Embassy Registration
Whenever anyone is away from their home country, it is essential that they register with their country’s embassy. An embassy may be able to get information back to the home country the fastest when a natural disaster or emergency occurs. Visit the appropriate link below to register online.
Whenever anyone is away from their home country, it is essential that they register with their country’s embassy. An embassy may be able to get information back to the home country the fastest when a natural disaster or emergency occurs. Visit the appropriate link below to register online.
Earthquakes
Japan is a country with many earthquakes (地震, jishin)–the Great East Japan Earthquake being the largest in recorded Japanese history. Both minor and sizeable tremors occur everyday, and it is impossible to know exactly when the next major quake will strike, so it is vital to always be prepared. 震度 (Shindo) Scale (left): Japan uses the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity scale, sometimes referred to as the 震度 (shindo) scale. It is a measure of the degree of shaking at a point on the Earth’s surface, and it usually differs from the moment of magnitude (a.k.a. Richter) scale used in other seismological readings. Below is a visual guide to the scale as published by Niigata Prefecture. Earthquake Preparation
Before an earthquake: Prepare a getaway kit. Make sure that household items are secure and stable in your home. Know the locations of evacuation centers in your area. During an earthquake: Duck and cover, get under a strong desk or doorway, and protect your head from falling objects. In public places, move away from display stands and things that can shatter/break. Stay inside, as the external walls of buildings are most dangerous–windows, fittings, and roof tiles can break and fall. When driving, pull over and stop, but do not get out of the vehicle. After an earthquake: Turn off all appliances and utilities that have potential to ignite a fire. Open a door and secure it open with something heavy. Follow the directions of town officials. Contact your embassy to let them know about your condition. Contact your Block Leader and/or a Prefectural Advisor to let them know about your condition. If your home is badly damaged, proceed to the nearest evacuation shelter. Take your getaway kit. |
Typhoons
Rainy season on the main island of Japan usually starts in the middle of June and lasts for about six weeks. Typhoon (台風, taifuu) season, on the other hand, usually starts in late August and last for roughly eight weeks.
In the event of an actual typhoon striking the area, your school may declare a “typhoon day” on which students will not be required to attend school. If you hear about an incoming typhoon:
For the latest weather information:
Rainy season on the main island of Japan usually starts in the middle of June and lasts for about six weeks. Typhoon (台風, taifuu) season, on the other hand, usually starts in late August and last for roughly eight weeks.
In the event of an actual typhoon striking the area, your school may declare a “typhoon day” on which students will not be required to attend school. If you hear about an incoming typhoon:
- Secure or bring inside any items that may fly around in strong winds.
- Close storm shutters if you have them.
- Prepare for a day at home; buy food, water, etc. in order to wait out the storm.
- If you walk/cycle to school, find out prior to leaving if it is safe to do so.
For the latest weather information:
- Yahoo! Japan 天気・災害 (Japanese only): the most accurate weather and disaster information, including typhoon warnings
- Weather Underground: animated radar maps and smart phone enabled, available in multiple languages with custom settings
- WeatherNews (Japanese only): video weather forecasts and interactive maps, good for 花見 (hanami, flower-viewing) and 花火 (hanabi, fireworks) weather information
Getaway Kit
The “getaway kit” is an emergency survival kit that should be prepared for every household. It should be kept well-stocked and monitored for expired goods. It is recommended that each kit include the following items:
The “getaway kit” is an emergency survival kit that should be prepared for every household. It should be kept well-stocked and monitored for expired goods. It is recommended that each kit include the following items:
- 3 liters of clean water per person per day
- three-day supply of canned/dried food
- can opener or utility knife
- first aid kit and medicines
- waterproof flashlights and spare batteries
- radio and spare batteries
- spare clothing (wind-/rain-proof)
- string shoes (shoes with laces)
- plastic bags
- toilet paper
- blankets and sleeping bags
- small gas cooker and matches
- official documents (passport, IDs, insurance, etc.)
- cash (at least 30,000JPY)