Japan's Military Base #1 Largest Community Emergency Open Discussions

Being Prepared, Informed, Ready For Typhoon Season

Adam Jones — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:04:21 GMT

Being Prepared, Informed, Ready For Typhoon Season
By Naoko Izumi Bibb, Seahawk Contributor

In Japan, the typhoon season runs from May to November, with the peak storm season for the local area occuring in September and October. In a typical year, the Yokosuka area could be threatened by 8 to 10 typhoons, though not all those storms pass over the immediate area and they vary in strength. Service members and families are advised to be prepared for potential weather emergencies.

To fully prepare, create one or more emergency kits that include enough supplies for at least three days, according to Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC). There are six basic items that should be included: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and items for medical conditions. Have one gallon of water per person, per day and non-perishable food.

Local maps, a family emergency plan and an all-hazards weather radio enable residents to respond to an emergency more quickly. Other essentials are dust masks, personal sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, according to the CNIC Web site.

Keep the items in an easy-to carry container and place them in an area where they are easily accessible in the event of an emergency, according to the American Red Cross. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Make sure every member of the family knows where the kit is. It is important to regularly evaluate the kit and its relevance to the threats in the area. Throw away and replace any expired or damaged medications, food or water.

There are four TCCOR levels and five other advisories. The highest level is TCCOR I with a threat of destructive winds of 50 knots or greater within 12 hours. TCCOR I advises residents to move fragile items away from all windows or cover them with plastic and tape windows. TCCOR II warns of destructive winds of 50 knots or greater within 24 hours. TCCOR III anticipates the same destructive winds within 48 hours, and TCCOR IV predicts destructive winds within 72 hours. Once TCCOR IV is declared, each command is responsible for completing a checklist to ensure that all relevant personnel are notified. TCCOR All Clear indicates that a threat of severe weather is over.

Tropical cyclones are more commonly called typhoons in the Pacific Ocean. Local weather information can be found via the Commander Fleet Activities website at www.cnic.navy.mil/yokosuka, or by tuning in the base informational channel 15. Additionally, updates can be found at https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.php. Updates can be obtained every six hours at this website for all typhoons in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

Also, the city of Yokosuka offers a disaster information e-mail service to deliver updated emergency weather information, such as storm and flood warning. The information can be sent directly to a personal computer or mobile phone.

The service is available in English and Japanese kanji and hiragana/katakana. To register and read the terms of use for the service, e-mail di-yokosuka-t@ktaiwork.jp for English instructions; bousai-yokosuka01-t@ktaiwork.jp for kanji; and bousai-yokosuka02-t@ktaiwork.jp for hiragana/katakana.

What to do in case of natural disaster or civil emergency

ThaiGuy — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:31:48 GMT

The Tokyo Metro Government (TMG) has created a website to help citizens & people living in Japan prepare for emergencies, along with tips on what to do in case of emergency. A big part of this was driven by the disaster of April 2011 when so many people were stranded & couldn't use public transportation to get home.

The site is in Japanese & English. Read all about it here:

http://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html

Are we all safe from radiation?

japanesespeaking — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 03:14:05 GMT

We know we are all back from evacuation, but are we really safe from current situation (radiation)? Does Yokosuka base have radiation measure here daily? The summer break is coming, kids are all about going outside, just want to make sure we are having a safe environment ...

Tropical Storm Prapiroon - TCCOR 4!( Okinawa )

JB Staff — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:12:50 GMT

TCCOR 4!

Tropical Storm Prapiroon, the Thai God of Pretty Darned Strong Wind and Occasional Heavy Showers has cleared Okinawa. Unless this wispy convective mess decides to make a crazy 180 degree turn - like it's done five times in the last two days - we should be fine. Go have yourself some coconut prapiroons.

Stormy Out

Typhoon Jelawat Takes Out AFN Okinawa Antenna TV Signal

JB Staff — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:44:41 GMT

Typically this doesn't look like a taco...

Are you wondering why there's no AFN TV signal? Well here's the answer... Typhoon Jelawat has decided to make a taco out of one of our satellite dish. We are working to get a backup dish online, we appreciate your patience. --GySgt Griffin

We don't usually aim this dish at the ground...

Are you wondering why there's no AFN TV signal? Well here's the answer... Typhoon Jelawat has decided to make a taco out of one of our satellite dish. We are working to get a backup dish online, we appreciate your patience. --GySgt Griffin

Typhoons are extremely dangers... A car could roll on top of you!

JB Staff — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:46:57 GMT

Here's another reason to stay inside during these storms... Remember, you need to stay indoors during TCCOR-1C, 1E and 1R...

