Hiroshima
๐จ
Emergency Communication
Sections
1. Emergency Numbers in Hiroshima
Japan has a standardized set of emergency numbers that are free to call from any phone, including mobile phones, landlines, and public payphones.
- Police (for crimes, accidents, or general emergencies): Dial 110
- Available 24/7.
- Operators may not always speak English, but they will connect you to an interpreter if needed.
- Fire Department and Ambulance (for fires, medical emergencies, or rescue): Dial 119
- Available 24/7.
- Operators can connect you to English-speaking interpreters if necessary.
How to Call:
- Dial the number directly.
- Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency.
- If you donโt speak Japanese, say โEnglish, pleaseโ to request an interpreter.
2. Multilingual Emergency Support
Hiroshima, as a popular tourist destination and international city, offers multilingual support during emergencies. Here are some key resources:
a. Japan Visitor Hotline
- Phone Number: +81-50-3816-2787
- Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
- Availability: 24/7.
- Purpose: Provides assistance for emergencies, including natural disasters, medical issues, and general travel-related concerns.
b. Hiroshima International Center (HIC)
- Phone Number: +81-82-541-3777
- Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and others.
- Services: Offers interpretation and consultation services for foreign residents and visitors. They can assist with emergency communication and provide guidance on local resources.
c. Emergency Translation Apps
- VoiceTra App: A free multilingual speech translation app developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). It supports over 30 languages and can be used to communicate with emergency responders.
- Google Translate: Widely used for basic communication, though accuracy may vary.
3. Emergency Alerts and Notifications
Japan has a robust emergency alert system that provides real-time information about disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and severe weather. In Hiroshima, these systems are particularly important due to the regionโs susceptibility to earthquakes and typhoons.
a. J-Alert System
- A nationwide emergency broadcast system that sends alerts via TV, radio, and loudspeakers.
- Alerts are issued for earthquakes, tsunamis, missile threats, and other emergencies.
- Messages are primarily in Japanese, but some alerts may include English.
b. Emergency Alerts on Mobile Phones
- Most smartphones in Japan (including foreign phones with local SIM cards) automatically receive emergency alerts via the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system.
- Alerts are free of charge and include information about the type of emergency and recommended actions.
- Some alerts may be in Japanese, but apps like Safety Tips (see below) can provide translations.
c. Safety Tips App
- Developer: Japan Tourism Agency.
- Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, and others.
- Features: Provides real-time emergency alerts, evacuation information, and safety tips for natural disasters.
- Cost: Free.
- How to Access: Download from app stores (iOS/Android).
4. Medical Emergencies
If you require medical assistance in Hiroshima, hereโs what you need to know:
a. Finding a Hospital or Clinic
- Use the Hiroshima Medical Interpreter System to locate hospitals with English-speaking staff.
- The AMDA International Medical Information Center (Phone: +81-3-6233-9266) can also provide information on medical facilities and interpretation services.
b. Ambulance Services
- Dial 119 for an ambulance.
- Ambulance services are free, but you will be charged for medical treatment and hospital stays.
- Carry your passport and travel insurance details, as they may be required at the hospital.
c. Travel Insurance
- Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, as healthcare in Japan can be expensive without coverage.
5. Natural Disasters in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rains. Hereโs how to stay prepared:
a. Evacuation Centers
- Hiroshima City has designated evacuation centers (้ฟ้ฃๆ, hinanjo) for use during disasters.
- Locations are marked on local maps and often include schools, community centers, and public buildings.
- Evacuation centers provide basic necessities and information, but English support may be limited.
b. Disaster Preparedness Resources
- Hiroshima City Disaster Prevention Website: Offers information on disaster preparedness and evacuation procedures. Some content is available in English.
- Disaster Preparedness Guidebooks: Available at tourist information centers and city offices.
c. Local Radio Stations
- RCC Radio (1350 AM): Provides emergency updates, though broadcasts are primarily in Japanese.
- Use translation apps or rely on multilingual resources like the Safety Tips app for updates.
6. Public Payphones and Wi-Fi Access
In case your mobile phone is unavailable, you can use public payphones or free Wi-Fi to communicate during emergencies.
a. Public Payphones
- Green payphones are widely available in Hiroshima and can be used to call emergency numbers for free.
- Instructions are usually in Japanese, but emergency numbers (110 and 119) are straightforward to dial.
b. Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
- Hiroshima offers free Wi-Fi in many public areas, including train stations, tourist attractions, and convenience stores.
- Look for networks like Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi or Japan Connected-Free Wi-Fi to access the internet and communicate during emergencies.
7. Cultural Considerations
Understanding cultural norms can help you navigate emergencies more effectively in Hiroshima:
- Politeness: Japanese people are generally very polite and helpful. If you need assistance, approach someone calmly and politely.
- Language Barrier: While many younger people and professionals in Hiroshima may speak some English, itโs helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases, such as:
- โTasukete kudasaiโ (ๅฉใใฆใใ ใใ) โ โPlease help me.โ
- โKiken desuโ (ๅฑ้บใงใ) โ โItโs dangerous.โ
- โEigo o hanasemasu ka?โ (่ฑ่ชใ่ฉฑใใพใใ๏ผ) โ โDo you speak English?โ
- Queueing: In evacuation centers or during emergency aid distribution, follow the local custom of queuing in an orderly manner.
8. Key Takeaways
- Save emergency numbers (110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance) in your phone.
- Download the Safety Tips App for real-time alerts and guidance in English.
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation centers and disaster preparedness resources in Hiroshima.
- Use multilingual hotlines like the Japan Visitor Hotline for assistance.
- Carry your passport and travel insurance details at all times.
By understanding these systems and resources, youโll be better equipped to handle emergencies in Hiroshima with confidence. Stay safe!