Tsunami evacuation: Lessons from the Great East Japan earthquake ...

2012
Evacuation route signs in Miyako City and Matsushima Town commonly include the distance
to safe places, in addition to a directional arrow. There is consistent use of the green symbol
depicting evacuation to high ground (Figure 17 to Figure 20). Matsushima Town also has
information boards displaying a schematic map of the entire evacuation route and location of
the designated assembly point on the evacuation route (Figure 19) in addition to signs
painted onto the pavement in town (Figure 20). This style is not consistent for all signs in
Matsushima, however: Figure 21 shows a more basic sign indicating just the direction of
evacuation. The inclusion of distance on evacuation route signs is not currently included in
signage standards for New Zealand (MCDEM, 2008b) or Washington.
Figure 17 Tsunami evacuation route direction and distance sign displayed on a sign in
Hitachihamacho, Miyako City.
Figure 18 Tsunami evacuation route direction and distance sign displayed on a lamp-post in
Hitachihamacho, Miyako City.
Figure 19 Tsunami evacuation route information board and directions (with distance to safe
location) in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
Figure 20 Tsunami evacuation route sign with direction and distance to safe location painted on the
pavement in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture.
GNS Science Report 2012/17 21