Public Service Announcement for Yokohama City

27th August 2025

This week's edition is on how to prepare for a major earthquake.

Today, we will be introducing three important points on how to be ready for a large earthquake, including what to prepare beforehand, and things to beware of when fleeing.

The first point is about how to ensure your safety.

Move away from TV’s, light fixtures, and kitchen cabinets etc., and get under something such as a table to protect yourself from falling objects.

When the shaking subsides, assess the damage to your surroundings and secure an evacuation route

If you are outside, watch out for things that could fall on you, such as signboards or glass from windows. 

If you are on the coast, be on the alert for tsunamis. Evacuate to higher ground.

The second point is about evacuation sites.

If your home is safe, you can continue living there.

However, if it feels dangerous to stay at home, evacuate to a safe open space, such as a nearby park or vacant lot. If fires break out, evacuate to a larger open space.

If your home has collapsed or sustained damage and you can no longer live in it, you should evacuate to a Designated Evacuation Center.

For evacuation sites, please check the Yokohama City website.

The third point is about preparations in daily life.

After a major earthquake, power and water may be cut off.

To minimize damage and ensure you can continue living at home after a disaster, take measures to prevent furniture and other items from toppling over, and prepare stocks of food and water, toilet packs, and any other necessary items in your daily life. 

You should also decide how you and your family members will contact each other in case of communications failures.