Disaster Preparedness in Sendai Rentals — A Practical Guide to Earthquake and Flood Mitigation and Evacuation Planning

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and Miyagi Prefecture, where Sendai is located, is one of particularly high earthquake risk areas. The memory of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake remains vivid even today, and living in Sendai means disaster preparedness is an unavoidable topic.

For foreign nationals living in rental housing, measures against earthquakes and floods may seem unrelated to them. However, with proper preparation and knowledge, you can greatly reduce damage during disasters. This article explains disaster prevention measures you can start today in Sendai rental properties in a concrete and practical manner.

Understanding Sendai's Disaster Risks

Sendai City's urban area spreads across the Sendai Plain facing the Pacific Ocean, and there is always a risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. The Miyagi-Oki earthquake is said to occur on a cycle of approximately 30–40 years, and preparedness for the next major earthquake is a shared priority for both government and citizens.

In addition to earthquakes, flooding risks from concentrated downpours have increased in recent years. Sendai City, located in the basins of the Hirose River and Natori River, faces the possibility of river flooding and interior flooding due to heavy rain. Understanding what kind of risks are present in the area where you live is the first step in disaster preparedness.

The "Hazard Map" published by Sendai City is a tool that allows you to check flood, landslide, and tsunami inundation areas on a map. It is available for free on the Sendai City website, and an English version is also provided. Be sure to check it after moving in.

Choosing Rental Properties with a Disaster Preparedness Perspective

Being mindful of disaster prevention from the stage of choosing a property makes a significant difference in safety.

Building structure and seismic resistance are the most important confirmation points. Buildings that received building permits after June 1981 comply with the "new seismic standards" and are designed not to collapse in earthquakes of seismic intensity 6-strong to 7. If you are considering an older property, confirm with the property management whether seismic reinforcement work has been done.

The choice of floor also relates to disaster preparedness. In areas with tsunami or flood risks, choosing a room on the 3rd floor or above can reduce flooding risk. On the other hand, high floors require consideration of inconvenience if elevators stop during a power outage.

Cross-checking location with hazard maps is essential. Determine which risk zone the property you are considering falls into on the hazard map, and verify that it is not included in flood inundation areas or landslide hazard zones.

Earthquake Preparedness Inside Your Home — What You Can Do Today

Even in rental properties, there are many earthquake precautions you can take indoors. No major construction is necessary, and they are all relatively low-cost to implement.

Preventing Furniture Tipping

The most dangerous aspect of an earthquake is injury caused by furniture tipping over. Attach anti-tipping devices to large furniture such as bookshelves, cabinets, and dressers. Since rental properties often cannot have walls drilled for screws, tension-pole type anti-tipping devices are recommended. They are easily available at 100-yen shops and home improvement centers.

Refrigerators are also prone to tipping. Specialized anti-tipping belts are available, so be sure to install them. TVs can be effectively secured to stands using earthquake-resistant mats.

Preventing Dishes and Glass from Scattering

Install stoppers on kitchen cabinet doors to prevent them from opening and contents from flying out during tremors. Inside shelves, lay non-slip sheets between dishes to reduce the risk of dishes breaking from hitting each other. Applying anti-shatter film to window glass can prevent broken glass fragments from scattering when glass breaks.

Securing Your Bedroom

To prepare for earthquakes that occur while you are sleeping, avoid placing large furniture around your bed or futon. Keep slippers or shoes, a flashlight, and your smartphone at your bedside so you can evacuate without stepping on broken glass in case of a power outage.

Preparing an Emergency Kit

An "emergency evacuation kit" that can be quickly grabbed during a disaster should be prepared for each person. Prepare the following items as a guide.

Drinking water is typically about 3 liters per person per day, and you should have at least a 3-day supply. Food should consist of items that do not require cooking and can be preserved long-term, such as canned goods, retort-packed foods, and nutritional supplements. A flashlight and spare batteries, a portable radio (for gathering information), and a mobile battery (for charging your smartphone) are also essential.

