When many think of a plan of action, it is most likely that only Haiti would come to mind, seeing as it fairs worse in the event of an earthquake than Japan does. However, this high level of Japanese advancement can be looked at so as to give a good example of how a plan of action or protocol, if you like, should look.
As mentioned in other parts of this website, Japan is ranked as the best country with how earthquakes are dealt with. One of the aspects of dealing with these occurrences is how the general public react when an earthquake strikes. After Japan was hit on the 17th of January, 1995 in Kobe, where 80% of the 6,400 people killed died from debris crushing them (McCurry, 2011), it became evident that a protocol involving safe movement was necessary.
As mentioned in other parts of this website, Japan is ranked as the best country with how earthquakes are dealt with. One of the aspects of dealing with these occurrences is how the general public react when an earthquake strikes. After Japan was hit on the 17th of January, 1995 in Kobe, where 80% of the 6,400 people killed died from debris crushing them (McCurry, 2011), it became evident that a protocol involving safe movement was necessary.
Left: A bridge in Kobe turned on its side (Available at: http://www.globalconversation.org/2011/03/29/kobe-earthquake-1995)
Right: The remains of destroyed buildings and homes in Kobe (Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/8383643/Worlds-most-expensive-natural-disasters-in-pictures.html?image=2)
As a result, Japan has various protocols (which are often similar, but differ depending on the structure or people involved). When a student, for example finds themselves in an earthquake while in a classroom, they instinctively know to place a padded cover (which is kept on the premises) on their heads. They then hide under the nearest desk for protection from possible debris. Once the students are allowed to exit the building, they are moved in an orderly fashion to a meeting spot while wearing hard hats. All schools also practice their earthquake drills monthly. People in houses open their doors at the first sign of a tremor, so that an escape is easiest if needed. Earthquake simulation machines are also used in order to teach the students what it feels like to be in an earthquake (Foster, 2011) (McCurry, 2011).
Earthquake emergency kits are present in all office buildings, as well as many homes across Japan, and contain dry rations, drinking water and basic medical supplies, along with hard hats and gloves (Foster, 2011). The kits also include small radios which become connected to a broadcast of information concerning the situation. Television and radio signals are also tuned in to an official broadcast (McCurry, 2011).
Right: The remains of destroyed buildings and homes in Kobe (Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/8383643/Worlds-most-expensive-natural-disasters-in-pictures.html?image=2)
As a result, Japan has various protocols (which are often similar, but differ depending on the structure or people involved). When a student, for example finds themselves in an earthquake while in a classroom, they instinctively know to place a padded cover (which is kept on the premises) on their heads. They then hide under the nearest desk for protection from possible debris. Once the students are allowed to exit the building, they are moved in an orderly fashion to a meeting spot while wearing hard hats. All schools also practice their earthquake drills monthly. People in houses open their doors at the first sign of a tremor, so that an escape is easiest if needed. Earthquake simulation machines are also used in order to teach the students what it feels like to be in an earthquake (Foster, 2011) (McCurry, 2011).
Earthquake emergency kits are present in all office buildings, as well as many homes across Japan, and contain dry rations, drinking water and basic medical supplies, along with hard hats and gloves (Foster, 2011). The kits also include small radios which become connected to a broadcast of information concerning the situation. Television and radio signals are also tuned in to an official broadcast (McCurry, 2011).
Left: A typical earthquake kit (Available at: http://www.geographypods.com/earthquakes--volcanoes.html)
Right: School children hiding under desks as part of a drill (Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8734690/Japan-holds-annual-earthquake-drill-first-since-March-disaster.html)
As for the architectural perspective, the Kobe earthquake caused Japan to tighten laws about the design of structures, so that they sway during a quake, but do not collapse. Another way to prevent a collapse which Japan used was to place the foundations deep within the ground, so the building doesn’t topple over as easily. Giant shock absorbers have also been used to take the force of the earthquake, which not only prevents the building from collapsing, but in some cases prevents any damage from occurring (Foster, 2011).
Right: School children hiding under desks as part of a drill (Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8734690/Japan-holds-annual-earthquake-drill-first-since-March-disaster.html)
As for the architectural perspective, the Kobe earthquake caused Japan to tighten laws about the design of structures, so that they sway during a quake, but do not collapse. Another way to prevent a collapse which Japan used was to place the foundations deep within the ground, so the building doesn’t topple over as easily. Giant shock absorbers have also been used to take the force of the earthquake, which not only prevents the building from collapsing, but in some cases prevents any damage from occurring (Foster, 2011).