いざ地震どうする？覚え方はドロップ・カバー・ホールドオン

緊急地震速報が流れたら、また地震の揺れを感じたら、とっさに何をすればいいのでしょうか。
大切なのは「慌てず落ち着いてすぐに身の安全を守る」ことです。
そして、できる範囲で危険の少ない場所に動くことです。
アメリカ発祥の便利な覚え方があります。

What should you do when an earthquake alert sounds or the ground starts to shake?
Above all else, stay calm and protect yourself.
Then move to as safe a place as you can.
We recommend memorizing this technique from the US.

「Drop（ドロップ／まず低く）」
「Cover（カバー／頭を守り）」
「Hold on（ホールド・オン／動かない）」

みなさん、覚えましたか？これならすぐにできますよね。ではもう少し詳しくご紹介します。

“Drop! Cover! Hold on!”
It’s so simple, anyone can remember it. Let’s go over each step in detail.

Drop(ドロップ／まず低く)

姿勢を低くしたほうが重心が低くなり転倒するのを防ぐことができます。

First, “drop” to your hands and knees to keep from falling over.

Cover(カバー／頭を守る)

上から落ちてくるもの倒れてくるものに注意して体、特に頭や腹を守ります。
学校では「だんごむしのポーズ」とも呼ばれています。

Next, “cover” your head, neck and abdomen, and watch out for falling objects.
This is called the “turtle pose.”

頑丈な机がある時は机の対角線上の脚を持って姿勢を低くします。
机が揺れによって動くのを防ぐためです。

Get under a nearby table or other sturdy furniture. 
Stay down and hold on to opposing legs.
This keeps the furniture from moving.

机がなければヘルメットをかぶるのが理想ですが、ない場合は座布団や枕で頭を守り体全体でお腹を守りましょう。頭やお腹にケガを負うと動けなくなるためです。
通勤中や登校中であればカバンやランドセルなどを使います。子供がいる場合は大人が体を覆ってください。

A helmet is best if there’s no furniture, but covering your head and neck with a cushion or pillow will do.
Stay in the turtle pose to protect your abdomen.
You won’t be able to evacuate if your head or abdomen are injured.
When going to work or school you can use a bag or backpack.

Hold on（ホールド・オン／動かない）

揺れがおさまるのをじっと待ちます。次にどのような行動をとるべきか考えながら待ちましょう。
強い揺れが数十秒も続くようであれば津波が来ることを心配しなければなりません。
すぐに避難を始めるための心の準備をして下さい。

Finally, “hold on” in place until the shaking stops.
Think about what you’ll do next while you wait.
If the shaking is strong and lasts over ten seconds, you’ll need to worry about the risk of a tsunami.
Get mentally ready to evacuate immediately to higher ground.

When the Ground Starts to Shake

This is part of a series of useful tips for when disaster strikes.
Today’s topic is “What should you do in an earthquake?”

What should you do when an earthquake alert sounds or the ground starts to shake?
Above all else, stay calm and protect yourself.
Then move to as safe a place as you can.
We recommend memorizing this technique from the US. 

“Drop! Cover! Hold on!”

It’s so simple, anyone can remember it.
Let’s go over each step in detail.

First, “drop” to your hands and knees to keep from falling over.
Next, “cover” your head, neck and abdomen, and watch out for falling objects.
This is called the “turtle pose.”
Get under a nearby table or other sturdy furniture.
Stay down and hold on to opposing legs.
This keeps the furniture from moving.
A helmet is best if there’s no furniture, but covering your head and neck with a cushion or pillow will do.
Stay in the turtle pose to protect your abdomen.
You won’t be able to evacuate if your head or abdomen are injured.
When going to work or school you can use a bag or backpack.
Adults should shield children with their bodies.
Finally, “hold on” in place until the shaking stops.
Think about what you’ll do next while you wait.
If the shaking is strong and lasts over ten seconds, you’ll need to worry about the risk of a tsunami.
Get mentally ready to evacuate immediately to higher ground.

Today you learned how to try to protect yourself from earthquakes.
Remember to “Drop! Cover! Hold on!” when the ground starts shaking.
Start preparing today! Even the littlest thing could save your life.