There could be extreme dangers present... or a car could roll on top of you. Thanks to whoever took this photo... As you can see, this photo was taken from inside their house, no one should go outside. --GySgt Griffin

Photo from AFN Okinawa

Commissary patrons advised to stock up for emergencies

JB Staff — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 01:01:13 GMT

Commissary patrons advised to stock up for emergencies
By Jessica Newby, DeCA public affairs

Two employees restock paper products at the Yokosuka Commissary. All stores in Japan operated regular hours after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, even though some locations experienced rolling blackouts and operated for short periods using generator power.
Photo by Defense Commissary Agency

FORT LEE, Va. – This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, which slammed into South Florida Aug. 24, 1992, devastating Homestead, Florida City and parts of Miami before it crossed the Gulf of Mexico to strike the Louisiana coastline. It’s a sober reminder that your commissary wants to help make sure you are prepared for any disaster.
Disaster preparedness can help improve your odds for survival, and the Defense Commissary Agency and its industry partners are working together to offer items needed for severe weather survival kits at low prices, said DeCA Director of Sales Chris Burns.

“Andrew’s anniversary drives home the point that everyone should be prepared,” Burns said. “Your commissary can help you do that. We’ve got lots of items to stock up your survival kit.”

Since April 1, canned chicken, powdered milk, batteries, weather-ready flashlights, all-weather tape, first aid kits, lighters, matches, candles and hand sanitizer have been reduced in price as part of DeCA’s severe weather promotional package that runs until Oct. 31.

The package coincides with the prime times for both tornado and hurricane seasons in the United States. Tornado season runs from April to July. The National Weather reports that 2011 was a record breaking year; it was the second most active year in recent memory, with a total of 1,690. April 2011 has the greatest monthly total of tornadoes in modern record keeping with 758. April also holds the record for the greatest number of tornadoes on one day – April 27 – with 200.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 and includes the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a less-active season this year versus other years. Predictions from the NOAA call for a 70 percent chance for about nine to 15 named storms, four to eight of which could become hurricanes; and one to three are expected to be major hurricanes. These predictions do not include which hurricanes will make landfall, because it’s not possible to plot landfall weeks or months ahead of a storm, the NOAA website said.
“Although the NOAA is calling for a less-active hurricane season, it still pays to be prepared,” Burns said. “All of our customers – no matter where they are – should be prepared for any disaster. The commissary can supply our customers with what they need to survive.”

Emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola,
peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation,two-week supply for home)

• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper

• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheet, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener

• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription drugs

• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap

• Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks

• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes

• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags

• Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Duct tape, scissors

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Maps of the area

• Blankets or sleeping bags

DeCA recommends that customers take advantage of their commissary benefit and its average savings of 30 percent or more to stock up on emergency items that can sustain them during a crisis.

For more information about the 2012 hurricane season or on ways to prepare for emergencies, visit the following websites: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml; the Centers for Disease Control, http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/prepare.asp; the Red Cross, http://www.redcrosslv.org/disaster/materials.html; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, http://www.fema.gov .

Where, in Yokosuka, to purchase a Gas Power Generator?

Frank — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:05:07 GMT

In preparing an emergency kit, I thought it may be important to purchase a Gas Power Generator. Have yet to see one on base, although I haven't really invested a lot of time looking. Does anyone know off-hand where, on or off base, one could purchase a generator?

One day, this could prove to be a good investment.

Thanks in advance!

Hazardous Substance Found at 3 Water Plants in Saitama, Chiba

JB Staff — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:03:52 GMT

Hazardous Substance Found at 3 Water Plants in Saitama, Chiba

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Saitama Prefecture said Friday night it has halted water intake and supply at one of its filtration plants after hazardous formaldehyde exceeding limits was detected in tap water there, while neighboring Chiba Prefecture said it has stopped water intake at two plants after detecting the substance.

The water at the plants was taken from the Tone River and one of its branches, the Edo River, the prefectural governments said.

According to the Saitama prefectural government, more than twice the amount of formaldehyde permitted under national water quality standards was detected in water at its plant in the city of Gyoda.

On Saturday morning, however, the Saitama government said it resumed water intake and supply at the plant after the figures for the substance dropped and remained stably below the standard set by the central government.

The Chiba prefectural government said Friday it has stopped intake at its plants in the cities of Noda and Nagareyama. Early Saturday, it also halted water intake at another plant in the city of Matsudo.

The local governments are now examining the water quality upstream of the Tone River with cooperation from Gunma Prefecture, where the upstream water is located, to identify the source of the contamination, they said.

Formaldehyde could be generated by a combination of organic substances included in the drainage from chemical plants and chlorine, according to the governments.

