Emergencies
From HyogoAJET
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 your local evacuation center, hospitals, and police boxes are located, and being prepared both emotionally and materially for whatever emergency you may face. Below is detailed info on contacting emergency services, handling gas leaks, nation-wide help lines, emergency interpreters, and making a home disaster kit.
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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 & Police
- Dial 119
On public payphones, just press the red button (this is a free call - you don't need any money.) - 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!
- 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。
- 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
- Dial 110
On public payphones, just press the red button (this is a free call - you don't need any money.) - Tell the operator what the emergency is:
- For traffic 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。
- Give the operator your information using the phrases written above.
Gas Leaks
If you notice a gas leak, follow these guidelines:
- Do not turn on the ventilation fan, or operate any electrical devices. Sparks can potentially ignite the gas. Smoking is obviously a no no.
- Close the taps and gas meter valve (see photo). To turn the gas off, turn levers so that they are perpendicular to the pipe and rotate the knob to CLOSE (閉).
- Open all the windows and doors and sweep gas out the door with a broom (gas is heavier than air and will settle toward the ground.)
- Call your gas company (see the numbers below) and inform them of the leak. Wait outside until they arrive.
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (大阪ガス)
Osaka Gas provides service to much of Hyogo. There are four different Osaka Gas branches in Hyogo. These numbers are for reporting leaks only!
Hyogo Regional Office:
0120-71-9424 (Toll Free)
Kobe & Sanda:
078-231-0023
Toyooka:
0796-22-5038
Ashiya, Amagasaki, Itami, Kawanishi, Takarazuka, Nishinomiya, Inagawa:
078-35-1025
Kakogawa, Takasago, Himeji, Inami-cho, Taishi-cho, Harima-cho, Shingu-cho, Kamigori-cho, Mikazuki-cho:
0792-81-0011
Sumoto Gas (洲本ガス)
Provides gas service in Sumoto City.
Phone: 0799-22-4424
Sasayama Toshi Gas (篠山都市ガス)
Provides gas service to Sasayama City.
Phone: 079-552-2210
Nation-wide Help Lines
See Counseling and Support Groups for more options.
Emergency Interpreters
Emergency Interpretation Services
Phone: 03-5285-8181 (Medical emergencies only)
9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Daily
Community House and Information Center (CHIC)
Phone: 078-857-6540
Go here for a full listing on CHIC.
Kobe International Community Center (KICC)
Phone: 078-322-0030
Go here for a full listing on KICC.
Japan Helpline
Phone: 0120-46-1997 (Toll Free)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Emergency Hospitals
Go here to look for hospitals in Hyogo Prefecture.
Earthquakes
Japan is a very earthquake-prone region, as demonstrated by the Tohoku Earthquake on March 11, 2011.
View the following manual published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for information on what to do in the event of an earthquake: Survival Manual (PDF)
Home Disaster Kit
A good disaster kit should include the following items:
- Drinking water (3 days worth)
- Non-perishable foods (1 weeks worth)
- Canned foods (tuna, etc.)
- Dried fruits & nuts
- Candy bars
- Can food opener
- Flashlights (X2)
- Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D)
- Candles
- Matches & lighters
- Tarps (X2)
- Blankets (X2)
- Pancho/rain jacket
- Gloves
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.
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