Japan experiences many earthquakes, and Futako-Tamagawa is no exception. If a major disaster occurs, knowing how to prepare and how to act is crucial. This guide will help foreign residents understand the basic emergency shelters, actions to take after a disaster, and important pre-disaster preparations, including the self-defense fire training at Tamagawa Christian Church on May 11, 2025.
1. What to Do During an Earthquake
① Immediate Actions
- Protect yourself – Get under a desk or table, cover your head, and stay away from windows or furniture that may fall.
- Turn off heat sources – Switch off gas stoves and electrical devices to prevent fires.
- Secure an exit – Open a door to ensure a clear escape route.
- Check for updates – Use a radio or smartphone to get disaster information.
② Decide Whether to Evacuate
- If your home is safe, stay inside until the shaking stops.
- If the building is damaged, move to an emergency shelter.
- If there is a tsunami risk, evacuate to higher ground immediately.
2. Emergency Shelters in Futako-Tamagawa
There are designated evacuation sites in case of disasters:
① Temporary Gathering Points (Immediate Waiting Areas)
- Futako-Tamagawa Higashi Park (Tamagawa 1-15-1)
- Futako-Tamagawa Park (Tamagawa 1-16-1)
- Suwa Shrine (Tamagawa 3-26)
- Futako-Tamagawa Elementary School (Tamagawa 4-6-1)
② Large Evacuation Areas (Safe Zones for Fire Hazards)
- Tamagawa Riverbank & Futako Bridge Area
- Setagaya City Futako-Tamagawa Park (Located across Tamagawa and Seta neighborhoods)
③ Designated Emergency Shelters (For Long-Term Evacuation)
- Futako-Tamagawa Elementary School (Tamagawa 1-4)
- Seta Elementary School (Seta 1-5)
- Seta Junior High School (Seta 2-5)
For official details, check the Setagaya City Disaster Prevention Website.
3. What to Do After an Earthquake
① Confirm Safety of Family & Friends
- Contact loved ones via LINE, social media, or Japan’s disaster message service 171.
- Communicate with neighbors and offer help where needed.
② Secure Basic Needs
- Find food and water – Check which stores remain open.
- Follow shelter rules – Bring necessary items and respect shelter guidelines.
③ Stay Updated with Reliable Information
- Check Setagaya City’s disaster updates.
- Use radio or smartphones for news updates.
4. Preparing for Disasters Before They Happen
① Emergency Kit Checklist
Prepare essential supplies to survive for at least 3 days:
- Drinking water
- Emergency food (canned goods, crackers, dried meals)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Basic first-aid kit
- Warm clothing and rain gear
② Join Self-Defense Fire Training at Tamagawa Christian Church
Tamagawa Christian Church provides self-defense fire training to help residents stay prepared. Training includes:
- Checking evacuation routes
- How to use a fire extinguisher
- Basic first aid techniques
- Disaster response teamwork
Next training: May 11, 2025 (Sunday) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Tamagawa Christian Church
Location: Tamagawa Christian Church Hall
More details: Tamagawa Christian Church Disaster Preparedness Page
Joining this training will help you respond calmly and efficiently in a real emergency. Consider participating to strengthen your disaster preparedness skills and work together with the community.
5. Summary
If an earthquake occurs in Futako-Tamagawa, remember these key steps:
- Protect yourself and check reliable information.
- Evacuate if necessary, and move to designated shelters.
- After the disaster, confirm family safety and secure essential supplies.
- Prepare in advance with emergency kits and join disaster training.
Reducing disaster-related anxiety starts with planning ahead and knowing how to act. Make sure you are ready and confident when an emergency happens!