 Emergency Preparedness
Security situation
Although Japan is a relatively safe country, in recent years it has shown a deteriorating security situation in metropolitan areas and even in local towns. If you see a crime being committed or feel you are in danger, contact police immediately. It is common for homeowners in big cities (e.g., Tokyo) to set up a security system through a home security service company to prevent home and property invasions.
How to call for help
Calls to the police or fire and ambulance can be made from pay phones without the use of coins or calling cards. Although they are able to detect which area you are calling from, please inform the operator with a description of the incident as well as the exact address. If the exact address is unknown, using landmarks in your description will help them pinpoint your location.
To call police, dial 110. For call fire and ambulance, dial 119.
Car accident
If you are involved in a car accident, you must always call the police or even the fire and ambulance service if necessary. Write down the other party's name, address, phone number, driver's license number, plate number, and insurance number including the name of the insurance company. If there are any witnesses, ask them for their contact information.
Natural disasters
There are many kinds of natural disasters such as a typhoon, earthquake or tsunami, which regularly hit Japan.
Typhoon season is between July and October. Flooding rivers and property damage may occur due to strong winds and landslides.
Earthquakes are very common in Japan. Major earthquakes are responsible for countless casualties and for the collapse of numerous buildings. A strong earthquake may cause a tsunami. If a tsunami occurs you should avoid the seaside and move to higher ground as quickly as possible.
Earthquake Safety Tips
At Home
- Find shelter under tables or desks.
- Cover your head with a quilt or a pillow
- Shut off electrical appliances and close gas valves if they are in use
- Open a doors or windows to make escape routes.
- Do not jump out of a window or off a balcony.
Outside
- Join the closest emergency shelter
- Watch for falling objects such as tiles, glass and concrete pieces as they can be potentially harmful.
- Keep away from narrow alleys, fences, cliffs and riversides.
- When driving during an earthquake, stop driving and leave your car.
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