Safety Culture
Safety Culture
When there is heavy snowfall (advisories/warnings)
- Drivers should:
- Refrain from using personal vehicles, and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway or bus)
- Refrain from driving on expressways, and use such routes as national roads instead.
- Carry safety equipment (chains, sandbags, shovels etc.) to protect against snow hazard.
- Drive slowly in hazardous areas, e.g. curving roads, hills, overpasses, bridges, and frozen areas.
- Always tune in to sources such as radio & TV to get the latest traffic conditions.
- Do not leave your vehicle parked on an arterial road, since it will interfere with snow removal operations.
- When crossing a steel deck plate in a subway construction area, drive slowly since the surface is slippery.
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid hard braking.
- When braking, use the engine brake.
- Reduce speed when approaching intersections or pedestrian crossings, since braking distance becomes substantially longer on snowy roads.
- Pedestrians should:
- Avoid going out-of-doors, as much as possible.
- Wear wide-soled running shoes or mountain-climbing boots when going out, to prevent accidental sliding.
- Wear gloves instead of putting your hands in your pockets when walking on slippery surfaces.
- Refrain from using cell phones or other mobile devices while walking.
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- Criteria for issuance of heavy snow advisories and warnings
- Heavy snow advisories: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 5cm
- Heavy snow warnings: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 20cm; or for 30cm for mountainous areas
- Verify that approaching vehicles are stopped before stepping onto the road, e.g., at a crosswalk.
- Hold the railing when using stairs.
- Avoid walking after dark, as it is very dangerous. Return to the safety of your home as early as possible.
- Do not get into a vehicle on the road, since it will interfere with the safety of other vehicles.
- At home
- Apply a wholesome civic mindset by taking responsibility for
- removing the snow in front of your home or shop.
- Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the house to prevent accidents.
- Children and the infirm or elderly should refrain from going outside.
- When there is deep snow, remove snow from vehicles, doors, rooftops, and eaves.
- Conduct safety inspections of aging houses to prevent collapse.
- In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.
- At the workplace
- Go to work and return home earlier than usual.
- When commuting, refrain from using private vehicles and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway & buses).
- Apply a wholesome business-owner’s mindset by taking responsibility for removing the snow around your business or workplace.
- Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the business or workplace to prevent accidents.
- n rural areas
- Crop-growing facilities susceptible to collapse, e.g., plastic greenhouses, should be inspected in advance and reinforced to prevent damage.
※ When there is an accumulation of snow around 20cm deep, electrical wires may snap and tree branches may break and fall.
- Remove shade cloths/films installed in greenhouses to minimize damage.
- Be careful during damage prevention operations, such as tearing plastic off.
- In vacant plastic greenhouses where crops are not currently being grown, remove the vinyl to protect the greenhouse tructure.
- In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.
- Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.
- In coastal areas
- Measures should be taken to regulate the evacuation and port entry/departure of various vessels, and the securing (mooring) of such vessels.
- Keep fish pens and other marine propagation facilities warm to prevent fishes from freezing to death.
- Residents, fishermen, and vacationers should not attempt to go near the shore.
- Refrain from driving on coastal roads. Make sure that you have all the necessary safety equipment if forced to drive in the snow.
- Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.
When a vehicle is stranded by heavy snow
- Check the weather report before traveling and make sure you have information on alternative routes to your destination in advance. Prepare such necessities as winter gear, fuel, and food & beverages.
- Stay inside the vehicle if possible and tune in to the radio for the latest traffic and weather reports.
- If you absolutely must leave the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition with your contact information.
- If there is a house or rest area nearby, emergency patients, the elderly, and children have priority in evacuating.
- Put a blanket or warm clothes over your body to maintain body heat and gently move your body.
- When the vehicle heater is running, leave the windows slightly open for ventilation.
- Remove snow around the vehicle to prevent the exhaust pipe (muffler) from clogging. This way the vehicle will still start easily.
- Persons inside the car should not all sleep at the same time. Take turns sleeping in shifts to keep watch at all times.
- Do not park or stop on the shoulder of a road intended for snow removal equipment or ambulances.
- In the event your vehicle breaks down, contact the authorities immediately, e.g., the highway management agency, police, or fire department.
- Inform a friend or family member about your situation by mobile phone or some other means; rather than panicking, all those involved should inform the appropriate agency (e.g., police or highway patrol) and cooperate actively with the proper authorities.
- Refrain from using your mobile phone unnecessarily during emergencies.