Sumiyoshidai, were I lived, had electricity restored on the afternoon of the disaster day. So the electric kettle was useful in heating water. Besides this,there are electromagnetic appliances and microwave ovens. I never knew electric appliances could be so useful.
(Female,Higashinada Ward)

My electric carpet was very useful. The two carpet heaters that I pulled out from the floor of my destroyed home provided me with the only source of heat after the earthquake. Day and night, they gave me warmth in body and spirit.
(Female, aged 61,Higashinada Ward)

I had no size C battery so I had to substitute an AA battery I had at home,wrapped round and round in paper and,matenrial. I used this to power my flashlight and battely operated shaver.
(Male, aged 61,Kita Ward)

Fire Deperment Advice
Electricty seems to be the first to be restored among all the essential services. While gas and water are still unavailable, electric appliances are very useful. However, we must remember that some electric appliances create big problems. When power supply that is once cut is restored, these appliances become turned on, overheat, and may catch fire. The water heater for tropical fish is just such an equipment. If the glass tank had become broken in the earthquake, there would be no water to heat up when the power comes back on. The heater becomes hot and sets flammable objects nearby alight and causes a fire After power cuts in earthquake situations, make sure you turn the electricity off at the circuit breaker. When electricity is restored,you must switch the circuits on while checking for safety.