Kobe

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Evacuation Centers

Locations and procedures for evacuation centers in case of disasters or emergencies.

Sections

1. Overview of Evacuation Centers in Kobe

Evacuation centers in Kobe are designated public facilities where residents and visitors can seek shelter during emergencies such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, or other natural disasters. These centers are typically located in schools, community centers, and public halls.

  • Types of Evacuation Centers:
    • Primary Evacuation Centers: These are temporary shelters where people gather immediately after a disaster. They are often open spaces like parks or school grounds.
    • Secondary Evacuation Centers: These are indoor facilities where people can stay for longer periods if their homes are uninhabitable. These include gymnasiums, community centers, and public halls.

2. Locations of Evacuation Centers

Kobe has numerous evacuation centers spread across its wards (known as "ku" in Japanese). Each ward has multiple designated locations. Here are some examples:

Chuo Ward (Central Kobe)

  • Kobe International Community Center (KICC):

    • Address: 1-2-8 Hamabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
    • Facilities: Multilingual support, Wi-Fi, basic emergency supplies.
    • Note: This center is particularly helpful for foreign residents and visitors.

  • Higashi Yuenchi Park:

    • Address: 6-4-1 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
    • Facilities: Open space for immediate evacuation, emergency water supply.

Nada Ward

  • Nada Junior High School:
    • Address: 3-1-1 Oji-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe
    • Facilities: Indoor shelter, toilets, and basic supplies.

Hyogo Ward

  • Hyogo Civic Center:
    • Address: 1-2-1 Shinkaichi, Hyogo-ku, Kobe
    • Facilities: Indoor shelter, emergency food and water, medical assistance.

Tarumi Ward

  • Tarumi Sports Center:
    • Address: 1-1-1 Kaigandori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe
    • Facilities: Large indoor space, emergency supplies, and medical aid.

Other Wards:

Each ward in Kobe (e.g., Suma, Kita, Nishi) has its own designated evacuation centers. Maps and lists of these centers are available at local ward offices and on the Kobe City website.

3. Facilities Available at Evacuation Centers

Evacuation centers in Kobe are equipped with basic facilities to ensure safety and comfort during emergencies. These include:

  • Shelter: Indoor spaces such as gymnasiums or classrooms with mats and blankets.
  • Food and Water: Emergency rations and drinking water are provided.
  • Medical Assistance: First aid kits and, in some cases, medical personnel are available.
  • Sanitation: Toilets, handwashing stations, and sometimes portable showers.
  • Communication: Wi-Fi or public phones for contacting family or emergency services.
  • Multilingual Support: Some centers, like the Kobe International Community Center, offer assistance in multiple languages for foreign residents and visitors.

4. Procedures for Using Evacuation Centers

If you need to use an evacuation center in Kobe, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Nearest Evacuation Center:

    • Check local maps, signage, or the Kobe City website for the nearest center.
    • Use the "Kobe City Disaster Prevention App" (available in multiple languages) for real-time updates and directions.

  2. Bring Essential Items:

    • If possible, bring a disaster kit with essentials like water, food, medications, identification, and a flashlight.
    • Note: Evacuation centers provide basic supplies, but itโ€™s best to bring your own if you can.

  3. Register Upon Arrival:

    • Upon reaching the center, register your name, address, and contact information. This helps authorities keep track of evacuees and provide assistance.

  4. Follow Instructions:

    • Listen to announcements and follow the instructions of staff or volunteers. They will guide you on where to stay and how to access facilities.

  5. Respect Local Customs:

    • Remove your shoes before entering indoor areas.
    • Be mindful of others and maintain cleanliness in shared spaces.

5. Costs Associated with Evacuation Centers

  • Free of Charge: Evacuation centers in Kobe are free to use during emergencies. This includes access to shelter, food, water, and basic medical care.
  • Optional Costs: If you need additional items (e.g., specific medications or personal hygiene products), you may need to purchase them separately.

6. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Language Barriers:

    • While many evacuation centers have Japanese-speaking staff, some centers (like KICC) provide multilingual support. Carry a translation app or phrasebook to communicate effectively.

  • Community Spirit:

    • Japanese culture emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect. Be considerate of others in the evacuation center, share resources, and follow rules.

  • Shoes and Cleanliness:

    • It is customary to remove your shoes before entering indoor spaces. Bring a pair of indoor slippers if possible.

  • Preparedness Culture:

    • Kobe residents are highly aware of disaster preparedness. You may notice regular disaster drills and signage in public spaces. Familiarize yourself with these resources.

7. Additional Resources

  • Kobe City Disaster Prevention Website:

  • Kobe International Community Center (KICC):

  • Kobe City Disaster Prevention App:

    • Download the app for real-time updates, evacuation center locations, and emergency procedures.

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • Police: 110
    • Fire/Ambulance: 119
    • Multilingual Emergency Hotline: +81-50-3816-2787

By familiarizing yourself with these resources and procedures, you can ensure your safety and well-being during emergencies in Kobe. Stay prepared and stay safe!