Earthquake / tsunami checklist

The major 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the northern east coast of Honshu, Japan today followed by the 10m tsunami has many of us shaken.

The following is a mini checklist at the top of my head (a mixture of earthquake and tsunami) and some that I have gathered off twitter minutes back.

(1) Google has set up a person finder as a response to this quake:
http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en

(2) Malaysians, if you are in Japan please inform the Malaysian Embassy that you are safe.

+81334763840

Encik Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid Minister Counsellor
Embassy of Malaysia
Mobile phone: +8190 9975 3122
Email: wayusri@kln.gov.my

Puan Rina Hanis Rodzli
First Secretary
Embassy of Malaysia
Mobile phone: +8180 3506 7636
Email: rina0377@kln.gov.my

Meanwhile the Malaysian Foreign Ministry has set up an operations room in Putrajaya to monitor the situation and to help Malaysians in Japan.

03 8887 4570

03 8887 4770

03 8889 2746

03 8889 2830

(3) Please avoid the coastal areas (tsunami alert has been issued) if you're from:
• Phillipines
• Taiwan
• Russia
• Papua New Guinea
• Hawaii
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Pacific coast of South America but does not include North America.
•• Sabah and Labuan (Malaysian Meteorological Department said that no tsunami alerts issued but you've been advised to stay away from coastal areas)

(4) Avoiding the coastal areas means:
• Stay off the beaches
• Stay out of the water including boating activities
• Do not go sightseeing
• Do not drive out to survey the damages (you're in possible danger and hampering rescue efforts if any)
• Tune in to the radio and/or TV for updates.
• Follow evacuation orders from your local council / civil defence authorities

(5) Survival kit for humans:
• At least 2 torchlights
• At least 2 battery operated radios for you to get updates
• Extra batteries (for the torchlights and the radio - important that you've sufficient batteries for the radio to run 24/7)
• Candles & lighter (or matches in waterproof containers)
• Fire extinguishers
• First Aid Kit
• Cash
• Tools for clearing debris and building shelter
• Disposable utensils such as cups, plates, forks, spoons, and knives
• Paper napkins or towels
• Drinking water for 5 days
• Non perishable food for 5 days
• Can opener
• Plastic bags (garbage)
• Zip-lock bags for food storage
• Change of clothing for each person (include raincoats)
• Sleeping bags / blankets / tents
• Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
• Sanitary supplies
• If you have infants then you'll need diapers and baby food
• Toys for children to keep them entertained / distracted
• Emergency contact numbers of your loved ones, doctors and local authorities

(6) Survival kit for pets:
• Pet carrier or cage
• Well-fitted collar, identification tag, and leash
• One-week’s supply of dry pet food
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Non-breakable water storage containers with 3 days supply of water
• Newspaper
• Plastic bags
• Cleansers and disinfectants
• Paper towels
• Special medication, if needed