Disasters: prevention and reaction
Earthquakes, tsunamis, torrential rain, typhoons: there are many natural disasters that put residents in Japan at risk. Fortunately, the country has advanced means of prevention to help reduce the number of victims and the damage caused by these disasters. Stay alert and protect yourself and your family!
How can the Consulate General of Brazil in Tokyo help me in the event of a disaster?
The Consulate maintains constant contact with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gaimusho) and other Japanese authorities. In the event of a disaster, it will collect reliable information from these authorities and make it available in Portuguese. It will assist in locating nationals in areas at risk and will provide a complementary emergency team to act in places where Brazilians are affected.
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How can I take precautions?
At first, it may seem exhausting to process so much information. In an emergency, however, it will make all the difference.
The first step is to study the information provided by your town hall, so you know how to prevent yourself and how to react to each risk situation (see list at the bottom of the page). It is important, for example, to know in advance the escape routes and shelters available in each region.
If the material for your city isn't available in your language, plese check the information provided by the Ministry of Justice, which is valid for the whole country, and ask your city hall or acquaintances for information on the specific points relating to where you live.
What should I do in the event of earthquakes and tsunamis?
Generally speaking:
| 1 | Remain calm and avoid acting in desperation; | |
| 2 | If you are outside your home, protect your head with a bag or backpack and look for somewhere open and away from buildings or poles; | |
| 3 | If you are at home: | |
| a) | protect your head and stay away from glass and sharp objects; | |
| b) | turn off the fire if you are cooking; | |
| c) | open doors to ensure an escape route. | |
| 4 | If you are near the sea or a river, flee to higher ground; | |
| 5 | If you are driving, park your car on the left-hand side of the road, leave the key in the ignition and get out of the car without locking the doors; | |
| 6 | Follow official information. | |
Moments before strong earthquakes, alerts are broadcast on TV, radio and cell phones. Sirens in public spaces and loudspeakers can also be activated. If you are outside your home, hotel or business and don't know where to go, follow the advice of the authorities or local residents. If you are sheltered and safe, the Japanese authorities recommend that you stay where you are.