Emergencies
As you all know, Japan is home to a wide range of natural disasters. While this is no reason to live in fear, everyone should take time during their first few weeks here to prepare for emergencies. This means knowing who to call, knowing where local hospitals and police boxes are located, and being prepared both emotionally and materially for whatever emergency you may face. Please see information specifically about natural disasters. Check out this safety tips website or app for more useful information. The app gives real time push notifications in an emergency, including J-Alerts. It also provides evacuation flowcharts, useful phrases, and a function that shows train routes.
Emergency Services
In order to remain calm when you make an emergency call, it is a good idea to keep a note near your telephone of your name, phone number (home and mobile), address and the names of nearby landmarks, buildings, etc. written in English and Japanese.
Ambulance, Fire & Rescue
1. Dial 119 – On public pay phones, just press the red button (this is a free call – you don’t need any money.)
2. Tell the operator what the emergency is:
• If there is a fire: | Kaji desu! | 火事です! |
• For an ambulance: | Kyukyusha wo onegai shimasu! | 救急車をお願いします! |
3. Give the operator your information using the following phrases:
• Your Address: |
Jusho wa (you address) desu. |
住所は、~です。 |
• Nearby landmark to your house: |
Ie no chikaku ni (landmark) ga arimasu. |
家の近くに~があります。 |
• Your Name: |
Watashi wa (name) desu. |
私は~です。 |
• Your Telephone Number: |
Denwa bango wa (number) desu. |
電話番号は~です。 |
4. After you have provided this information, do not hang up. Stay on the line until help arrives. If possible, send someone outside to wait for the ambulance, fire trucks or police cars.
Police
1. Dial 110 – On public pay phones, just press the red button (this is a free call – you don’t need any money.)
2. Tell the operator what the emergency is:
• For accidents |
Kotsu jiko desu. |
交通事故です。 |
• For robberies |
Dorobo desu. |
泥棒です。 |
• For altercations |
Kenka desu. |
喧嘩です。 |
3. Give the operator your information using the phrases written above
Gas Leaks
If you notice a gas leak, follow these guidelines:
① Do not turn on the ventilation fan, or operate any electrical devices. Sparkscan potentially ignite the gas. Smoking is obviously a no no. |
Nation-Wide Helplines
TELL (Tokyo English Life Line) |
Japan Help Line |
JHelp.com |
AJET Peer Support Group |
Emergency Interpreter
If you call 110 or 119 and ask for an interpreter, you will be connected to a 3 way call
Emergency Hospitals
Please see here.
Home Disaster Kit
A good disaster kit should include the following items:
• Drinking water (3 days worth) |
• Flashlights (X2) |
Other disaster advice:
- Leave a pair of slippers by your bed. If there is ever an earthquake during the night and shattered glass is on the floor of your bed room, this will allow you to get out of the house unscathed.
- Store your home disaster kit near the front door in an easy to get to place. It is probably not a good idea to put it in a closet, since earthquakes sometimes warp door frames and it may not be possible to open the door.