The first minute of shaking: three things to do
When the ground starts to shake, you have only seconds. You don’t need to remember much — three moves, then adapt to where you are.
The three moves
Drop
Get low before the shaking knocks you down. On your hands and knees you can still move.
Cover
Protect your head and neck. Get under a sturdy table if one is within a step or two; otherwise cover your head with your arms or a bag.
Hold on
Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Many injuries come from falling furniture and from moving while the ground is shaking.
When the Earthquake Early Warning sounds
Phones and TVs in Japan sound an alarm (Kinkyū Jishin Sokuhō) seconds before strong shaking arrives. Use those seconds: stop what you are doing, step away from windows and anything that could fall, and protect your head. The warning can come only moments before the shaking — or after it starts, if you are near the epicenter.
Where you are changes what you do
At home
Move away from shelves, TVs and windows. Don’t run outside — roof tiles and glass fall. Don’t rush to the stove: most gas meters in Japan shut off automatically at around intensity 5. Deal with any fire once the shaking stops.
In bed
Stay put and cover your head with a pillow. Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed in advance — the floor may be covered with broken glass.
In a high-rise
Shaking may be slow, large and long (long-period ground motion). Move away from windows; heavy furniture can slide. Don’t use elevators. If you are inside one, press every floor button and get out where it stops. If you are trapped, use the emergency call button and wait for help.
On a train or subway
Hold a strap or handrail firmly — trains brake suddenly. Don’t open doors or step onto the tracks. Follow the crew’s instructions.
Outdoors
Watch for falling glass, signs and roof tiles. Move away from concrete-block walls and vending machines. Protect your head with a bag and head for an open space.
Driving
Don’t brake suddenly. Turn on your hazard lights, slow down and pull over to the left. If you must leave the car, switch off the engine, leave the key inside, close the windows, keep the doors unlocked and take your documents with you.
By the sea
If you feel strong or long shaking, go to high ground immediately — don’t wait for a warning. Never go to look at the sea. Tsunamis come in several waves; stay up high until the warning is lifted.
In a shop
Move away from shelves and glass. Protect your head with a basket or bag. Don’t rush to the exits — crowds cause injuries.
Once the shaking stops
- Check yourself and the people around you for injuries.
- Put on shoes before walking anywhere.
- Check for fire. Small fires can be put out early; if it reaches the ceiling, get out.
- Open a door or window to secure an exit — frames can warp in aftershocks.
- Get information from official sources: JMA, NHK, your local government.
- Expect aftershocks. A later quake can be as strong as — or even stronger than — the first.
- If you evacuate, switch off the main breaker to prevent electrical fires when power returns, and leave a note saying where you went.
Sources
- Japan Meteorological Agency — Earthquake Early Warnings
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government — Disaster Preparedness Tokyo (“Tokyo Bousai”, 2023 revised edition)
- National Police Agency — What drivers should do in a major earthquake
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry — Automatic gas shut-off by micom meters
General guidance only. In an emergency, follow instructions from JMA, your local government and emergency services.