1. Abnormal Groundwater
Well water is precious; precursors arrive early.
Water turns murky without rain; wells overflow during drought.
Water levels fluctuate greatly, bubbling and churning.
Some change color, others change taste.
2. Animal Anomalies:Animals show signs before an earthquake; close monitoring is crucial.
Mules, horses, cattle, and sheep refuse to enter pens; ducks stay out of water, dogs bark wildly.
Rats flee and move away; pigeons take flight and don’t return to their nests.
Snakes emerge from their holes in icy weather; fish leap frantically on the water’s surface.
3. Earthquake Lights and Sounds:Earthquake lights and sounds are bright flashes and noises emitted from underground or the ground before or during an earthquake, serving as important foreshocks.
Moments before the quake, a sudden roar, earth sounds loud, earth lights flash.
When the big quake is imminent, act decisively and evacuate quickly.
10 Things to Know When an Earthquake Occurs
1. For your own and your family’s safety, take cover under sturdy furniture such as a table
The major shaking lasts about one minute. Your first priority should be your own and your family’s safety. First, take shelter under a low, solid table and hold onto the table legs tightly. If no table or shelter is available, use cushions or similar items to protect your head at all costs.
2. Turn off the gas immediately during shaking; extinguish fires immediately if they occur
During a major earthquake, you may not be able to rely on fire trucks to put out fires. Therefore, our individual efforts to turn off and extinguish flames are crucial factors in minimizing earthquake damage. To prevent fires from escalating, it is extremely important for family members and neighbors to help each other and act quickly to extinguish fires in the early stages.
There are three opportunities to turn off the gas during an earthquake:
First opportunity: During the small tremors before the major shaking. The moment you feel the minor shaking, immediately shout to others: “Earthquake ! Turn off the gas!” and shut down heaters, gas stoves, etc., that are in use.
Second opportunity: When the major shaking stops. Trying to turn off the gas during strong shaking is dangerous, as items like kettles on the stove may fall. After the major shaking subsides, shout again: “Turn off the gas ! Turn off the gas !” and proceed to do so.
Third opportunity: After a fire has started. Even if a fire breaks out, it can often still be extinguished within 1–2 minutes. To enable quick fire suppression, keep fire extinguishers and fire buckets near areas where fire is used.
3. Do Not Panic and Run Outdoors
After an earthquake, running outside in a panic is dangerous, as falling glass, roof tiles, billboards, etc., may strike you. In addition, prefabricated concrete walls and vending machines may collapse — do not go near these objects.
4. Open Doors and Ensure Exits
In buildings made of reinforced concrete, shaking may cause doors and windows to become misaligned and stuck. There have been cases where people were trapped inside. Please open doors and ensure exits. Plan in advance how to escape if you are trapped indoors, and prepare ladders, ropes, etc.
5. In outdoor situations, protect your head and stay away from dangerous areas.
When the ground shakes violently and it becomes difficult to stand, people instinctively look for something to hold onto or grab. Nearby pillars or walls often become the objects of choice. However, these seemingly sturdy structures can actually be dangerous.
During the 1987 offshore earthquake in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, many injuries and fatalities occurred due to the collapse of prefabricated concrete walls and pillars. Be sure to avoid taking shelter near such structures.
In busy streets or urban areas, the greatest dangers include falling glass windows and signboards. Protect your head with your hands or a handbag. Additionally, be cautious of vending machines that may topple over. In building-heavy areas, seeking shelter inside a building may be safer depending on the situation.
6. Follow the instructions of staff in department stores or theaters
In crowded places such as department stores or underground malls, the most frightening scenario is chaos. Please follow the instructions of store clerks or security personnel. Regarding earthquakes, underground malls are said to be relatively safe. Even if the power goes out, emergency lighting will come on immediately—stay calm and act accordingly. In the event of a fire, smoke will quickly fill the area. Evacuate while keeping your body low and under no circumstances smoke.
Do not use elevators during an earthquake or fire. If you happen to be in an elevator when an earthquake strikes, press all the floor buttons on the control panel. Once the elevator stops, exit quickly and move to safety after confirming it is secure. Elevators in high-rise buildings and modern structures are equipped with control mechanisms that automatically stop them at the nearest floor during an earthquake. If you become trapped in an elevator, use the dedicated phone inside to contact the management room for help.
7. Pull over to the side of the road and do not drive in restricted zones
During a major earthquake, it may feel as though your car’s tires have gone flat, making it hard to steer and drive. Be sure to avoid intersections and pull over to the side of the road. To avoid obstructing evacuation routes and emergency vehicles, keep the center of the road clear.
Most roads in urban city centers will be completely closed to traffic. Pay close attention to radio broadcasts, and if police are nearby, follow their instructions. If evacuation is necessary, keep your car windows closed, leave the keys in the ignition, and do not lock the doors to avoid being trapped. Act in coordination with local residents to avoid getting caught in fires.
8. Be mindful of landslides, falling rocks from cliffs, or tsunamis
In mountainous areas or steep slopes, there is a risk of landslides or falling rocks from cliffs. Quickly evacuate to a safe location. Along the coast, there is a danger of tsunamis. If you sense an earthquake or receive a tsunami warning, pay attention to information from radios, televisions, and other sources, and evacuate to a safe place immediately.
9. Evacuate on foot and carry only the minimum essentials
When fires caused by earthquakes spread and pose risks to life and safety, evacuation measures should be taken. In principle, evacuation should be carried out on foot, led by community disaster prevention organizations, neighborhood groups, or officials such as police, with only essential items. Absolutely do not use cars or bicycles for evacuation. For those evacuating with medical needs, cooperation from local residents is indispensable. It is important to discuss evacuation plans with neighbors in advance.
10. Do not believe rumors or act rashly
During a major earthquake, people are prone to emotional distress. To prevent chaos, it is crucial for everyone to act calmly based on accurate information. Obtain correct information through radios or other devices you have. Trust information directly from government, police, fire department, and other official disaster prevention agencies. Never believe irresponsible rumors, and avoid acting impulsively.