Hiroshima

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Disaster Preparedness

Sections

1. General Overview of Disaster Preparedness in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is located in a seismically active region of Japan, making it prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Additionally, the city has a unique historical context due to the atomic bombing in 1945, which has shaped its approach to disaster preparedness and resilience. The local government and community are highly proactive in educating residents and visitors about disaster safety.


2. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a disaster, follow these general steps:

Earthquakes

  • Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During an earthquake, immediately take cover under a sturdy table or desk and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, or anything that could fall.
  • Evacuate if Necessary: After the shaking stops, assess your surroundings. If the building is damaged or unsafe, evacuate to an open area or a designated evacuation site.

Tsunamis

  • Move to Higher Ground: If you are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake or receive a tsunami warning, evacuate to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for official instructions.
  • Follow Evacuation Routes: Hiroshima has clearly marked tsunami evacuation routes. Look for signs with the word "ๆดฅๆณข" (tsunami) and arrows pointing to safe areas.

General Emergency Protocols

  • Listen to Alerts: Japan has an advanced emergency alert system. Alerts are sent to mobile phones via the J-Alert system, and announcements are made on TV, radio, and public loudspeakers.
  • Contact Authorities: Dial 119 for fire and ambulance services or 110 for police. English-speaking operators are available, but itโ€™s helpful to know basic Japanese phrases.

3. Evacuation Sites in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has numerous designated evacuation sites, which are typically schools, parks, and community centers. These sites are equipped to provide temporary shelter and basic necessities during disasters.

  • How to Locate Evacuation Sites:

    • Look for signs labeled "้ฟ้›ฃๆ‰€" (hinanjo), meaning evacuation shelter.
    • Use the Hiroshima City Disaster Prevention Map (available online and in English) to identify the nearest evacuation site.
    • Download the Safety Tips App by the Japan Tourism Agency, which provides real-time disaster information and evacuation site locations in multiple languages.
  • Examples of Evacuation Sites in Hiroshima:

    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A large open area that can serve as a temporary evacuation site.
    • Hiroshima City Gymnasium: Often used as a shelter during emergencies.
    • Local Schools and Parks: Many schools and parks in residential areas are designated as evacuation points.

4. Safety Measures for Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Hiroshima has implemented robust safety measures to protect residents and visitors:

Earthquake Safety

  • Building Standards: Most buildings in Hiroshima are constructed to strict earthquake-resistant standards. Modern structures are designed to withstand significant seismic activity.
  • Earthquake Early Warning System: Japanโ€™s early warning system detects seismic activity and sends alerts seconds before the shaking begins. These alerts are broadcast on phones, TVs, and radios.

Tsunami Safety

  • Tsunami Warning System: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues tsunami warnings immediately after an earthquake. These warnings are broadcast through loudspeakers, TV, and mobile alerts.
  • Coastal Barriers: Hiroshima has seawalls and other coastal defenses to mitigate tsunami impact, but evacuation remains the primary safety measure.

5. Preparedness Kits

Having a disaster preparedness kit is essential. You can purchase pre-assembled kits at stores like Don Quijote, home improvement stores, or online retailers like Amazon Japan. Alternatively, you can assemble your own kit. Hereโ€™s what to include:

Basic Items:

  • Water (3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable phone charger (power bank)
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to filter debris)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
  • Copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance)

Region-Specific Items:

  • Radiation Protection: While the risk of nuclear incidents is extremely low, Hiroshimaโ€™s history has led to heightened awareness. Potassium iodide tablets are not typically necessary but can be included for peace of mind.
  • Rain Gear: Hiroshima experiences heavy rainfall, so include a waterproof poncho or umbrella.
  • Japanese Phrasebook: In case you need to communicate with locals during an emergency.

Costs:

  • Pre-assembled kits range from ยฅ5,000 to ยฅ15,000 depending on the contents.
  • Individual items can be purchased for ยฅ100 to ยฅ2,000 each.

6. Local Considerations

Hiroshimaโ€™s unique history and culture influence its approach to disaster preparedness:

Historical Context:

  • The atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 has made the city a global symbol of peace and resilience. This history has fostered a strong community spirit and a focus on preparedness.
  • The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum offers educational resources on disaster recovery and resilience.

Community Involvement:

  • Hiroshima residents are highly engaged in disaster drills and community preparedness activities. Visitors are welcome to participate in these drills, which are often held in public spaces.

Cultural Practices:

  • Respect for Authority: In Japan, it is customary to follow instructions from authorities without question during emergencies. This ensures orderly evacuations and efficient disaster response.
  • Helping Others: Japanese culture emphasizes mutual aid. In a disaster, you may find locals helping each other, and itโ€™s encouraged to do the same.

7. Resources Specific to Hiroshima

  • Hiroshima City Disaster Prevention Website: Provides detailed information on disaster preparedness, evacuation sites, and real-time updates. Available in English.
  • Hiroshima International Center (HIC): Offers multilingual support and information for foreigners during disasters.
  • Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): The official source for earthquake and tsunami warnings.
  • Safety Tips App: A free app providing disaster alerts and safety information in multiple languages.
    • Download: Available on iOS and Android.

8. Final Tips

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check weather and seismic updates, especially during typhoon season (June to October).
  • Practice Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation sites and routes.
  • Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Knowing phrases like "ๅŠฉใ‘ใฆใใ ใ•ใ„" (tasukete kudasai, "Please help me") can be invaluable.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided, you can ensure your safety and preparedness while visiting or living in Hiroshima.