nagoya Civic Assembly Hall
- Daiko Campus：Around Yada Junior High School, Yada Elementary School
- International Residence Higashiyama：Nagoya University Affiliated Upper and Lower Secondary Schools
- International Ohmeikan, International Residence Yamate and International Residence Myoken：Takikawa Elementary School
- International Residence Daiko：Yada Elementary School
〈Useful Links〉