Source: http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20120519p2g00m0dm048000c.html

CFAY Disaster Preparedness Handbook

JB Staff — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:37:29 GMT

CFAY Disaster Preparedness Handbook

Important Contacts:

Emergency Number (on base) 911
Off Base 046-816-0911
Ambulance (off base) Negishi 045-216-0911
American Red Cross 243-7490/5291
After Hours and Weekends 225-2536/3740
Emergency Number (off base) 119
Naval Facilities Trouble Desk (for damages) 115
Jeff Lindaman, Emergency Management Officer. 243-1714

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - A BASIC GUIDE TO BEING PREPARED FOR A DISASTER
Yokosuka Emergency Management Office
Mr. Jeff Lindaman, EMO

Useful Disaster Preparedness Websites

FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready
http://www.ready.gov

TCCOR Info
http://www.cfay.navy.mil
(JMA) Japanese Meteorological Agency
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

English Language Websites

Yokosuka City
http://www.city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp/0140/english/index.html

Yokohoma City
http://www.city.yokohoma.lg.jp.cache.yimg.jp/en/

Tokyo City
http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/

US Embassy
http://www.japan.usembassy.gov/

CNIC
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/yokosuka/index.html

Ready Gov
http://www.ready.gov/

Family Readiness

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) Forms

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/OperationsAndManagement/
EmergencyManagement/index.htm

Housing Evacuation Site Maps
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/HousingAndLodging/
FamilyandUnaccompaniedHousing/HousingforFamilies/PrivateRentals/CNICP_A286377

Natural Disasters in Japan

General Information

Japan has a total of 6,852 islands extending along the pacific coast. 73% of the
Japanese landscape is not fit for residential or agricultural use due to being forested
and mountainous. It has the worlds tenth largest population of 127 million
people. These two factors lead to approximately a third of the United
States total population living in an area the size of a quarter of California. This
makes the need for the public to be well prepared of utmost importance, and
for us as guests in this country to be as prepared as we can as well.

There is a myriad of disasters that happen in Japan. This guide covers an overview of:

* Earthquakes
* Tsunamis
* Volcanic eruptions
* Typhoons
* Flooding/Mudslides
* Snow

This guide will also discuss general response options that may be executed in the event of a disaster

* Shelter-In-Place
* Safe Havens
* Mass Shelter
* Mass Notification System/Computer Desktop Notification System(CDNS)
* Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO)

Get a Kit

When disaster strikes emergency responders have to attend to the most
critical needs first, and may not be able to get to an area until it is deemed
safe. Thought an emergency worker’s duties are to the entire community,
it is your responsibility to ensure your family’s well being in a time of crisis.
The best way for you to do this is to build an emergency kit to sustain
you for 72 hours. A list of what should be in an emergency kit is provided
in the back of this handbook.

Make a Plan

Consider all of the possibilities when developing your family plan. Think
about all of the places you might be when disaster may hit and the range
of severity for each emergency. Building a family communications plan
will be helpful in any case.

* Ensure everyone understands the plan and PRACTICE it.
* Consider what to do, where to go and what to take.
* Plan for members with disabilities or special needs (babies requiring
baby food, a member who cannot lift heavy objects, etc.).
* Include your pets in your plan.
* Report status of family members through the sponsors command or
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS).
* Identify a CONUS/OCONUS point of contact, especially when a
family member is deployed. After a disaster, it is often easier to call
long distance.

Stay Informed

Dangerous situations can happen anywhere at any time, so always try to
familiarize yourself with the spectrum of possible dangers. In Japan, the
most likely and severe are earthquakes, tropical cyclones, and pandemics.
Living abroad presents you and your family with additional challenges if
you don’t speak the local language so being prepared is even more important.
Know your local evacuation centers. Know your emergency numbers.

Emergency Management Department

Emergency Kits

Your disaster preparedness kits should include two parts. An Evacuation Kit that you can
carry with you that is ready to go on short notice and a Stockpile Kit that can sustain you
for longer in your home if necessary.

Evacuation Checklist

Stockpile Checklist

NEO

Noncombatant Evacuation Operation

Offers advanced planning and preparation on the part of all evacuees.
Reasons for NEO
Armed conflict, natural disaster, civil disorder, pandemic event, orderly withdrawal
of forces, early return of dependents
Who may be ordered to evacuate
USG civilian employees and dependents (stateside hire), Military personnel
designated as non-combatants, US armed forces dependents
Who may be authorized to evacuate
USG civilian employees and dependents (local hire), Private US citizens, designated
aliens as prescribed by DoS

The Process.

NEO authority may authorize the use of ships or aircraft to move noncombatants evacuees (NCEs)
You should prepare your family for several days of possible layovers
Your unit’s NEO coordinator will be your point of contact in times of crisis or emergency.

What to include in your NEO package:

* Alien Registration card
* Birth Certificates
* DD Form 1337 (Military)
* DD Form 2461 (DOD Civilians)
* DOD Form 2585
* Financial Records (Latest LES)
* Household goods inventory DD Form 1701
* Insurance Policies
* Vehicle Registration/Titles
* Marriage Certificates
* Naturalization Certificates
* Other information documents
* Paperwork (tax files, school certificates)
* Passport
* Power of Attorney
* International Phone Card Will's)

Earthquakes

Why does Japan get so many earthquakes?

Japan is located on what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire, essentially the area bordering the Pacific Ocean, and also the Pacific Plate. Over 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur on the Ring of Fire.
Japan is located in a very unstable part of the earth’s crust. There are 4 major plates that meet around the island of Japan, and many more smaller plates in the area.
As many as 1,500 recorded earthquakes occur annually in Japan.

