Emergency Contacts
110
Police
Crime/Accident Reports
119
Fire/Ambulance
Fire/Medical Emergency
171
Disaster Message Dial
Safety Confirmation
Overview
Japan is prone to natural disasters. It is important to prepare and acquire proper knowledge for earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rain.
This page provides disaster response guidelines, evacuation methods, and emergency contacts in an easy-to-understand format for foreigners.
Main Types of Disasters and Countermeasures
Japan experiences many earthquakes. Buildings may be damaged by earthquakes of intensity 5 or higher.
Preparation:
Secure furniture, confirm evacuation routes, prepare emergency supplies
Typhoons frequently occur from July to October. Be cautious of strong winds and heavy rain.
Preparation:
Stock food, reinforce windows, clean gutters
Floods from heavy rain can occur during the rainy season (June-July) and typhoon season.
Preparation:
Check hazard maps, prepare for vertical evacuation, prepare sandbags
Evacuation Alert Levels
Early Warning Information
Increase disaster awareness
Heavy Rain/Flood Advisory
Confirm evacuation procedures
Evacuation of Elderly
Elderly should start evacuating
Evacuation Order
Everyone evacuate
Emergency Safety Measures
Take best action to save lives
Actions During Earthquake
During Earthquake
- Protect your head (hide under desk)
- Open doors to secure exits
- Don't rush outside
- Don't use elevators
After Shaking Stops
- Turn off gas and electricity
- Determine if evacuation is necessary
- Wear shoes when moving
- Check on neighbors
When Evacuating
- Move to evacuation site
- Take valuables and emergency supplies
- Turn off circuit breaker
- Lock up before evacuating
Emergency Supplies
Water/Food
- •Water (3L per person per day)
- •Emergency food (3 days)
- •Canned food
- •Snacks
Medical Supplies
- •Regular medications
- •Bandages
- •Disinfectant
- •Masks
Valuables
- •Cash
- •Residence Card
- •Passport
- •Insurance Card
Daily Items
- •Flashlight
- •Radio
- •Batteries
- •Phone charger
Clothing
- •Change of clothes
- •Towels
- •Rainwear
- •Winter clothing
Disaster Information Apps
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Disaster info in multiple languages
20 languagesSafety tips
Tourism Agency disaster app
15 languagesYahoo! Disaster Alert
Local disaster/evacuation info
JapaneseConfirming Evacuation Sites
Check nearest evacuation site
Available on municipal websites and hazard maps
Confirm multiple evacuation routes
Evacuation sites may differ by disaster type
Decide family meeting place
Pre-decide meeting place when communication is unavailable