Temper said:
Living in Japan earthquakes are a very real threat.
Hi Temper, I've pasted below a posting from BFC member Ouchicutmyself based on his experiences in the Kobe earthquake.
I concur on the importance of having a sturdy angled crowbar (not the flat-stock Wonder Bars) in your kit. IMHO it would be in the 18"-36" size range, depending on how conveniently you can carry its weight and length. It could be used to breach semi-stuck doors, smash windows, etc on your way out of a building.
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Begin quote by ouchicutmyself
Very interesting group here. This is my first post to this group but I feel I need to address a few things. Im also speaking from experience when it comes to urban survival/catastrophes. I live in Kobe, Japan, and lived there January 17th, 1995 when the big earthquake hit. I lived next to the expressway that fell over, dug people out of homes that collapsed, tried to figure out what was going on (I didnt speak Japanese at the time) and even carried my dead friend on the front door of her house.
First rule when preparing your kit (DO NOT expect the government or emergency agencies to respond quickly!) In Japan, it was notoriously slow. It took a week before food, water, or any help at all came. The Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) used speed boats to bring in food, water and supplies to SHARE with the people the DAY the quake hit. I wouldnt count on this either. By the way, they gave it away and didnt sell it at an inflated price!
A good prybar is a must. Your knife wont do it. Even a large heavy bladed knife wont substitute for a good prybar, axe, or hatchet.
A hand operated chain saw. These are small and cut very well. It is essentially a modified chainsaw chain with handles.
Water, water, water, and more water. You can go a surprising long time without food, but dehydration can set in fast especially considering that most people walk around a bit dehydrated to start with.
For flashlights, get a Sure Fire. I carry an E1, a 6P, and have a 9P at home. The batteries in lithium flashlights have a shelf life of 10 years, are not effected by cold, are small and easy to carry. You will need a BRIGHT light. If you want to test this, go out into the woods on a moonless night and try making your way for awhile. In a major quake, you have phone/power lines hanging at neck level, a dangerous footing and you need to see farther than your feet. A mini maglight is horrible in this situation. It does not give nearly enough light to make your way through a city that has been effectively destroyed.
Sure Fire sells a battery pack with led that is a good backup for batteries and will give a very small amount of light for days. I recommend it.
Gloves. Have a good pair of leather work gloves that you have previously broken in. You wouldnt go walking around without shoes on in an emergency so why would you leave your hands unprotected?
Knife. A small folding, one hand opening knife is ideal. Must have a lockable blade. An insulated handle is also a must for cutting any live wires, so some Spyderco models are out. Be careful that the metal liners in the knife handle are completely covered by the outside plastic/rubber etc. Absolutely carry a sharpening stone. Practice sharpening BEFORE you are in an emergency and need to. Practice on the knife you carry. Honing your cutlery at home and sharpening a dinged and worn knife in the field are not the same thing.
One last thing, I do believe that the every man for himself idea is utterly selfish. I gave away several items in the Kobe quake. I even gave my only camping stove to a family I pulled out of their house and I expected nothing in return. They needed it. They had children, I didnt.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you
or your loved ones. How would you feel if your wife or family died because someone refused to share with them? Yes, my wife had problems with this (she wasnt my wife at the time and I didnt even know her then) but some people refused to share food with her. I consider these people sub-human.
You will not survive without the help of others. If you are trapped in a building and cant get out as the fires are coming (I was there, I saw it) and people leave because they think its too dangerous to help you
you die. You will need others help.
Lastly, does your wife, parents, children carry the same things as you? Probably not. What would someones help be worth to you for them helping your family in an emergency?
Enough ranting. Be prepared yourself, and be prepared to help others, you may need their help as well.
D. Thorpe
Kobe, Japan
End quote by ouchicutmyself
).
(For those who've not had the exquisite pleasure of riding one of those, think "human sardine can" times about 20.)