Surviving the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Dog Owner's Story and Disaster Preparedness Tips
On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake, a disaster that shook the entire world. This catastrophic event claimed countless lives and profoundly changed the lives of many. One dog owner from Miyagi Prefecture shared his story of survival with his beloved dog, Lemon, hoping to raise awareness among pet owners about the importance of disaster preparedness for animals.
The Day the Earth Shook
When the earthquake hit, Miyagi Prefecture recorded a seismic intensity exceeding level 6. At that moment, the owner was at work. After the violent shaking of the ground, his only thought was of Lemon, who was home alone. He rushed to leave the office and return as quickly as possible.
He recalled that during the evacuation, the stairwell was packed with people—some wearing safety helmets, others using cushions to protect their heads, and many crying uncontrollably. The scene was chaotic. With all transportation systems paralyzed, he braved the snow and wind, walking for several hours to get home.
"Traffic lights along the way had all fallen, and the streets were filled with people walking home. That image is still etched deeply in my memory," he said.
Reuniting at Home Amidst Darkness
Finally arriving home, he found that although the house was not severely damaged, there was a complete blackout. His family had returned earlier and were gathered in the living room, lighting candles. Seeing Lemon sitting quietly there, he felt a true sense of relief for the first time.
The Challenges After the Quake
However, the real challenges were just beginning. The continuous aftershocks over several days made Lemon restless and anxious. For a long time, the dog would become frightened at the slightest noise, and the joyful expression on his face gradually disappeared.
"I could feel how uneasy he was, so at night I started letting him sleep with me, hoping to comfort him," the owner shared.
Lemon's reaction after the disaster deeply impressed upon him that the trauma caused by earthquakes also leaves lasting emotional scars on pets.
Disaster Preparedness for Dogs: Key Measures
Based on these experiences, he compiled several important disaster preparedness strategies for dog owners, aiming to help more pet owners plan ahead and prevent tragedies:
- Prepare an emergency kit for your pet: Include food, water, medications, and comfort items like toys or blankets.
- Keep identification updated: Ensure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date tags and consider microchipping.
- Practice evacuation drills: Familiarize your pet with carriers or leashes to reduce stress during emergencies.
- Create a safe space: Designate a secure area at home where your pet can feel calm during aftershocks.
- Stay calm and provide reassurance: Your pet can sense your emotions, so maintaining calm helps reduce their anxiety.
By sharing his story and these tips, he hopes to inspire more pet owners to take disaster preparedness seriously, ensuring the safety and well-being of their beloved companions in times of crisis.
Four Key Disaster Preparedness Tips for Pets
1. Dog Food Scarcity After Earthquakes: Preparation Is Key
Dog food is harder to obtain than you might imagine. After an earthquake occurs, supplies in convenience stores and supermarkets are quickly bought out, and dog food is often among the first items to run out.
It is recommended that pet owners prepare at least one to two weeks' worth of dry food and water in advance. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs, making disaster preparedness even more crucial.
2. Don't Forget the Carrier During Evacuations
When evacuating in an emergency, it is crucial not to forget your pet's carrier. If your dog is not properly secured inside a backpack or carrier, they may panic and try to escape.
A carrier is more than just a means of transport—it is a familiar space that provides your dog with comfort and a sense of security during stressful situations.
Ensuring your dog is safely placed in their carrier can help prevent them from running off in fear, making the evacuation process smoother and safer for both you and your pet.
3. Confirming Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelters
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japanese government issued the Guidelines for Evacuation with Pets. However, in practice, there is a significant difference between "evacuating together with pets" and "cohabitating with pets during evacuation". The former means arriving at an evacuation shelter accompanied by pets, while the latter truly involves living together with pets inside the shelter.
Therefore, it is essential to first investigate whether the evacuation shelters near your residence allow animals to stay with you or if pets must be housed separately. This preparation helps prevent confusion and difficulties during an actual emergency.
4. Making Good Use of Pet Monitors
In the event of a disaster that separates you from your beloved dog, having a pet monitor with video capabilities can be a vital tool. Such devices allow you to instantly check on your pet's condition in real time, providing peace of mind when you cannot be physically present.
Some advanced pet cameras even support two-way voice communication. This feature enables you to soothe your dog with your voice remotely, helping to reduce their anxiety during stressful situations.
By leveraging the technology of pet monitors, you can stay connected with your furry friend and ensure their safety no matter where you are.
Prepare an Emergency Plan for Your Beloved Pet
As time passes, painful memories gradually fade. However, disasters always strike unexpectedly, often when we are most relaxed and unprepared.
Today's domesticated dogs are almost incapable of surviving in the wild on their own. Because of this, the presence of their owners and proper disaster preparedness are their only hope for survival during emergencies.
Don't wait—start preparing an evacuation and emergency plan for your furry friend now!
