How Has Japan Mitigated the Effects of Earthquakes & Tsunamis?
In order to help mitigate the dreadful effects of earthquakes and tsunamis, Japan has put in many regulation and procedures so that the effects will hopefully be less devastating. Because collapsing buildings are the biggest single cause of death during earthquakes, many building regulations have been put in place. The buildings in Japan have to have deep foundations and shock absorbers to reduce the energy of the seismic waves. Some buildings have even been built to be able to move semi independently which reduces the shaking of the building and hopefully stops it from crumbling to the ground. The buildings also have to be built with extra strong concrete, reinforced frameworks and strengthened material.
Japan also has many procedures in case an earthquake does occur. After an earthquake, all radio and TV. channels turn to official coverage. This allows people to be warned of any dangers or whether a tsunami may be coming and gives them time to get away from the dangers. All offices and schools have procedures that they practice monthly to familiarise the people who work or study there with what they have to do in the event of an earthquake. They also have hard-hats or safety hoods and gloves for those who are there to try and stop any debris from injuring them. The police, fire service, hospitals and armed forces all have plans for what they need to do when an earthquake occurs. All public buildings and many private homes have emergency kits which consist of dry rations, drinking water, first aid kit, tools such as shovels, screwdrivers, pliers, rope and plastic sheeting and items for safety and comfort such as blankets, radios, tents, candles, matches and toilet paper.
Japan also monitor seismic activity and have an Earthquake Early-Warning System (EEWS) which gives people around a 30 second warning. This gives enough time for factories to shut down equipment, people to get to safer places such as open areas or under a desk (if they don't have a lot of time) and for vehicles to stop.
Japan also has many procedures in case an earthquake does occur. After an earthquake, all radio and TV. channels turn to official coverage. This allows people to be warned of any dangers or whether a tsunami may be coming and gives them time to get away from the dangers. All offices and schools have procedures that they practice monthly to familiarise the people who work or study there with what they have to do in the event of an earthquake. They also have hard-hats or safety hoods and gloves for those who are there to try and stop any debris from injuring them. The police, fire service, hospitals and armed forces all have plans for what they need to do when an earthquake occurs. All public buildings and many private homes have emergency kits which consist of dry rations, drinking water, first aid kit, tools such as shovels, screwdrivers, pliers, rope and plastic sheeting and items for safety and comfort such as blankets, radios, tents, candles, matches and toilet paper.
Japan also monitor seismic activity and have an Earthquake Early-Warning System (EEWS) which gives people around a 30 second warning. This gives enough time for factories to shut down equipment, people to get to safer places such as open areas or under a desk (if they don't have a lot of time) and for vehicles to stop.