Jika Terjadi Gempa - If there is an earthquake..

IF THERE IS AN EARTHQUAKE

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	¡ü Get yourself under a desk. Cover your head with cushions or magazines so that you can protect your head from falling objects. ¡ü No matter how big an earthquake is, violent movements generally last for only one minute or so. Don't panic!

¡ü Turn off the sources of fires quickly and open windows and doors. ¡ü When a fire occurs, put it out with a fire extinguisher or other things such as blankets. ¡ü Cooperate with your neighbors in extinguishing the fires. ¡ü Switch off all the electricity circuit breakers. Turn the gas off at the main. ¡ü Work out a plan regularly on how to promptly evacuate and what are required for the escape. ¡ü Keep in mind the following if you live in a highrise apartment house;   * Follow the instructions of the apartment complex custodian. * Don't use elevators. The most frightening thing during an earthquake is the threat of fires. In the Great Kanto Earthquake, approximately 100,000 people were killed by fires.

¡ü Keep away from vending machines or block walls. They are likely to fall over easily. ¡ü To protect yourself from falling objects, rush into a building or make your way to a nearby open area. ¡ü Stay away from downed electrical power lines. In the Off-Shore Miyagi Earthquake, 18 people were killed by some falling concrete block walls, stone walls or gateposts. Also, in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a large number of buildings collapsed. As a result, glass debris were coming down on people.

¡ü In a department store, protect your head with a bag or a shopping bag in hand. Stay away from the exhibit shelves. They are likely to fall over easily. ¡ü In a movie house, get under the seats to protect your head from falling objects. ¡ü Don't scramble for exits or elevators. ¡ü Don't try to find your own way out. Stay calm down and follow the instructions announced inside the department store / movie house or by persons-in-charge.

¡ü The fearsome thing when you are underground is not the damage caused by the earthquake but the confusion by panic. Even when the power is down, some emergency lights will come on in a split second. There is no need for you to rush to stairs or emergensy exits. ¡ü Don't use elevators. ¡ü Follow the instructions of the person-in-charge.

¡ü Stay inside the train unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. Otherwise, you may be electrocuted or hit by another train. ¡ü Hold on to a strap, handrail or anything that is fixed firmly inside the train. ¡ü Follow the instructions of a member of the train crew or station staff.

¡ü When you feel a tremor near the beach or when a tidal wave alarm is issued, leave the place right away for some heights. ¡ü Tidal waves come continuously one after the other. Be on the alert until the"all clear"sign is given. ¡ü Listen to the radio or watch television, or get contact with the police or local public offices for accurate information. Don't be fooled by rumors. Pay attention to whether a tidal wave alarm is issued or not in case of a big earthquake. Back in 1993, tidal waves hit the Okushiri lsland off the south-west coast of Hokkaido within five minutes after an earthquake occurred. Two hundred two people were reported killed and 28 missing.

¡ü Follow the instructions of police officers or persons-in-charge. Don't try to evacuate on your own. Move with the neighborhood or resident association. ¡ü Evacuate on foot and keep your emergency takeout items to the minimum. ¡ü People in the community should cooperate in the evacuation of: persons who are hospitalized; bedridden senior citizens; and the physically / mentally handicapped.

¡ü Keep your valuables in the places so that,in an emergency,you can take them out immediately ¡ü Make sure to keep your valuables with you when you evacuate For example:after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake,a number of houses and shops were broken or looted while the people were out for evacuation.

¡ü On your way to or after seeking safety at a designated Evacuation Site, listen to the radio or watch television for emergency public announcements. Don't be misled by false information. ¡ü People will become extremely nervous and panicky after severe tremors. Therefore, you should refrain from talking and acting irresponsibly. Whenever a big earthquake occurs, dissemination of false information misleads us. As an example, during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, some rumors circulated and almost triggered panic. However, most people kept calm and sought accurate information so as to maintain order.