Industrial Earthquake Preparedness in Shizouka and the Role of the Prefectural Government

The Shizuoka Prefectural Office in Japan plays an important role in promoting earthquake emergency preparedness among its industries. In addition to implementing regulatory requirements and enacting new regulations as necessary, the Prefectural Office also provides significant guidance to industry. This includes making publications available and periodic surveys of the status of industrial emergency preparedness. A pharmaceutical company in the prefecture has developed an impressive earthquake preparedness program and hazard reduction techniques. This program addresses both primary and secondary effects of earthquakes.