{"id":4079,"date":"2025-10-10T15:36:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T06:36:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/?post_type=disaster-prevention&#038;p=4079"},"modified":"2025-10-06T15:43:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:43:32","slug":"indoor-hazards-even-safe-buildings-can-be-dangerous","status":"publish","type":"disaster-prevention","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/disaster-prevention\/indoor-hazards-even-safe-buildings-can-be-dangerous\/","title":{"rendered":"Indoor Hazards: Even Safe Buildings Can Be Dangerous"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Most earthquake injuries don\u2019t come from collapsing buildings, they happen inside. Falling furniture, shattered glass, and blocked exits can all turn a \u201csafe\u201d space into a dangerous one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/276ae58b8f7741f8d1694ab0d83ed367.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4082\" style=\"width:271px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/276ae58b8f7741f8d1694ab0d83ed367.png 400w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/276ae58b8f7741f8d1694ab0d83ed367-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When people think of earthquake safety, the focus is often on whether a building will remain standing. Structural collapse is indeed the most catastrophic risk, but it is not the only one. In fact, even when buildings survive an earthquake with little to no visible damage, the inside can quickly turn into a dangerous environment. Understanding and addressing these <strong>indoor hazards<\/strong> is an essential part of earthquake preparedness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Indoor Hazards Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During major earthquakes, many injuries and even fatalities are not caused by collapsing structures but by falling or shifting objects inside buildings. Bookshelves, televisions, kitchen appliances, ceiling lights, and even everyday items like flowerpots or picture frames can become dangerous projectiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761905_s.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4083\" style=\"width:191px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761905_s.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761905_s-169x300.jpg 169w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761960_s.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4084\" style=\"width:193px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761960_s.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1761960_s-169x300.jpg 169w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fba5501600db4ebd3f3554d3555db922.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4085\" style=\"width:192px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fba5501600db4ebd3f3554d3555db922.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fba5501600db4ebd3f3554d3555db922-169x300.jpg 169w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">*The rooms damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ewww.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/dept\/earthquake\/\">Kumamoto Earthquke 2016<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earthquake-resistant buildings are designed to prevent collapse, but they cannot stop items inside from toppling or breaking. This means that <strong>personal safety depends not only on construction strength but also on how we prepare our living and working spaces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real-Life Lessons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Japan\u2019s 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake<\/strong> showed that while many reinforced buildings survived, unsecured furniture caused severe injuries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake<\/strong> highlighted risks from falling objects in schools and offices, where injuries occurred despite structurally sound buildings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>California earthquakes<\/strong> have repeatedly demonstrated that televisions, computers, and heavy furniture are among the most common sources of preventable injuries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These cases remind us that <strong>even in a safe building, people may still be at risk. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Indoor Dangers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. <strong>Falling Furniture<\/strong> \u2013 Tall cabinets, bookshelves, and wardrobes can easily tip over.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2. <strong>Sliding Electronics and Appliances<\/strong> \u2013 TVs, microwaves, and computers may slide off stands or counters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3. <strong>Broken Glass<\/strong> \u2013 Windows, mirrors, and dishes can shatter, creating sharp debris.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4. <strong>Obstructed Exits<\/strong> \u2013 Fallen furniture may block doors or hallways, making evacuation difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>5. <strong>Ceiling Fixtures<\/strong> \u2013 Lights, fans, and hanging decorations can detach during strong shaking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"972\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1376755202_Preview.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4086\" style=\"width:317px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1376755202_Preview.jpeg 972w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1376755202_Preview-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1376755202_Preview-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 972px) 100vw, 972px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Reduce Indoor Risks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Fix Heavy Furniture<\/strong> with brackets or safety straps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Secure Electronics and Appliances<\/strong> using non-slip mats or earthquake gel pads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Keep Heavy Items Low<\/strong> so they are less likely to fall on someone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Install Cabinet Locks<\/strong> to prevent dishes or glassware from flying out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Clear Exit Routes<\/strong> regularly to ensure safe evacuation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u30fb<strong>Check and Maintain Safety Devices<\/strong> like straps and latches to ensure long-term effectiveness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"945\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/95518ea75fc7dc99b68bfd5a8b46803a.jpg\" alt=\"secure furniture with pro7 gel pads\" class=\"wp-image-3038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/95518ea75fc7dc99b68bfd5a8b46803a.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/95518ea75fc7dc99b68bfd5a8b46803a-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/95518ea75fc7dc99b68bfd5a8b46803a-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/95518ea75fc7dc99b68bfd5a8b46803a-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRO00003-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRO00003-11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRO00003-11-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRO00003-11-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PRO00003-11-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"756\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Fixing-TV.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Fixing-TV.jpg 756w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Fixing-TV-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Fixing-TV-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/products\/\">Product range <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>A Combined Approach to Earthquake Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>True earthquake preparedness is twofold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. <strong>Structural Safety<\/strong> \u2013 Buildings must meet or exceed seismic design standards to prevent collapse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2. <strong>Indoor Safety<\/strong> \u2013 Homes, schools, and workplaces must be arranged and secured to minimize injury from falling objects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"961\" height=\"953\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1323647084_Preview.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4091\" style=\"width:278px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1323647084_Preview.png 961w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1323647084_Preview-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1323647084_Preview-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_1323647084_Preview-768x762.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 961px) 100vw, 961px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Only by combining these approaches can we ensure that surviving an earthquake does not depend on luck alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earthquake Preparedness: More Than Just Strong Walls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Earthquake safety is not just about strong buildings\u2014it\u2019s about safe interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By recognizing the dangers posed by unsecured furniture, appliances, and objects, and by taking simple preventive steps, individuals, families, and communities can protect themselves from avoidable injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22382197_s.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4094\" style=\"width:340px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22382197_s.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/22382197_s-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The beloved glass that broke in the Northern Osaka Earthquake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jstage.jst.go.jp\/article\/jdr\/13\/4\/13_813\/_article\">Northan Osaka Earthquake 2018<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4081,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","disaster-prevention_category":[66],"class_list":["post-4079","disaster-prevention","type-disaster-prevention","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","disaster-prevention_category-useful-tips-for-disaster-preparedness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/disaster-prevention\/4079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/disaster-prevention"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/disaster-prevention"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4081"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"disaster-prevention_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pro-7.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/disaster-prevention_category?post=4079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}