【地震・台風に備える】初めての東京一人暮らし！足立区のハザードマップ解説と避難行動ガイド

Moving to Tokyo for study or work is an exciting milestone, and areas in Adachi Ward like Kita-Senju, Ayase, and Kita-Ayase are popular choices due to their excellent transit access and livable neighborhoods. While setting up your new apartment is thrilling, there is one crucial topic you must review as soon as you move in: disaster preparedness.

Japan experiences natural disasters such as earthquakes and seasonal typhoons. Especially if you are leaving your home country to live alone in Tokyo for the first time, developing a "disaster prevention mindset" is essential to keep yourself safe. In this article, we explain how to read Adachi Ward's hazard maps and the step-by-step actions to take during an emergency.

Simply knowing "where and how to evacuate" before an earthquake or flood occurs significantly reduces your risks. We recommend bookmarking this page on your smartphone and checking your new apartment's surroundings.

1. Adachi Ward's Geography & Why You Must Check "Hazard Maps"

When settling into a new home, understanding the local geography is the first step toward effective disaster prevention.

Adachi Ward is bordered by the major Arakawa River on the west and the Nakagawa River on the east, with the Sumida River flowing along its southern border. While this flat, water-rich terrain makes daily life and cycling highly convenient, some areas sit at low elevation (near sea level). Consequently, during historic downpours or large typhoons, preparing for flood risks is highly important.

A Hazard Map uses historical data and scientific simulations to color-code maps, showing "where and how deep water will rise" if a river overflows. Checking these maps is your most reliable tool to prepare for emergencies.

Two Critical Maps to Check

• Arakawa River Flood Hazard Map: Shows simulated flooding zones if the Arakawa River's levees breach during historic rainfall. It illustrates how water would spread across areas like Kita-Senju.
• Earthquake Prevention Map: Designed for major earthquakes (like a potential Southern Kanto seismic event), this map displays building damage risks and safe evacuation pathways to designated wide-area shelters, avoiding narrow streets prone to fires.

You can view these maps anytime on your smartphone via the "Web-based Adachi Ward Disaster Prevention Map" (available on the official Adachi Ward website). Make sure to check the risk level of your apartment, your commute path, and your nearest station.

2. Chart: "3 Action Steps" for Living Alone & Emergency Contacts

If you are unsure where to start with your preparations, follow this basic checklist we compiled for tenants starting their new life in Tokyo.

3. Earthquakes vs. Typhoons: Evacuating According to Disaster Types

In Japan, the appropriate action differs drastically between a sudden earthquake and a predictable typhoon. Understanding these protocols is vital for your safety.

① During an Earthquake: Secure Your Safety Indoors First

If a strong tremor occurs, running outside immediately is dangerous. Falling tiles, glass, or concrete walls pose severe risks.

• Immediate Action: Drop, cover, and hold on. Protect your head with a cushion or get under a sturdy desk or table. Wait until the shaking completely stops.
• Check Fire Sources: Once the tremor subsides, turn off your gas stove, heaters, and air conditioners.
• Secure an Exit: Open your front door to ensure an escape route, as door frames can warp during tremors. Put on sturdy shoes, grab your emergency bag, and head to the designated neighborhood evacuation area calmly.

② During a Typhoon/Heavy Rain: Evacuate Based on Your Floor Level

Unlike earthquakes, typhoons are forecast days in advance. Do not hesitate to act early.

• If You Live on the 1st Floor (Horizontal Evacuation): If your apartment is on the ground floor or basement level and located in a colored zone on the hazard map, pack your valuables and head to a designated emergency shelter (such as a local junior high school) before the rain gets heavy.
• If You Live on the 2nd Floor or Above (Vertical Evacuation): If the streets outside are already flooded, walking through fast-moving water is extremely dangerous. If you live on the 2nd floor or higher of a sturdy reinforced concrete (RC) building, stay in your room. Shut your windows, close the curtains to block flying debris, and wait out the storm.

4. Smart Apartment Hunting with Sorai Tokyo

No matter how well-prepared you are, the structural safety of your apartment is your primary line of defense. Selecting a building with strong earthquake resistance and safe elevation is critical.

Neighborhoods like Kita-Senju, Ayase, and Kita-Ayase in Adachi Ward offer incredible convenience and parklands, making them ideal for your first home in Tokyo.

At Sorai Tokyo, we specialize in helping international residents find safe, high-quality homes. We guide you through local hazard maps, recommend sturdy reinforced concrete (RC) properties, and ensure your building is outside severe flood zones. From multilingual contract support to setting up utilities, we are here to support your safe Tokyo life. Contact us on LINE today!