Earthquake Early Warning System

Due to the large number of earthquakes in Japan, the Government of Japan has gone to great lengths to get as timely and accurate of a warning of upcoming earthquakes to the public. Early warnings will appear via Japanese Television and audible warnings that are located in
every Japanese city or town.
Also AU, smart-phones, and Docomo phones can be activated to give an audible alarm.

Living in an earthquake-prone area

When living in Japan it is important to ensure that you and your family are ready
to react when the ground starts shaking. Make sure you have a plan for yourself
and your family. Conduct earthquake drills with your children. Most earthquakes
in Japan you will barely feel, but it is important to be prepared for any situation..

Earthquake Preparedness

Here are some things that you can do to prepare your home for an earthquake ahead of
time.

Staying In Touch

Mass Notification

There are a number of ways that CFAY can notify personnel during an emergency.

“Giant Voice” (a loudspeaker broadcast system for the installation)
Information Control Points (community centers, bulletin boards, etc.)
AFN channels Commanders 15 and Weather 16
Twitter/Facebook
CDNS (a desktop pop-up on One-Net, emails, and text messages to registered users)

Mass Shelter/Shelter-In-Place

In the event that there is a large amount of damage to the surrounding area, it may become
necessary to offer Mass Shelter on this installation. There are a number of places that can
be allocated as Mass Shelter areas. The primary shelter is the Fleet Recreation Center, with
Purdy Gym and the Fleet Theatre as alternates. However in the event that the need arises
for mass sheltering, guidance will be given at the time on where to go and how to proceed.
A shelter-in-place order can be given in situations where it is more dangerous to be outside
than in your home. Some situations would be extreme weather, events, or in preparation
for evacuation. In this case you would stay in your residence ,and rely on your emergency
kit, and await further instructions.

Useful Japanese/English in Disasters

Earthquake Preparedness

When you are outside of your home:

Snow

Though assessed as a minor risk for the area it is important to keep some things in mind
during a snow storm with >2 inches of snow.
Driving conditions may be reduced, but road clearance will begin as soon as possible. If you are not used to driving in snow, reduce driving to a minimum.
Non-essential personnel will be released from duties, this may result in closures of some facilities on base.
Remember to dress warm, there is an increased risk of hypothermia. Wear layers, a windproof/ waterproof outer shell, and long underwear underneath your clothes.
If living in a house, snow removal is easier if you do it early before the snow becomes packed down. Put salt on the sidewalks. Remember that shoveling if physically strenuous work. If you are not prepared, shoveling may cause sweating from over-exertion and can lead to chill and hypothermia. If you begin to sweat, take a break, and change into some dry clothing.
In the event of school delay/closure, notification will begin by 0400 or deemed necessary,
via AFN, Twitter and Facebook.

Flooding/Mudslides

Flooding and mudslides are usually triggered by heavy rain.
As such, it is reasonably easy to determine when there may be an enhanced risk of flooding or mudslides. When the Japanese government knows that it is something to be cautious of, they will put out a loudspeaker broadcast about the hazard. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Tropical Cyclones

Your children at school

Your childrens’ safety is of the utmost importance. As such, the school systems have a number of pre-planned responses to all emergency situations while school is in session.
In the event of an earthquake the schools will assume that there is threat of a tsunami and respond accordingly. All child care workers are trained in the basic response to a disaster, and will lead your children in the proper response.
In the event of an evacuation, supervisors all have emergency backpacks that they will take with them that include a snack for the kids, and all of their emergency contact information.
Notice will be left on the doors to the facility evacuated with the location where they evacuated to along with a phone point of contact.
The pre-planned evacuation sights are: (SAC-School Age Care, TYC-Teen and Youth Club, Yokosuka, CDC-Child Development Center)
Sullivans school basketball courts (SAC)
Purdy Gym (SAC, TYC)
The top of “Weather Hill” behind the exchange (SAC, TYC)
4th floor of Yonban Tower, Bara Heights, Ume Heights, CDC building 3rd floor (CDC)

Ikego
Playground outside of the building (SAC, TYC)
Ikego CDC (SAC)
Field #2 above the track (SAC, TYC, CDC)
Field #4 and #5 directly in front of the main gate (TYC)

Negishi
Parking lot of NEX/Commissary (TYC)
Negishi Community Center (SAC, CDC)
Area directly outside of facility (TYC, SAC)

Volcanoes

There are 108 active volcanoes in Japan, though not many in the Yokosuka area.
The closest one is Mt Fuji. Fuji is considered to be an active volcano, and as such we should be aware of volcano warnings and actions to be taken during those warnings.
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with access and functional needs. If you are unable to evacuate, and in order to protect yourself from falling ash, you should remain indoors with doors, windows and ventilation closed until the ash settles. Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing. Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening .
However, you should listen to Eagle 810 Radio, watch Ch15, or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are caused by an earthquake that happens on the ocean floor. When the ocean floor moves suddenly, an extremely large amount of water shifts suddenly, creating a ripple effect that is similar to dropping a pebble into a puddle. This creates a series of waves that may be dangerous or destructive. They do not occur as a giant wall of water as commonly depicted.
What can I do to be ready for a Tsunami?
Tsunamis are extremely fast-moving, which limits the time you have to react. Advanced planning is required to save you and your family reaction time in case of a tsunami warning.
Taking the following steps will help you and your family mitigate the risk associated with living in a tsunami prone region:

