Do you know what you should never do during disasters in Japan? This article covers 20 absolute “don’ts” during emergencies like earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. Based on the latest information from Japanese disaster prevention agencies (2024-2025), we’ll explain why each action is dangerous in an easy-to-understand way.
In disaster-prone Japan, you never know when something might happen. But with the right knowledge, you can protect your life. Rather than just knowing “what to do,” understanding “what NOT to do” helps you make proper decisions even in panic situations. Please read until the end and share this with your loved ones!
Top 20 Things You Should NEVER Do During Disasters in Japan
Important: This article is created based on the latest guidelines (2024-2025) from Japanese disaster prevention agencies to keep foreign residents safe. Let's understand why each action is dangerous and be prepared for emergencies!
1. Running outside during earthquake shaking
Why dangerous: Most injuries occur from falling debris. Japanese buildings have strict earthquake resistance standards, making indoors safer than outdoors.
2. Using elevators during disasters
Why dangerous: High risk of entrapment due to power failures or mechanical problems. During fires, elevators can fill with smoke.
3. Going to the shore to watch tsunamis
Why dangerous: Tsunamis travel at 700km/h (deep water) to 35km/h (shallow water), making it impossible to outrun them.
4. Waiting for tsunami warnings before evacuating
Why dangerous: Warnings may be delayed. The rule is to evacuate immediately after feeling strong shaking near the coast.
5. Driving through flooded roads
Why dangerous: Even 30cm of water can sweep away small cars, and 45-60cm endangers large vehicles. Many vehicle accidents occurred during the 2018 Western Japan floods.
6. Ignoring evacuation orders
Why dangerous: Alert Level 4 means "all evacuate," and Level 5 makes evacuation difficult. Early evacuation saves lives.
7. Going outside during typhoons
Why dangerous: Winds can exceed 200km/h, turning debris into deadly projectiles. At 50km/h, it's difficult to stand upright.
8. Not extinguishing flames during earthquakes
Why dangerous: Post-earthquake fires are the most dangerous secondary disaster. Most deaths in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake were from fires.
9. Using electricity after earthquakes without checking for gas leaks
Why dangerous: Risk of explosion from gas leaks and electrical sparks. Check for gas leaks and turn off the main gas valve before using electricity.
10. Returning to dangerous areas too soon
Why dangerous: Ongoing risks from aftershocks, secondary tsunami waves, and building collapses. Wait for official safety confirmation.
11. Spreading unverified information on social media
Why dangerous: 250,000 false posts spread during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, hampering rescue operations and causing unnecessary confusion.
12. Relying solely on non-official information sources
Why dangerous: Risk of dangerous decisions based on misinformation or outdated information. Check official sources like JMA and Cabinet Office Disaster Prevention.
13. Not participating in community disaster drills
Why dangerous: Without knowing evacuation routes and procedures, you cannot take appropriate action during actual disasters. Community cooperation is crucial.
14. Not securing outdoor objects before typhoons
Why dangerous: Flowerpots, signs, bicycles, and other objects become deadly projectiles that can injure others.
15. Approaching rivers and waterways during heavy rain
Why dangerous: Risk of being swept away by sudden flooding. Even normally small streams can become torrents.
16. Going underground during heavy rain
Why dangerous: Basements and subway entrances can flood rapidly. About 70% of Tokyo's subway lines have flooding risks.
17. Not having adequate emergency supplies
Why dangerous: You need to survive independently for 72 hours. Keep water, food, medicine, batteries, and radio on hand.
18. Ignoring volcanic alert levels
Why dangerous: Level 3 restricts mountain access, Levels 4-5 require evacuation. The 2014 Mount Ontake eruption killed 63 people.
19. Going outside during the "eye" of a typhoon
Why dangerous: The eye creates temporary calm, but stronger winds follow. Stay indoors until the typhoon completely passes.
20. Not registering properly at evacuation centers
Why dangerous: Hinders safety confirmation and supply distribution. If there are language barriers, seek multilingual support.
Emergency Resources
- Safety Tips App: Disaster information app available in 15 languages
- NHK WORLD-JAPAN: Multilingual news and emergency information
- Disaster Message Board: Safety confirmation for family and friends
- Emergency Numbers: Police 110, Fire/Ambulance 119
- Tokyo English Police Helpline: 03-3501-0110 (24 hours)
- Tourist Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24-hour multilingual support)
