『Ensuring Indoor Safety』 The Option of Sheltering Without Going Outside

Today, we'll consider methods of sheltering during heavy rainfall, specifically the option of not going outside. In the case of short-term, rapid heavy downpours, which have been prominent in recent years,無理な (unreasonable/forced) outdoor movement can be fatal for the following reasons: - The disaster progresses faster than the time it takes to reach a shelter. - The evacuation route or designated shelter is in a low-lying or dangerous area. - Roads become submerged, or one might fall into irrigation ditches, etc. - Poor visibility makes movement difficult. When outdoor movement is dangerous like this, there's an effective option after confirming the safety of your current building, such as its height, seismic resistance, and ground stability. That option is 『Ensuring Indoor Safety』. Here are two main methods: ◎Vertical Evacuation: Move to a higher floor in preparation for flooding. ◎Indoor Retreat: Move to a room away from a cliff in preparation for landslides. Combining these, such as moving to a room on the second floor or higher and on the opposite side from a cliff, is also effective. However, the choice to stay put, while avoiding the risks of moving, also carries the risk of becoming isolated in the disaster area due to the stoppage of lifelines or delayed rescue. Therefore, please keep in mind that preparedness and early evacuation should always be prioritized, and remember this as one of the options during a disaster.