When the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake stuck, many of our neighbors became trapped by houses collapsing or furniture falling on them. Together with other uninjured people, I helped out those who were trapped under rubble. One of the very useful rescue equipment we used at the time was an automobile jack. We were able to lift up heavy posts, using the jack, so we could create enough room to pull out the trapped people. Also, we used pliers to cut through wires. So,just the jack and the pliers that I had in my car came in very handy.
(Male,aged 35 Nada Ward)

In the area where I lived, most houses were destroyed. If had remembered the jack I had for my car, I think I could have rescued people who were stuck under pillars much more quickly.
(male,Nishi Ward)

Fire Deperment Advice
There were many cases of people trapped under collapsed houses being rescued by means of a car jack and such equipment. When using a jack, however, you must be aware that it is not very stable and frequent aftershocks may cause it to fall over. So, if you are rescuing a person from under some rubble, after jacking the heavy object up, you must wedge several concrete blocks or similar objects at the fulcrum in order to avoid further accidents from occurring.
Meanwhile, ropes are useful for pulling and fixing. Saws can be used as an implement for cutting through pillars, beams, or joiste. Hammers can be useful in smashing through doors and furniture. Crowbars can be used for lifting, smashing or ripping off corrugated iron sheets.