🌍 Earthquake Preparedness Guide Inspired by Japan’s December 8 Earthquake: Stay Safe and Enjoy a Peaceful Christmas Season

Tsunami warning issued in Japan after 7.6 magnitude quake
ABC News

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:15 p.m. JST on December 8. Hachinohe City recorded a maximum seismic intensity of Upper 6 on Japan’s scale, and tsunami warnings and advisories were issued across wide areas along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Following the quake, the agency also issued a notice titled “Warning for Potential Follow-Up Earthquakes in Hokkaido and the Sanriku Region.” This alert indicates that the likelihood of another significant earthquake has temporarily increased compared with normal periods.

Seven prefectures are included in this advisory: Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Chiba. People living in these areas are encouraged to review their daily emergency preparations and be ready for special disaster-response actions over the next week.

Even if you live outside Japan, this event serves as an important reminder that preparedness saves lives. The following guidelines, based on Japan’s disaster readiness practices, can help anyone in the world strengthen their emergency preparedness.

🔧 1. Check Your Emergency Supplies and Disaster Kit

Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked and up to date.

Recommended items:

• Drinking water: About 3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days
• Food: Ready-to-eat meals, canned foods, energy bars, biscuits, or emergency rations for a minimum of 3 days per person
• Portable gas stove or camping stove
• Emergency batteries, LED lanterns, flashlights
• Cash: Small bills and coins, roughly the equivalent of 20,000 yen
• First-aid and hygiene supplies such as masks, alcohol wipes, sanitizer, bandages, thermometer, menstrual products, and other essentials

Replace any food or water nearing expiration.

⛽ 2. Keep Your Vehicle Fueled

If your gas tank is less than half full, consider refueling.

During major emergencies, fuel supplies may be limited because priority is given to emergency vehicles.

🏠 3. Prepare Your Home for Earthquake Shaking

• Secure large furniture to walls
• Avoid placing heavy items on high shelves
• Keep sleeping areas, doorways, and entrances clear of objects that could fall or block your exit

🗺️ 4. Know Your Evacuation Routes and Safe Locations

• Identify evacuation centers in your area
• Use hazard maps to locate high ground and designated tsunami evacuation buildings
• Make sure you know how to reach these locations quickly

📱 5. Plan Communication Methods for Emergencies

Phones and the internet may become unavailable or overloaded during disasters.

• Establish communication plans with family, relatives, and coworkers
• Decide on meeting points and backup methods of contacting each other
• Consider using apps that offer offline messaging features

❄️ 6. Prepare for Winter Conditions

Imagine living without electricity, gas, water, or internet during an emergency. Since it is winter, cold temperatures can become dangerous quickly.

• Keep warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags ready
• Storing extra warm gear in your car may also help

🎄 Stay Prepared and Stay Calm This Christmas Season

No one wishes for disasters to happen, especially during the holidays. However, having the right knowledge and supplies helps you stay calm and protect those you care about. As Christmas approaches, may you stay safe, warm, and prepared wherever you are in the world.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and secure holiday season.