declan_murphy@hotmail.com wrote:
> Spent a bit of time shopping for some new furniture on Saturday and got
> it all in place today. Did the usual thing with bookshelves and
> cabinets so they wouldn't fall over, then started thinking about maybe
> getting a few supplies. I've got a trapdoor in the kitchen floor where
> I usually keep bottled water, what else should be there? What sort of
> things do you store for emergencies??? Tinned food? Bottles of whiskey?

I'm new to the group - so forgive me if someone else's helped you out
with your question.  I've read the threads through, and I've lived in
Japan two separate times ('84-91 & 99-2002).  Earthquake experience
there and around Naples, Italy earlier in my life taught me a few
lessons.

Stores - bottled water, etc and the norms and staples like you've
mentioned in the other threads are good but not knowing your
nationality - you should be able to grab all your important passports,
etc, along with your wallet/purse in case of any heavier damage or
evacuation.  We were always told to keep a good chunk of cash around
too, in case the ATMs went out with the power (learned that one again
in New Orleans).

Most important and often overlooked - to have and discuss a rendezvous
plan with others living with you.  Count on phones (land lines &
mobile) not working - or too jammed to get calls through.  Advice we've
heard all our lives about hurricanes works pretty good for earthquakes.

I noticed some responses to you and thought I'd throw these points in :

    -getting in the doorway during the shake also helps protect your
head should something come down (the jambs are usually metal in the
larger Japanese buildings
    -someone mentioned weighing down shelves to keep stable.  That
might keep it stable during the everyday tremors - but I had heard and
believed this in Italy, and placed my heavy stereo speakers and larger
books on top of a tippy wardrobe....Wardrobe stayed up fine, but the
speakers came down and JUST missed my head.

Didn't mean to run on, and hope this helps.  Loved Japan very much, and
look forward to returning there with my work at any time.

V/R, duna