Emergencies and Disasters
Objective: Know what to do during earthquakes, typhoons and medical emergencies.
Documents and essentials
- Residence Card + passport (kept in your go-bag)
- Insurance card copy
- Written emergency contacts (paper, not just phone)
- Cash for the first 72 hours
What actually happens
- 1Save the emergency numbers
119 for fire/ambulance, 110 for police. Both work from any phone — operators can transfer to an English line.
- 2Learn your evacuation site
Every ward publishes a hazard map with the nearest 避難所 (evacuation shelter). Bookmark yours today.
- 3Build a 72-hour kit
Water, non-perishable food, torch, radio, spare medication, phone battery, cash in small notes and copies of your documents.
- 4Practice earthquake response
Drop under a sturdy table, cover your head, hold on until shaking stops. Only leave the building once the shaking has finished.
Say these when it matters
Install the NHK World and Safety Tips apps — they push English alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic events.
Do not use elevators during or immediately after an earthquake — always use the stairs to exit tall buildings.
One quick question
Which number do you call for an ambulance in Japan?