Emergency Procedures

Emergency Services
In order to remain calm when you make an emergency call, it's a good idea to keep a note near your telephone of you name, phone number (home and mobile), address and the names of nearby landmarks, buildings, etc. written in English and Japanese.

Ambulance, Fire & Police
send someone outside to wait for the ambulance, fire trucks or police cars.
 * 1) Dial 119 On public payphones, just press the red button (this is a free call--you don't need any money)!
 * 2) Tell the Operator what the emergency is:
 * 3) If there is a fire: Kaji desu! 火事です！
 * 4) For an ambulance: Kyuukyuusha wo onegai shimasu! 救急車をお願いします！
 * 5) Give the Operator your information using the following phrases:
 * 6) Your Address: Jusho wa (your address) desu. 住所は〜です.
 * 7) Nearby landmark to your house: Ie no chikaku ni (landmark) ga arimasu. 家の近くに〜があります.
 * 8) Your Name: Watashi wa (name) desu. 私は〜です.
 * 9) Your Telephone Number: Denwa bango wa (number) desu. 電話番語は〜です.
 * 10) After you have provided this information, do not hang up. Stay on the line until help arrives. If possible,

Police
On public payphones, just press the red button (this is a free call - you don't need any money.)
 * 1) Dial 110
 * 1) Tell the operator what the emergency is:
 * 2) *For traffic accidents - Kotsu jiko desu. 交通事故です
 * 3) *For robberies - Dorobo desu. 泥棒です.
 * 4) *For altercations - Kenka desu. 喧嘩です.
 * 5) 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. Sparks can potentially ignite the gas. Smoking is obviously a no no.
 * 2) 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).
 * 3) 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.)
 * 4) Call your gas company and inform them of the leak. Wait outside until they arrive.

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 Languages: English/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Spanish For more information, please see the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center's website.

Local International Associations For more information, please check out the individual International Associations in greater detail.

Japan Helpline Phone: 0120-46-1997 (Toll Free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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: Other disaster advice:
 * 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
 * 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.