How do employees stay safe during earthquakes and disasters in Japan?

As part of our commitment to the safety and well-being of all employees, Horizons has prepared a comprehensive Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Guide specifically for team members based in Japan. This guide outlines clear steps to take before, during, and after a major earthquake or disaster.

We encourage all employees to review this information thoroughly and retain a copy of the attached PDF in an accessible location. This will be particularly useful if access to electricity or the internet becomes unavailable during an emergency.

A) What Should Employees Do to Prepare Before an Earthquake or Disaster?

A) 地震や災害の前に準備しておくこと

1. Identify Nearby Evacuation Sites | 避難場所の確認
   Use your local city or ward office website to search for:

   • “evacuation site”

   • “[Ward Name] + Shelter” (例: “Shibuya-ku Shelter”)
     例: 渋谷区避難所情報

2. Check Local Hazard Maps | ハザードマップの確認
   Identify regional risks such as landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction.
   全国のハザードマップ（地すべり、津波、液状化）はこちら：
   Disaster Information Portal 

3. Back Up Important Data | 重要データのバックアップ
   Store important personal and work-related files in cloud storage or on external drives.

4. Prepare an Emergency Kit | 非常持ち出し袋の準備
   Pack at least 3 days’ worth of supplies, including:

   • Drinking water (2L per person per day) | 飲料水（1人あたり1日2L）

   • Non-perishable food | 保存食

   • First aid kit and daily medications | 応急手当キット、常備薬

   • Flashlight and batteries | 懐中電灯と予備の電池

   • Emergency blanket, warm clothing | 防寒具、毛布

   • Radio (battery or hand-crank) | ラジオ（電池式または手回し）

   • Masks, gloves, wet wipes | マスク、手袋、ウェットティッシュ

   • Spare glasses or contact lenses | 予備のメガネ・コンタクト

   • Helmet or protective hood | ヘルメット・防災頭巾

   • Power bank or portable charger | モバイルバッテリー

   • Passport/ID copies and some cash | 身分証明書のコピー、現金

5. Secure the Home Environment | 自宅を安全に整える

   • Anchor tall furniture to walls | 家具を壁に固定

   • Store heavy items on lower shelves | 重い物は低い棚に

6. Create a Family Safety Plan | 家族との連絡・避難計画

   • Decide how to communicate (email, messaging apps, Disaster Message Dial)

   • Agree on a meeting point if separated

7. Install Disaster and Alert Apps | 災害情報アプリのインストール

   • NHK World Japan

   • Japan Tourism Agency – Safety Tips

   • Tokyo Bosai App

B) What Should Employees Do During an Earthquake or Disaster?

B) 地震・災害発生時の行動

If Indoors | 屋内にいる場合

• Take cover under sturdy furniture | 丈夫なテーブルや机の下に隠れる

• Stay away from windows and tall furniture | 窓や家具から離れる

• Do not use elevators | エレベーターは使わない

• Turn off gas and electricity if safe to do so | ガス・電気のブレーカーを安全に止める

• Wait for shaking to stop before moving | 揺れが収まるまで移動しない

• Bring emergency kit if evacuating | 避難時は非常持ち出し袋を持参

If Outdoors | 屋外にいる場合

• Protect your head from falling objects | 頭を守る

• Move to an open area like a park or schoolyard | 公園や広場などの開けた場所へ

• Stay away from buildings and utility poles | 建物や電柱、壁に近づかない

• Watch out for broken glass and debris | 割れたガラスや瓦礫に注意

If Driving | 運転中の場合

• Gradually slow down and pull over to the side | 徐々に減速して左側に停車

• Do not brake suddenly | 急ブレーキを避ける

• Turn on hazard lights | ハザードランプを点灯

• Stay in the vehicle until shaking stops | 揺れが止まるまで車内に留まる

• If evacuation is needed, leave the car unlocked with keys inside | 鍵を車内に置いてロックしない

If Using Public Transport | 公共交通機関を利用中の場合

• Hold onto handrails or straps | つり革や手すりをつかむ

• Follow the instructions of staff | 係員の指示に従う

• Be prepared for sudden stops | 急停止に備える

If Evacuating to a Shelter | 避難所に避難する場合

• Evacuate only if instructed or if your building is unsafe | 指示がある場合または建物が危険な場合に避難

• Walk to avoid road congestion | 徒歩で避難

• Bring your emergency kit | 非常持ち出し袋を持っていく

• Watch for aftershocks, fires, and secondary disasters | 余震・火災・土砂災害などに注意

• Follow shelter rules and maintain hygiene | 避難所のルールを守り、衛生管理を行う

C) How Can Employees Locate a Shelter?

C) 避難所の探し方

• Search for “避難所 (hinanjo)” on Google Maps

• Ask local residents or city officials | 近隣住民や役所職員に確認

D) What Should Employees Do After an Earthquake or Disaster?

D) 地震・災害発生後の対応

Stay Informed

• NHK World Live Broadcast

• Japan Meteorological Agency

Report Your Safety to Horizons
Please provide:

• Full name

• Condition of yourself and family (injuries, illnesses)

• Your current location

• How to reach you

Contact Your Embassy if Needed
If you are an expat, keep your embassy’s emergency contact information accessible and reach out if necessary.

E) What Is Disaster Message Dial 171 and How Is It Used?

E) 災害用伝言ダイヤル（171）の使い方

When mobile networks are congested, this free voice messaging service helps employees check in with family or friends.

Usage Instructions:

1. Dial 171

2. Press:

   • 1 to record a message | 録音

   • 2 to listen to a message | 再生

3. Enter recipient’s phone number (include area code)

4. Record or listen to a 30-second message

Note: Service available only within Japan. Trial days are the 1st and 15th of each month.

F) What Resources Are Available for Non-Japanese Residents?

F) 外国籍社員向け支援情報

• Immigration Services Agency Disaster Portal

• Tokyo Multilingual Disaster Information

• Red Cross First Aid Guidelines

Tokyo Multilingual Support Center
03-5285-8181 (9:00–17:00)

G) Final Reminders

G) 最後の確認事項

• Practice earthquake drills regularly at home and in the workplace | 定期的に地震避難訓練を実施

• Refresh emergency kits every 6 months | 非常持ち出し袋の中身を半年ごとに点検

• Stay calm, preparation saves lives | 落ち着いて行動を。備えが命を守ります

H) How Can Employees Update Their Emergency Contact Information?

H) 緊急連絡先の更新方法

To ensure we can contact you or your designated emergency contact quickly in the event of a disaster, please take a few minutes to update your personal and emergency contact information on the Horizons platform.