* Know the height above sea-level of your home.
* Know the location and how to get to the nearest tsunami evacuation zone.
* Plan evacuation routes for you and your family, you should be able to get there in 15 minutes or less.
* The single most important thing if there is a tsunami in your area is to get you and your family to higher ground as soon as possible.
* Stay away from rivers and streams that feed the ocean
* If you are on the beach or near the ocean and you feel a large earthquake, start moving.
* Do not wait for a warning to be issued as it could only be a few minutes before the tsunami strikes land.

Tropical Cyclones

A tropical cyclone, or typhoon, is defined as an area with low atmospheric pressure in the
northwest Pacific Ocean with winds matching or exceeding 17 m/s are known as “slowonset”
disasters because there is time to track them and prepare for them before they
occur.
* Tropical Cyclone season runs from June to November
* The military uses Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR, “tee-core&rdquo to track the timing of landfall of a tropical cyclone. The table on the following page illustrates what each TCCOR means. When TCCOR is set, you will want to make sure that you have secured all loose items outside of your home.
* Do an inventory of your emergency kit and replace any soon to expire items
* Reviewed your plan with your family, and ensure you all know what to do in case of power outages, downed power lines, fallen trees, broken windows, etc.

What is a typhoon?

A typhoon is defined as an area with low atmospheric
pressure in the northwest Pacific Ocean
with winds matching or exceeding 17 m/s.

CFAY Disaster Preparedness In Japan – Doing Your Part

JB Staff — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:20:19 GMT

Disaster preparedness in Japan – doing your part
By Paul Long, CFAY Public Affairs

So you’re a spouse, civilian or family member relatively new to Japan or you lived through the Fukushima disaster in March and weren’t quite prepared for a catastrophe of that magnitude.

Now you’re facing another mother nature randomly created event, no evacuation is called for, and you have to hunker down and ride out the storm or the shakes of the quake. What do you do and where do you go for information?

“Being ready for a disaster begins with preparation. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters,” said Commnader Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs Officer Michelle Stewart.

“Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado. They should be ready to evacuate their homes and take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for their basic medical needs.”

People also can reduce the impact of disasters (securing items that could shake loose in an earthquake) and sometimes avoid the danger completely.

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.

“You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your area - hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme cold, flooding, or terrorism,” said Stewart.

To assist in preparedness plan there are several links listed below.

Command’s official webpage:

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/index.htm//

This site has documentation for Noncombatant Evacuations (NEO) and general family preparedness plans listed in the popular links section.

Command’s official Facebook page: Facebook;

http://www.facebook.com/cfayokosuka.

Real time/updated community information Federal Emergency Management Agency website:

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready

American Red Cross:

www.redcross.org.

This site has checklists for earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and other disasters.

These links can assist you prepare for disasters. On the base, both the American Red Cross and Navy Exchange provide information on obtaining and preparing kits for use when bad weather strikes. I recently picked up a NEX Typhoon Preparedness Program flyer inside the Autoport myself.

“Because we live in a country prone to earthquakes, typhoons and tsunami’s it’s essential for every family to have a family plan. This plan should include but not limited to a list of important contact numbers, the location of previously assembled important papers and documents, photographs and an inventory of your belongings, should have a disaster plan,” said Stewart. “Utilize the template location on the command website to personalize it to your own unique situation.

Then practice the plan with you family. Know what to do, where to go, and how long it takes to get there when bad weather or an earthquake hits.”

On base, your sponsor’s command is the first place to start. Stay put and await official word from your sponsor’s command. Watch the base access channel (15) or listen to Eagle 810 A.M. radio. The most up-to-date information will be posted on official command/Facebook pages as soon as possible after the information is made available.

Off base, you can use the on base sites as well. Dependent upon where you live, get to know your neighborhood association. They have disaster drills and can show you where to go in the event of an emergency. Each neighborhood also have an assigned evacuation site – find out where that is. Contact the city hall where you live, many have English speaking personnel who can assist you.

You should also find, bookmark, and get familiar with your city’s English language website. For Yokosuka, it is

http://www.city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp/0140/english/index.html; for Yokohama:

http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp.cache.yimg.jp/en/; for Tokyo http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/.

Family members who aren’t American citizens are encouraged to contact their countries embassy for more information about their specific countries policies during a disaster. The U.S. Embassy’s site in Tokyo is:

http://japan.usembassy.gov/. According to Daniel Rourke, CFAY’s Housing personnel support manager, off base residents should locate and participate in their neighborhood associations.

