On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2012.3.12(Mon)/19:50～

                 Citizen’s Disaster Prevention Day

One year has passed since the 2011, March 11^th Higashi Nihon Daishinsai Earthquake Disaster, and over 7 years have passed since the level 6 intensity Fukuoka Prefecture Seihou Oki Earthquake struck on March 20^th, 2005. March 20^th is now Citizen’s Disaster Prevention day in Fukuoka. Every year on this day, government, local area groups and the citizens of Fukuoka all take part in activities to raise disaster prevention awareness and help to make Fukuoka safer in the event disasters.

No one knows where or when natural disasters, such as earthquakes or storm and flood damage, will occur, and so it is important to be well prepared before such troubles strike.

In the event of a major disaster, each of us should be able to provide for the safety of our families, ourselves and those around us before city and/or other assistance is able to arrive. Currently, in the 147 local subdivisions of Fukuoka City, individuals in each area organize into independent disaster prevention organizations. They work to make people aware of places in their neighborhoods that may present danger in the event of disasters, and offer training to foster disaster prevention skills. Please, take part in the activities in your area.

In addition, have your home prepared in advance. Know where evacuation centers such as elementary schools or community centers are in your area. Also, make a plan for how you will contact other members of your household in the event you become separated. You should also keep a 3-day supply of drinking water and food handy at all times, and be sure to change it periodically. And, being able to get current information is a must. Keep a portable radio and batteries ready in the case the electricity goes out.

There is a system providing emergency information in Fukuoka regarding weather, earthquake, tsunami, torrential rain, flood and evacuation news and warnings. It is available in Korean, Chinese and English. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the service by visiting the homepage at http://bousai.city.fukuoka.lg.jp.

There will also be a Citizen’s Disaster Prevention Day event at the Fukuoka Citizen’s Disaster Prevention Center, located in Momochihama in Sawara Ward on March 20^th. There, you will have the chance to experience the shaking caused by large earthquakes, and to enjoy a stamp rally and other attractions as well.

The event will run from 9:30 AM until 5 PM and admission is free of charge! Don’t miss it!

In particular, Fukuoka City is concerned that those living in Fukuoka who have come from abroad may not know what to do in the case of disasters such as earthquakes, and asks them to secure the safety of their lives and possessions by talking with neighbors and coordinating with family and local residents to prepare for disasters.

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