Kobe

Emergency Numbers in Kobe, Japan

Japan has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. The following are the key emergency numbers you need to know:

1. Police (for crimes, accidents, or general emergencies):

   • Dial 110
   • Available 24/7.
   • Free of charge.
   • Operators may not always speak English, but they will try to connect you to an English-speaking officer or interpreter if needed.

2. Fire and Ambulance Services (for fires, medical emergencies, or rescue):

   • Dial 119
   • Available 24/7.
   • Free of charge for the call and dispatch.
   • Ambulance services are free, but hospital treatment costs will apply (see details below).
   • Operators may have access to English-speaking interpreters.

3. Emergency Medical Information Center (for non-urgent medical advice):

   • Dial 078-371-9986 (specific to Kobe).
   • This service provides guidance on nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
   • Available in English and other languages during certain hours.

4. Japan Helpline (general support for foreigners):

   • Dial 0570-000-911
   • 24/7 multilingual support for any type of emergency or assistance.

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How to Seek Help in an Emergency

1. Calling Emergency Numbers

• Step 1: Dial the appropriate number (110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance).
• Step 2: Clearly state your location. If you don’t speak Japanese, say “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?).
• Step 3: Provide basic details about the emergency (e.g., type of injury, fire, or crime).
• Step 4: Stay on the line until the operator confirms help is on the way.

2. Using Public Phones

• Public phones in Japan are green or gray and can be used to call emergency numbers for free. Simply pick up the receiver and dial 110 or 119.

3. Smartphone Apps

• Japan Official Travel App: Provides emergency contact information and guidance in English.
• Safety Tips App: Offers real-time alerts for natural disasters and emergency procedures in multiple languages.

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Costs and Procedures

1. Police Services (110):

   • Free of charge for reporting crimes or accidents.
   • If you are involved in a traffic accident, you may need to file a report for insurance purposes.

2. Fire Services (119):

   • Free of charge for fire response.

3. Ambulance Services (119):

   • Ambulance transport is free.
   • However, medical treatment at the hospital is not free unless you have Japanese health insurance or travel insurance.
   • Without insurance, expect to pay upfront for treatment. Costs vary depending on the hospital and severity of the condition. For example:
     • Basic consultation: ¥5,000–¥10,000.
     • Emergency treatment: ¥20,000–¥50,000 or more.

4. Medical Information Center (078-371-9986):

   • Free of charge for advice and referrals.

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Accessibility for Non-Japanese Speakers

1. Language Barriers:

   • Emergency operators may not always speak fluent English, but they will try to connect you with an interpreter.
   • In hospitals, English-speaking staff may not always be available. Carry a translation app or a phrasebook for emergencies.

2. Multilingual Support:

   • Many hospitals in Kobe are part of the "Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients" (JMIP) program, which ensures they can handle foreign patients.
   • The Kobe City website provides a list of English-speaking medical facilities.

3. Cultural Considerations:

   • Japanese people are generally very polite and formal. When interacting with emergency personnel, remain calm and respectful.
   • Bowing is not necessary in emergencies, but a simple “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is appreciated.

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Tips for Visitors

1. Prepare in Advance:

   • Save emergency numbers in your phone.
   • Learn basic Japanese phrases for emergencies, such as:
     • “Kaji desu!” (There’s a fire!)
     • “Kega o shimashita!” (I’m injured!)
     • “Dorobou desu!” (There’s a thief!)

2. Carry Identification and Insurance:

   • Always carry your passport and travel insurance details.
   • If you have allergies or medical conditions, carry a card with this information written in Japanese.

3. Natural Disasters:

   • Kobe is in a seismically active area. Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures.
   • In case of a tsunami warning, move to higher ground immediately.

4. Emergency Shelters:

   • Kobe has designated evacuation centers for natural disasters. These are marked with signs in Japanese and English.

5. Stay Informed:

   • Follow local news and weather updates.
   • Use apps like “NHK World Japan” for English-language news.

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Key Cultural Points

• Japanese emergency services are highly efficient and professional. Trust their instructions.
• Ambulances are not used for minor injuries or illnesses. Only call 119 for serious medical emergencies.
• Avoid prank calls to emergency numbers, as this is taken very seriously and can result in legal consequences.

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By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Kobe. If you have further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!