“I reside in Yokosuka’s Maborikaigan area with my family. When I first moved here, an elderly Japanese man from the neighborhood association spoke to me, in English, and gave me some information (in English) about the neighborhood and participating in disaster drills.” Rouke said.

Every command has an ombudsman, an official source for command information. They are one of the first people contacted with official information when a disaster occurs. Every command should also have a NEO coordinator.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike to seek this person out and get information.

Write down the phone numbers below, tack them to the refrigerator, and program them into your cell phone. They can provide you with English language disaster information.

Yokosuka International Association: 046-827-2166;

Yokosuka City International Relations Division: 046-822-8138;

Yokohama City Call Center: 045-222-1209;

U.S. Tokyo: 03-3224-5000;

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL): 03-5774-0992.

TELL is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping all foreigners living in Japan.

“Knowing your environment is the first step to being empowered,” said Stewart.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility – are you doing your part?”

Severe typhoon-like winds Tuesday Apr 3rd warning!!!

toraenglish — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:12:27 GMT

My wife, some of you may recall her hysteria over "the radiation", just called from Niigata, where she and the boys are visiting their grandparents and great-grandmother.
Anyway she told me that NHK just announced a severe weather alert for Tuesday afternoon, April 3rd. I searched the Internet and found this
http://yokosonews.com/news/20120403-spring-storm/

[Weather Alert] Japan may experience typhoon-class spring storm tomorrow

JMA officials gave the warning that people should go home early tomorrow especially Hokuriku, Tokyo, Kanto and Tohoku area.

Be safe!!!

Up-To Date Emergency Data Vital For Family Readiness

JB Staff — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:50:53 GMT

Up-To Date Emergency Data Vital For Family Readiness
By MC1 (AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

“Sailors can take a great deal of stress off their family by making sure someone knows their final wishes.” Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dana Swope, leading petty officer and licensed mortician, Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Off-duty accidents and illnesses were among the leading causes of death for Sailors in calendar year 2011, said a Navy official March 9.

“As service members, we usually remember to update our emergency data prior to a deployment or individual augmentee assignment,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Dana Swope, leading petty officer and licensed mortician, Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs. “Non-combat related incidents such as car accidents, happen daily so we should get in the practice of verifying our records at a minimum of twice a year.”

Sailors must keep their Record of Emergency Data (DD form 93) and Dependency Application Record of Emergency Data (NAVPERS 1070/602 also known as your Page 2) updated with their primary and secondary next-of-kin upon marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or any other significant life changing event.

During a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify a person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) of the deceased.

“The PADD is the individual the Sailor appoints to oversee arrangements after their death and whom we will take our direction from in fulfilling the Sailor’s final wishes,” said Swope.

According to Swope, the Page 2 and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) forms are among the first documents the Navy will turn to in the event a Sailor is very seriously injured or dies.

“Unfortunately, we sometimes find out when we need to notify family members of injury or the death of a service member, that the information [in the Page 2 and SGLI] is outdated or incomplete which hampers the notification process,” said Swope. “Not maintaining up-to-date Page 2 information could delay notification to next-of-kin and the distribution of death benefits.”

Also, during a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify three people that they would desire to be bedside should they be injured and incapacitated. The Navy has a Bedside program that allows up to three family members to be present at an injured service member’s bedside should the injury be sufficient enough to warrant it.

While illness and death are not the most popular topics to discuss, Swope suggests
Sailors address the subject with their loved ones.

“Sailors can take a great deal of stress off their family by making sure someone knows their final wishes,” said Swope. “When a Sailor or Marine dies, a uniformed casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) is assigned to contact their family. CACO notifies the family of the death of their service member and they assist the family through the entire process.”

The CACO is assigned by a regional office under Commander, Naval Installations Command.
A Sailor’s designated beneficiary may receive multiple death benefits, i.e. death gratuity, SGLI, unpaid pay and allowances and possible survivor benefit entitlements of the service member.

Death gratuity is a benefit paid to beneficiarys designated by the Sailor at no cost to the Sailor. The total amount payable is $100,000, and Sailors may designate up to 10 people to receive it. The amount paid to a beneficiary is specified on the Sailor’s Page 2.

SGLI is a life insurance benefit that Sailors elect to purchase through payroll deduction. The coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to $400,000. The designated beneficiarys are identified on the Sailor’s SGLV 8286, SGLI Election and Certificate. Sailors should access their electronic service record in Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System and their Official Military Personnel Files to verify Page 2 data information regularly.

“We have seen firsthand how out-dated emergency data can delay notification of next-of-kin and even result in benefits being distributed to former spouses,” said Swope. “I encourage Sailors to review their records and keep them up-to-date.”

Contact the Personnel Support Detachment or personnel office if changes to beneficiary data are needed.
Maintaining personnel and service records is a key element of readiness, one of the five areas of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

For more information on death benefits, Sailors should contact the Navy Casualty Assistance office at 1-800-368-3202/901-874-2501/DSN 882-2501 or call the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center (CSC) at 1-866-827-5672, email CSCMailbox@navy.mil or visit NPC’s website at www.npc.navy.mil.