Additionally, include copies of your residence card and passport, copies of your insurance card, cash (with plenty of coins), regular medications, first aid kit, towels and wet wipes, thermal sheets (emergency blankets), and more. For foreign nationals, it is also important to include a note with the contact information of your home country's embassy or consulate.

Checking Evacuation Shelters and Evacuation Routes

There are approximately 500 designated evacuation shelters throughout Sendai City. Check in advance where the nearest evacuation shelter is from your home, and walk the route to familiarize yourself with it. During disasters, it is easy to panic, so it is important to memorize evacuation routes through repeated practice.

Sendai City provides the "Sendai Disaster Prevention App," which allows you to search for evacuation shelters and check disaster prevention information. Since it is multilingual, it is designed to be easy for foreign nationals to use.

At evacuation shelters, basic supplies (water, food, blankets, etc.) are provided, but supplies are limited. By bringing your own emergency kit, you can feel more secure during evacuation.

Coordination with Property Management and Landlords

In rental properties, disaster prevention measures for the entire building are the responsibility of the property management company or landlord. It is recommended that you check the following points when moving in.

The location of fire extinguishers in the building, evacuation routes (location of emergency stairs), location of the gas shut-off valve, and how to operate the circuit breaker in case of a power outage—these are basic matters that should be confirmed immediately after moving in. Keep the property management company's emergency contact number in both your smartphone and on paper.

Flood Preparedness — Preparing for Heavy Downpours

In Sendai, the risk of flooding from concentrated downpours and typhoons increases from June through September.

Make checking weather information a habit. Japan's Meteorological Agency issues three levels of danger: "special warnings," "warnings," and "advisories." Emergency alert emails on your smartphone are received automatically without any settings required.

As a flood prevention measure, if you live on the first floor, make it a habit to store valuables and electronic devices at higher positions. When heavy rain is forecast, fill your bathtub with water, which can be used as toilet water during water outages.

The timing of evacuation follows the rule of "early action." When Sendai City issues an evacuation order, move to an evacuation shelter immediately. Attempting to move after flooding has begun is extremely dangerous.

Gathering Information and Confirming Safety During Disasters

During a disaster, gathering accurate information can save lives. Prepare the following tools on your smartphone beforehand.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts disaster information in multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean. Safety tips is a foreign-language disaster prevention app provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization, where you can receive earthquake alerts and weather warnings via push notifications.

The NTT Disaster Message Dial (171) can be used to confirm safety. Also take advantage of the "Disaster Message Boards" provided by each mobile carrier. If your family is in your home country, it is reassuring to decide in advance on means of contact and how to confirm safety during a disaster.

Fire and Earthquake Insurance for Rental Properties

In Japan's rental contracts, fire insurance (tenant liability insurance) is almost mandatory. However, standard fire insurance does not cover damage from earthquakes. Earthquake insurance must be purchased as an add-on to fire insurance and requires an additional insurance premium.

Living in earthquake-prone Sendai, we strongly recommend purchasing earthquake insurance. Insurance premiums vary depending on the building's structure and location, but for an additional amount of several thousand yen per year, you can be covered for damage from earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. It is also important to review your insurance during contract renewals.

Conclusion — Practicing "An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"

You don't need to complete all disaster preparedness measures perfectly at once. Start by checking your area's risks on a hazard map, preparing an emergency kit, and walking to the nearest evacuation shelter.

Sendai is a city with very high disaster awareness among both government and citizens, having experienced the earthquake disaster. By participating in neighborhood disaster drills, you can build connections with neighbors and establish a foundation for mutual assistance in times of need. There is no need to hold back as a foreigner. Disaster preparedness is an important topic common to everyone living in Sendai.

Japan has a saying: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The small preparations you make today protect the lives of you and those dear to you. To live safely in a rental property in Sendai, make disaster preparedness part of your daily life.