Hiroshima
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Community Support
Sections
1. Emergency Services in Hiroshima
Hiroshima has a well-organized emergency response system that caters to both residents and visitors. Hereโs what you need to know:
Emergency Numbers
- Police (for crime or accidents): Dial 110
- Fire Department and Ambulance (for fire, medical emergencies, or rescue): Dial 119
- English Support: When calling these numbers, you can request English-speaking assistance, though it may take a moment to connect to a translator.
How to Access:
- Dial the appropriate number from any phone (landline or mobile).
- Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency. If you donโt speak Japanese, say โEnglish, pleaseโ to request a translator.
Cost:
- Police and fire services are free of charge.
- Ambulance services are free, but hospital treatment and transportation costs may apply. Ensure you have health insurance to cover medical expenses.
2. Hiroshima International Center (HIC)
The Hiroshima International Center is a key organization providing support to foreign residents and visitors, including safety and security resources.
Services Offered:
- Multilingual Consultation Services: Assistance with legal, medical, and safety-related issues in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Disaster Preparedness Information: Guidance on what to do in case of earthquakes, typhoons, or other natural disasters.
- Emergency Contact Cards: Cards with essential emergency phrases in Japanese and your native language.
How to Access:
- Visit their office at: 1-5 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City.
- Call their multilingual consultation hotline: +81-82-541-3777.
- Check their website for resources: HIC Website
Cost:
- Most services are free of charge.
Cultural Tip:
- Be polite and patient when seeking assistance. Japanese culture values respect and calm communication.
3. Disaster Preparedness Programs
Hiroshima, like much of Japan, is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. The city has robust disaster preparedness programs to ensure safety.
Key Programs:
- Community Disaster Drills: Regularly held in neighborhoods to teach residents how to respond to emergencies.
- Evacuation Centers: Designated safe spaces in schools, community centers, and public buildings. Maps of evacuation centers are available in multiple languages.
- Hiroshima City Disaster Prevention App: Provides real-time alerts and instructions in English and other languages.
How to Access:
- Participate in local disaster drills by contacting your neighborhood association (่ชๆฒปไผ, jichikai).
- Download the Hiroshima City Disaster Prevention App from your app store.
- Visit the Hiroshima City website for multilingual disaster preparedness guides: Hiroshima City Website
Cost:
- Free of charge.
Cultural Tip:
- Familiarize yourself with the location of your nearest evacuation center and keep an emergency kit at home. This is a common practice in Japan.
4. Police Support and Community Policing
Hiroshimaโs police force is highly approachable and actively engages with the community to ensure safety.
Key Services:
- Koban (Police Boxes): Small, local police stations located throughout the city. Officers provide assistance with lost items, directions, and minor disputes.
- Crime Prevention Programs: Neighborhood watch groups and safety seminars organized by the police.
- Lost and Found Services: The police handle lost property efficiently. If you lose something, report it to the nearest koban.
How to Access:
- Visit the nearest koban (look for a small building with a red light outside).
- For non-emergency inquiries, call the Hiroshima Prefectural Police Headquarters: +81-82-228-0110.
Cost:
- Free of charge.
Cultural Tip:
- When interacting with police, carry identification (such as your residence card or passport) as it is required by law for foreigners to have ID on them at all times.
5. Support for Victims of Crime or Abuse
Hiroshima has resources to support victims of crime, domestic violence, or abuse, including counseling and legal assistance.
Key Organizations:
- Hiroshima Prefectural Womenโs Counseling Center: Offers support for women facing domestic violence or abuse.
- Phone: +81-82-254-9100
- Languages: Japanese (interpreters may be arranged upon request).
- Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu): Provides legal advice and support for crime victims.
- Phone: 0570-078374 (English support available).
How to Access:
- Call the organization directly to schedule a consultation.
- Visit their offices for in-person support.
Cost:
- Initial consultations are often free, but legal representation may incur fees.
Cultural Tip:
- Confidentiality is highly respected in Japan. Donโt hesitate to seek help if needed.
6. Hiroshima Safe City Initiatives
Hiroshima is part of the โSafe Cityโ initiative, which focuses on creating a secure environment for all residents and visitors.
Key Features:
- Street Safety: Well-lit streets and frequent police patrols.
- Child Safety Programs: Schools and community groups work together to ensure childrenโs safety, including supervised routes for walking to school.
- Public Security Cameras: Installed in busy areas to deter crime.
How to Access:
- These initiatives are automatically in place and do not require individual registration.
Cost:
- Free of charge.
Cultural Tip:
- Hiroshima is generally very safe, but always exercise common sense, such as keeping your belongings secure and avoiding isolated areas late at night.
7. Multilingual Support for Foreign Residents
Hiroshima offers multilingual support to ensure that foreign residents and visitors can access safety and security resources.
Key Services:
- Hiroshima Multilingual Living Support Center: Provides information on safety, legal issues, and daily life in multiple languages.
- Phone: +81-82-241-5010
- Email: [email protected]
- Tourist Information Centers: Located at major transportation hubs, these centers can assist with safety-related inquiries.
How to Access:
- Call or email the support center.
- Visit a tourist information center in person.
Cost:
- Free of charge.
Cultural Tip:
- Carry a phrasebook or translation app to help bridge language gaps in case of emergencies.
8. General Safety Tips for Hiroshima
- Natural Disasters: Always follow official instructions during earthquakes or typhoons. Keep a portable battery charger for your phone to stay updated on alerts.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid raising your voice or making sudden gestures in public, as this may be perceived as aggressive.
- Lost Items: If you lose something, report it immediately to the nearest koban. Lost items are often returned due to Japanโs strong culture of honesty.
By utilizing these resources and following the cultural tips provided, you can ensure a safe and secure experience in Hiroshima. If you need further assistance, donโt hesitate to reach out to the organizations mentioned above.