CFAY Off-Base Temporary emergency evacuation site maps

JB Staff — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:51:54 GMT

All Off-Base Temporary emergency evacuation site maps are available on the CFAY Website:

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Yokosuka/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/HousingAndLodging/FamilyandUnaccompaniedHousing/HousingforFamilies/PrivateRentals/CNICP_A286377

In the event your housing area is not listed please check the Wide Area Map or contact the Yokosuka Housing Office at YokosukaHousing@fe.navy.mil

Additionally, the maps will be included in our off-base housing listings for new arrivals, so that they will know where their temporary evacuation sites are located.

Earthquake in 10 seconds; what will you do?

ThaiGuy — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:10:45 GMT

This is a great question to talk about and rehearse with your family. In Japan, there is an early warning system that can give you a few seconds warning before an earthquake hits. That's the wrong time to start planning how to protect yourself & your loved ones; it's something all of us should prepare for now.

If you have an iPhone with iOS 5 installed, you have the Earthquake Early Warning System in your pocket. But you have to turn it on! Mine was turned off by default. On your iPhone, go to Settings, Notifications. Scroll to the bottom and turn on "Quake Alerts."

It's good to understand Japan's alert system, how it works, and its limitations. It's based on the fact that earthquakes consist of fast-moving, mild "P Waves" and slower, more destructive "S Waves." It's the S Waves that cause the damage. When the faster P Waves are detected by Japan's sensor network, they send out automated alerts by radio signal. Since these signals travel at the speed of light, they will arrive at distant locations several seconds ahead of the earthquake.

Unfortunately, this means if you are near the epicenter, you will have less warning, or maybe none at all. The more distant locations will have more advance warning.

Modern Japanese elevators are designed to stop at the nearest floor, and doors will automatically open. If this happens to you, get out! Trains are alerted to immediately stop. Particularly on high-speed bullet trains, this can save hundreds of lives in case of damage to the tracks. Schools, hospitals, factories & construction sites receive alerts. As well as iPhones in the affected area.

You can see an instructional video about this at http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/eew.html . Select the video with subtitles since some narration is English & some is Japanese.

Funny -- they say because of copyright considerations in the above video they cannot play the actual chime that you'll hear in an early warning. It's beyond me to understand why free license would not be given to play the chime in an instructional video, but all that aside you can hear the chime in this Japanese video: http://www.nhk.or.jp/bousai/movie/index.html I recommend you play it so you'll recognize the chime should it ever come up. It's a very pleasant & restful sound, like announcing your luggage is at Carousel 3. You'd think they'd choose some shrill, piercing sound that suggests the world as you know it is about to end, but I guess Japanese remain polite & serene even in the face of impending holocaust. You gotta admire that. :-)

Disaster website worth noting/bookmarking

Frank — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:04:54 GMT

I was referred to this website by a friend of mine. It covers different types of disasters all across the globe.

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php

I thought it was worth sharing, because Sharing is Caring.

Flurry of earthquakes Fuji-san now magnitude 5.5

toraenglish — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:10:48 GMT

A flurry of earthquakes now, January 28th near Fuji-san. The strongest was at 7:43 this morning.

There were six earthquakes in a 28 minute period 7:39-8:07 magnitudes: 3.3, 4.1, 2.7, 5.5, 4.1, 5.0

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_local_index.html

Click the map to zoom in

Log on to NFAAS as part of disaster preparedness

JB Staff — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:06:19 GMT

Log on to NFAAS as part of disaster preparedness
By Bruce Moody, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Fleet and Family Support

WASHINGTON - Sailors and Navy families are reminded to become familiar with the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) - and to update personal information now.

If a Navy community is evacuated because of a disaster, natural or otherwise, the Navy will use NFAAS to account for evacuated Sailors, Navy families and Department of Defense employees.

The Navy will also use NFAAS to find out if Sailors and families are okay, where they are and how to reach them if they need help. NFAAS is also used to manage and monitor their well-being and recovery process.

The Navy calls an area af fected by a disaster a geographic area of interest (GAOI). After a disaster, all Navy personnel and their families residing, deployed to or working within a GAOI are required to check in at the first available opportunity.

There are three options available to check in. Sailors can check in directly with their commands and provide their family’s status and whereabouts. This is the primary way to account.

Commands will then upload the information into NF AAS. If they unable to reach their command, Sailors can muster on NFAAS at https://navyfamily.navy.mil.

If unsuccessful, the third option is to account by phone through the Navy Emergency Coordination Center at 1-877-414-5358 or 1-866-827-5672 (TDD 1-866-297-1971).

Aft er mustering, it is equally important that Sailors complete a needs assessment in NFAAS if they are impacted by the event.

If a Sailor or Navy family need help following a declared disaster , the Navy has resources that can support them during the emergency. NFAAS has a user-friendly assessment tool to coordinate and prioritize disaster-related needs.

