Restoration and rehabilitation operations in electricity supply

After the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake that destroyed the essential lifelines for the city system, the electricity supply stopped for 7 days. Mr. Ogawa explained to students about the electricity recovery operations which were joined in by all workers of Kansai Electricity Corp. and how they completed those emergency operations.

From his story, we can learn 5 key things that we can do when earthquakes occur.

1. In case you are inside a building

• When you feel the tremor, hide under a stable desk or table, and stay there at least for 1 minute. This is because the tremor usually stops within 1 minute.
• Keep away from collapsible furniture such as big bookshelves. You had better add metal fittings to fix the furniture in place, in advance.

2. After the earthquake

• Extinguish any fires and shut the gas cock.
• Unplug any electronic appliances that generate heat and turn the switches off.
• Keep drinking water in the bath tab and in a bucket.
• Open the doors and windows to keep the escape ways open.

3. If a fire breaks out

• Try to extinguish the fire and at the same time call the fire department.

4. Preparation for the power cut at night

• Prepare thick slippers in each bedroom.
• Equip the flashlights or penlights with batteries.

5. Advance preparation for escaping to safe shelters

• Decide on a meeting place in case of an emergency.
• Switch off the main electricity panel board.
• Put the necessities for an emergency into a rucksack.

Some examples of necessities for an emergency are as below : money (coins are some times very useful), a can opener, dried bread, canned dishes, spoons, water, emergency medicines and medical care stuff (Band-Aids, bandages and so on), batteries, a lighter, tissue paper, ropes, a portable radio, plastic bags, and a cellular phone.