Yookoso! 28 Jan 2012. Yet again Japan feels the force of nature in the form of strong earthquakes.

This morning three consecutive tremors reminded Japan that disaster prevention is a must. And while its unknown if, where or when disasters may strike; being prepare is a known. Just a few days ago the Earthquake Research Institute of the University of Tokyo published a report on seismological activity in the archipelago of Japan. On it the ERI re-considers data released in 2011 by the Earthquake Research Promotion government agency that calculates the probability of a Magnitude 7 or higher earthquake occurring within 30 years. According to the new study a M7 or higher quake may occur within four years and, scary enough, it estimates the probability above 70%. The study gives also reasonable considerations that the epicentre maybe close to landas opposed to far in the oceanwhich will increase the risk of fatalities due to tsunamis, collapsed buildings and fire. The study also recommends that the dense populated cities, such as the capital, and surrounded areas prepare for a M7 shock and after shocks. In terms of disaster Japan is the most technically prepared country in the world, but disasters are difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint. And since I live in a dense populated city a review and remind of how to be prepare for a disaster was an obvious step. So please allow me to share with you these simple steps that for sure will increase your chances of scape unharmed from a disaster. Surely every government office of every country must promote these steps. 1.In case of an earthquake be ware of falling objects, walls, and glass. 2.Keep an extinguisher handy at all times. Check it periodically for faults and expiration, and if a fire brakes during an earthquake wait until the movement ends to extinguish it. By all means take precautions. 3.Be ware of cracking glass. Watch your step as you evacuate buildings for glass or debris that may hurt you. 4.Keep windows and doors free of object that may obstruct the way if you need to evacuate buildings. 5.If on the street, stay away from walls that may fall, street poles, or electric cables. Look around and find a safe place to wait for help. 6.Secure furniture from moving. This may sound difficult but it is les complicated

than you think. As much as you can wire heavy furniture to the walls so if an earthquakes occurs they may not fall on you. When possible use anti sliding rubber pads so the furniture wont move side ways either. If you need photos on how Japanese do this, I will happily send them to you. 7.Check regularly the structure of your home or building and be sure to follow safe building measures. Most local government offices can help on this. 8.Keep an emergency kit handy. This may include water, packaged food, first aid set, radio, batteries, etc. Also your local government office or the red cross may assist you on this. 9.And keep in mind that because of the disaster you maybe incommunicado. Stay calm, and above all be safe. You maybe thinking I know all this, but scientist consider that 80% of the fatalities occur because lack of preparations for what happens after a disaster. I repeat, 80% of deaths are caused by falling objects, fire, and panic. So under any disaster, try as much as possible to stay calm. Its true that staying calm maybe easier to say than done, but you must make and effort to protect yourself. Also in any disaster refrain from using elevators, evacuate buildings in an order way. If driving stop your car slowly checking that the car behind wont harm you. The person driving it may not be aware of the earthquake or disaster. And be sure to listen to the radio for instructions, and never enough repeated be safe. And remember, while its unknown if, where or when disasters may strike; being prepare is a known.