🆘 Disaster Prevention & Emergency Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan
How to prepare for earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters in Japan, including emergency contacts and evacuation procedures.
Quick Answer
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rain events. Prepare an emergency kit, learn your local evacuation routes, register for multilingual disaster alerts (Safety Tips app), and know the emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance), 171 (disaster message dial).
Earthquake Preparedness
Quick Answer
During an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. After shaking stops, check for gas leaks and hazards. Follow J-Alert notifications and evacuate if instructed.
Drop to the ground immediately
Take cover under a sturdy table. Stay away from windows and heavy objects
Hold on until shaking stops completely
Check for gas leaks, put on shoes, check for tsunami warnings. Evacuate to high ground if near the coast.
Japan experiences approximately 1,500 noticeable earthquakes per year. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
Typhoon & Flooding Safety
Quick Answer
Typhoon season runs from June to October. Stock emergency supplies, stay indoors during the typhoon, and monitor NHK World or Safety Tips for multilingual updates.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | June to October (strongest: August-September) |
| ⚠️ Risks | Strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, landslides |
| 🗺️ Hazard Map | Check ハザードマップ at city hall or online |
Before a Typhoon
🚨 Evacuation Orders
If evacuation orders are issued, follow them immediately. Heavy rain can cause flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and near rivers.
Check Required Procedures
Check Required Procedures →Emergency Alert Systems
📱 J-Alert (自動)
Your smartphone automatically receives Area Mail / Emergency Alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe weather — even without a Japanese phone number.
🌐 Safety Tips App
Free app by Japan Tourism Agency. Multilingual push notifications in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more.
📺 NHK World
English-language disaster updates via TV, website, and app. Reliable official source for emergency information.
📲 Yahoo! 防災速報
Detailed local alerts with location-based notifications. Available in Japanese with simple, clear warnings.
Evacuation Shelters
Finding Your Shelter
Municipal Hazard Map
Available at city hall and online
Green & White Signs
避難場所 signs in your neighborhood
City Website
Search for shelter locations online
What to Bring When Evacuating
Download Checklist
Download Checklist →Emergency Phone Numbers
| Number | Service | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police (警察) | Crime, accidents, emergencies |
| 119 | Fire & Ambulance (消防・救急) | Fire, medical emergencies |
| 171 | Disaster Message Dial | Leave/check voice messages after a disaster |
| 0570-000-911 | Japan Helpline | 24/7 multilingual support |
| 03-5774-0992 | AMDA Medical Info Center | Multilingual medical consultation |
💡 Tip
Save these numbers in your phone now. The Japan Helpline (0570-000-911) provides 24/7 support in multiple languages for emergencies and daily life issues.
Emergency Kit Checklist
3 liters/person/day for 3 days
3 days supply per person
Plus portable radio
Plus personal medications
Passport, residence card, insurance card
ATMs may be down; portable battery
⚠️ Important
Keep the kit in an easily accessible location near your entrance. Check and replace items (especially water and food) every 6 months.
Steps
- 1
Download Safety Tips app
Install the free multilingual disaster notification app from the app store.
- 2
Prepare an emergency kit
Stock 3 days of water and food, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, copies of documents, cash, and phone charger.
- 3
Check your hazard map
Visit your city's website or city hall to obtain the local hazard map showing flood zones, landslide areas, and tsunami risks.
- 4
Identify evacuation shelters
Locate the nearest evacuation shelters and plan your route from home and work.
- 5
Save emergency contacts
Save 110 (police), 119 (ambulance), 171 (disaster dial), and Japan Helpline (0570-000-911) in your phone.
FAQ
What should I do during an earthquake?
How do I receive J-Alert notifications?
Where is my nearest evacuation shelter?
What should I do if I cannot speak Japanese during an emergency?
Check Required Procedures
Check Required Procedures →Related Procedures
Disaster Prevention — Prefectures
Find disaster prevention information specific to your area: