Points to bear in mind in the event of a disaster
Earthquakes occur suddenly. If you feel strong shaking, or hear an announcement of an earthquake alert, take action in no hurry following the below.
Even if an large earthquake occurs while driving, don't reduce the speed suddenly because surrounding drivers may not know about the earthquake. While checking the surrounding conditions, get other drivers' attention by turning on the hazard lights. Avoid sudden braking in a hurry and reduce the speed gradually. Pull your car to a stop at the left side of the road in as safe a manner as possible.
Even after stopping the vehicle, it may be dangerous to get out of it in a hurry. Don't go out of the vehicle until the shaking stops and wait in the car. Collect information on the earthquake and traffic via the Internet etc.
If evacuating and leaving the vehicle, it is ideal to stop at a place out of the road. If you have to leave the vehicle on a road, stop it on the left side, stop the engine and apply the parking brake with the key.
If you feel strong shaking or long-term shaking, or even if you don't feel shaking, when you hear a Tsunami warning, move away from the coast as soon as possible and evacuate to as high a place as possible.
Evacuate to a higher place, not a further place.Tsunami advisory signs are installed in areas where there is a risk of a tsunami. Tsunami warning signs include a "Tsunami Advisory" sign to show a risk of a tsunami, and "Tsunami Evacuation Site" and "Tsunami Evacuation Building" signs. Check these signs when you are near the sea just in case. In addition, check the route for the nearest tsunami evacuation site, building, and high ground.
If you hear weather information on the danger of a typhoon or heavy rain, refrain from coming close to the dangerous places. If you feel danger or if an evacuation advisory is issued from the municipal government, evacuate immediately not in a hurry.
Inundation height and evacuation
The inundation height means the depth between the water surface and the ground when a place is inundated due to a flood or tsunami. The higher inundation height may be an obstacle of walking and vehicle travel, and it becomes difficult to evacuate.
Take action calmly even if you cannot open the door or door glass due to the water pressure, and you have no hammer. Although the water flows into the vehicle gradually, it is the best chance to go out of the vehicle when the difference of the water level between inside and outside become smaller. As the difference of water pressure becomes smaller, the water pressure against the door also becomes smaller, it is easy to open the door. Once you get stuck in a car, you will want to get out as soon as possible, but the vehicle won't sink easily. If you find a chance to open the door, push the door open with your foot with all your strength. Try to get out of the vehicle without missing the chance while waiting for the timing calmly.
