My first Earthquake in Tokyo

Early in the morning last night, I felt my first earthquake. At first, I didn't know what was going on, but things were rattling around on my table and the bed was wiggling around. I was really scared because I don't know much about earthquakes or what to do during one. What I did was get up, put my day clothes on, grab this funny little earthquake kit my mom bought me, and stand in the doorframe until it was finished. It felt really strange and it was scary. My apartment-mates and I were talking about it this morning. We were all woken up. I think I was mostly scared because I didn't know if it was going to get bigger or if that was going to be it.This picture is not of the earthquake last night, so don't worry. I found out that mine was a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that struck at 4:15 AM with a series of aftershocks. The earthquake had its epicentre located 30 kilometres below sea level and off the coast of Chiba prefecture. It was felt in Tokyo mostly, but even parts of China felt it. I found a quote from the police saying, “We have no reports of damage from the quake ... although one person was slightly injured” in Chiba prefecture. Train services were also briefly disrupted.

It turns out that I did exactly the right thing to do during an earthquake. These Earthquake Tips show how important a survival kit is and how to keep calm. I even stood in the doorframe!

• Inside, stand in doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows or glass dividers.
• Outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electrical lines.
• On the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.

I'm not worried about an earthquake happening while I'm here in Japan, but it's always good to be prepared for one because they happen unexpectedly and often.