6. Preparing for Emergencies

6.1 Emergency Numbers When you call the police ( 110 ), report if there was a crime or traffic accident. Then give your name, address, and the location of the accident and/or the type of the crime/accident. If there is a police station (koban) nearby, inform the policeman on duty. When reporting a fire or if you need an ambulance ( 119 ) identify if there was a fire or whether an ambulance is needed, give your name, address, and the location of this accident. If there is a fire alarm, push the red button. Calling 110 or 119 from a public telephone is toll free. To call these numbers, press the cover of the Emergency button firmly (the red button). It is on all public telephones and then you can proceed to make your call. 6.2 Fire Prevention You must be very careful when handling fires and flammable objects as many Japanese houses are made of wood. You need to know how to use a fire extinguisher, where the emergency exits are and the locations of emergency shelters. 6.3 Typhoons Typhoons are tropical storms accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain. They are most common in the months of July to September; they vary in intensity, and often cause damage to forest, fields and houses. When the meteorological agency releases a warning that a strong typhoon is approaching, the following preparations are necessary. Protect windows by closing your storm shutters tightly. Tie down or bring indoors any items that may be blown away by wind, such as garbage bins, flowerpots and laundry drying poles. You should have a portable radio, a flashlight or candles, and spare batteries in case of an electrical outage. Store emergency food and drinking water, and keep a first-aid kit on hand. Maintain a safe distance from rivers or the ocean, waterways can become flooded in a short period of time. 6.4 Earthquakes Earthquakes are common in Japan. Learn the locations of the designated public shelters in your neighborhood. At home, it is recommended to attach furniture and appliances to the wall or floor. Always have some food and water stored for emergencies. <If you feel a tremor> (Inside a building) If you feel a tremor, get under a sturdy table or desk to protect yourself physically. If you are using any gas appliances, turn them off immediately. Open doors and windows to provide yourself with an escape route. Do not go outdoors during an earthquake. Large tremors subside after about a minute. Calmly check the situation of your surroundings. Do not use an elevator (there is a chance you could be trapped inside an elevator due to electrical outages caused by the earthquake). (Outdoors) Avoid narrow streets. Keep away from walls and vending machines. Keep away from riverbanks and cliffs Because of the threat of tidal waves, keep away from the coastline. (If the tremors subside) Obtain accurate information by listening to the radio, etc. and calmly base your subsequent actions on this information. FM COCOLO 76.5MHz (Multi-lingual broadcast) When evacuating your home, turn the gas and electricity off at the meter. Do not use your car because it will hinder rescue efforts. Due to the excess number of emergency calls to 110 and 119, do not call them unless there is an emergency.
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6.1 Emergency Numbers

When you call the police ( 110 ), report if there was a crime or traffic accident. Then give your name, address, and the location of the accident and/or the type of the crime/accident. If there is a police station (koban) nearby, inform the policeman on duty.

When reporting a fire or if you need an ambulance ( 119 ) identify if there was a fire or whether an ambulance is needed, give your name, address, and the location of this accident. If there is a fire alarm, push the red button.

Calling 110 or 119 from a public telephone is toll free. To call these numbers, press the cover of the Emergency button firmly (the red button). It is on all public telephones and then you can proceed to make your call.

6.2 Fire Prevention
You must be very careful when handling fires and flammable objects as many Japanese houses are made of wood. You need to know how to use a fire extinguisher, where the emergency exits are and the locations of emergency shelters.

6.3 Typhoons
Typhoons are tropical storms accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain.
They are most common in the months of July to September; they vary in intensity, and often cause damage to forest, fields and houses. When the meteorological agency releases a warning that a strong typhoon is approaching, the following preparations are necessary.

Protect windows by closing your storm shutters tightly.
Tie down or bring indoors any items that may be blown away by wind, such as garbage bins, flowerpots and laundry drying poles.
You should have a portable radio, a flashlight or candles, and spare batteries in case of an electrical outage.
Store emergency food and drinking water, and keep a first-aid kit on hand.
Maintain a safe distance from rivers or the ocean, waterways can become flooded in a short period of time.

6.4 Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in Japan. Learn the locations of the designated public shelters in your neighborhood. At home, it is recommended to attach furniture and appliances to the wall or floor. Always have some food and water stored for emergencies.

<If you feel a tremor>

(Inside a building)
If you feel a tremor, get under a sturdy table or desk to protect yourself physically.
If you are using any gas appliances, turn them off immediately.
Open doors and windows to provide yourself with an escape route.
Do not go outdoors during an earthquake. Large tremors subside after about a minute. Calmly check the situation of your surroundings.
Do not use an elevator (there is a chance you could be trapped inside an elevator due to electrical outages caused by the earthquake).

(Outdoors)
Avoid narrow streets.
Keep away from walls and vending machines.
Keep away from riverbanks and cliffs
Because of the threat of tidal waves, keep away from the coastline.

(If the tremors subside)
Obtain accurate information by listening to the radio, etc. and calmly base your subsequent actions on this information. FM COCOLO 76.5MHz (Multi-lingual broadcast)
When evacuating your home, turn the gas and electricity off at the meter.
Do not use your car because it will hinder rescue efforts.
Due to the excess number of emergency calls to 110 and 119, do not call them unless there is an emergency.