The system allows families to assess their needs in 19 categories including, medical, missing family locator, transportation, housing and personal property, financial, employment, child care, education, legal services, counseling and mortuary and funeral assistance.

Once disaster-related needs are identified, a case manager from a Fleet and Family Support Center is assigned.

The case manager will contact the Navy family member to assist them with support that ranges from the urgent to the informational.

Access to the assessment information is restricted. Details of the assessment will not be provided to anyone outside the case management team without the provider’s approval.

“This is the ideal time to log on,” said Pam McClelland, the Navy Family Emergency Response and Preparedness manager. “It’s calm; no flooding or winds. Nobody is stressed from having to evacuate their home. People can log on, have a look at the site and see where they’ll check in their family, where they’ll conduct their needs assessment. It’s also a good idea to see if their contact information needs updating.”

It is an official source of current storm information, and it is an official source of base evacuation announcements. The site also provides a significant amount of information about how to prepare for a disaster.

NFAAS was developed by Task Force Navy Family following the major hurricane season of 2005.

The task force identified the need for a single reporting system for Navy family members to inform the Navy regarding their status after a declared emergency or catastrophic event.

Daily Yomiuri-70% chance of big Tokyo earthquake 'within 4 yrs'

toraenglish — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:10:23 GMT

As I related in a post last week my wife has gone off the deep end-or has she?

For the past couple weeks she's been serenading my with predictions of a major earthquake in the Kanto region-that's in-between the radiation warbles.

Just imagine my shock this morning when I read the following on the front page of this morning's paper:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/T120123004717.htm

Here's what I wrote in last week's post:

My oh my! My wife read this thread (the 'survay' one) and exclaimed, "See, it's the radiation-I told you!" Of course, she tells me every day, no matter what happens, "See, it's the radiation-I told you!"

She is now convinced that a major earthquake will occur any second now and that the #4 reactor at Fukushima will cause a mass evacuation.

I have no peace anymore. We have 30 gallons of drinking water, a month's worth of food, wind-up lanterns that also charge cell phones, a portable stove with week's worth of propane canisters, a tent, 15 gallons of gasoline so we can get far enough away, and a $950 radiation detector.

I'm allergic to cell phones. My wife tells me I must have one in case of emergency. So, Tuesday, she gave me our 7 year old son's emergency phone that he takes while he walks to his elementary school in Hayama. (she bought him another) I put it in my pocket and accidently pulled the ring. I'm teaching, and the panic alarm starts blasting-my students lovin' it. I open it up and these "Help!!" messages are scrolling across the screen. I hear my wife's voice-the thing automatically dials her cell phone, giving GPS coordinates. All she can hear are kids going nuts and me trying to calm them down. "He's having a heart attack," she thinks.

I come home- "See, it's the radiation-I told you!"

I guess I should have started a new thread, so I'll try to get back on topic.

We were recently faced with the possibility of replacing our reliable Suzuki van. After a tiring day, at Ikego, I accidentally filled it with diesel instead of gasoline. Hey, it was really dark. My wife, "See, it's the radiation-I told you!"

My wife insisted that we would have to buy a new car-not used, maybe a Volvo since it's not made in Japan. She says that cars are being sold that were up in Fukushima and are contaminated with radiation. Luckily, the Suzuki recovered after a local mechanic was able to drain the tank and replace the fuel filter.

So, I am now convinced that all the drama generated by this thread is due to the ......................

Don't you hate it/love it when your spouse is 'always' right? No, I have not shown her this morning's paper. Tell the truth, would you?

What should we do to prepare for a tsunami?

toraenglish — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:58:30 GMT

Is anyone else concerned about what to do at Yokosuka base if another major earthquake occurs that generates a local tsunami? Some people feel that since we are sheltered by a bay that we do not need to be concerned.

However, there has been a flurry of earthquakes lately, 4.0 and above on the Japanese scale on this side of Chiba.
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/quake_local_index.html

A large earthquake from faults along the bay would give us very little time to respond.

I've expressed concerns for our students but our principal defers to the base for guidance.

This question was asked at the last town meeting.

Q: If an earthquake hit tomorrow and a tsunami does come our way, where are we supposed to go? We don’t have anyone telling us what to do.

A: "On the CFAY command website there is an Emergency Management tab, which has what actions to take on various emergencies.

Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit ready in case they have to evacuate so everyone is individually prepared as well.

We will work on providing more information."

I went to the CFAY command website, Emergency Management tab, but could find no instructions in the event of a tsunami.

We have not had a single tsunami evacuation drill in the 12 years I've been here. It's been over 8 years since we've had an earthquake drill at my school and those were done by individual teachers, not school-wide.

Our host nation constantly holds emergency drills for earthquakes and tsunamis. These drills have been credited with saving lives.

As the new school year approaches, I feel a somber responsibility for the safety of my students.

Who is working on "providing more information" and why is it taking so long to do what should have been done long ago?
What did we learn from the aftermath of the March disasters?