Directions for prevention (24) Pay attention to kitchen appliances and dishes

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　In the event of an earthquake, the kitchen is full of dangers.

　Pay particular attention to falling and tipping electrical appliances. In February 2021, during the earthquake off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, which recorded a maximum intensity of 6+, an electric kettle filled with water fell off a shelf at the home in Sendai City where a person was living at the time. It's scary to think what would happen if there was boiling water in it.

　If the shaking is large enough, it is said that the microwave oven can “fly”. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, there were also cases of refrigerators falling over. Use commercially available earthquake-resistant mats and fall prevention belts to secure heavy appliances.

　Broken and scattered dishes can lead to injury and make it difficult to evacuate quickly. To prevent cupboard doors from opening, secure them with earthquake-resistant latches or stoppers that lock when the cupboard is shaking.

　Turn off the stove only after the shaking has stopped. There is also a function that automatically shuts off the gas supply when a strong earthquake is detected. Do not panic and prioritize actions to protect yourself.