Nagoya

1. Types of Disasters Common to Nagoya

Nagoya is susceptible to several types of natural disasters:

• Earthquakes: Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. Nagoya is particularly at risk due to its proximity to the Nankai Trough, which could trigger a major earthquake.
• Tsunamis: Coastal areas near Nagoya, such as the Ise Bay region, are vulnerable to tsunamis following large offshore earthquakes.
• Typhoons: Nagoya experiences typhoons during Japan's typhoon season (June to October), which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding.
• Flooding: The city is prone to flooding, especially in low-lying areas near rivers like the Shonai and Tenpaku Rivers.
• Landslides: Heavy rains during typhoons or the rainy season can trigger landslides in hilly or mountainous areas near Nagoya.

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2. Emergency Procedures

Japan has a well-organized disaster response system, and Nagoya follows these protocols:

• Earthquakes:
  • Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During an earthquake, protect yourself by taking cover under sturdy furniture and staying away from windows or heavy objects.
  • Evacuate to open spaces or designated shelters if necessary after the shaking stops.
• Tsunamis:
  • Move to higher ground immediately if you are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake or receive a tsunami warning.
• Typhoons and Flooding:
  • Stay indoors and avoid rivers, coastal areas, and low-lying regions.
  • Monitor weather updates and evacuation orders.
• Evacuation Orders:
  • Pay attention to evacuation levels issued by local authorities:
    • Level 3: Elderly and vulnerable individuals should evacuate.
    • Level 4: All residents should evacuate to a safe location.
    • Level 5: Immediate danger; take action to protect your life.

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3. Recommended Supplies

Prepare an emergency kit (防災セット, bousai setto) with the following items:

• Basic Supplies:
  • Water (3 liters per person per day for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable phone charger (power bank)
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Personal Items:
  • Prescription medications
  • Copies of important documents (passport, residence card, insurance)
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Emergency contact information
• Clothing and Shelter:
  • Warm clothing and rain gear
  • Emergency blanket
  • Sturdy shoes
• Other Essentials:
  • Radio (preferably hand-crank or battery-powered) to receive updates
  • Masks and hand sanitizer
  • Plastic bags for waste disposal

Pre-made emergency kits are available for purchase at stores like Don Quijote, home improvement stores, or online retailers like Amazon Japan.

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4. Local Shelters

Nagoya has designated evacuation shelters (避難所, hinanjo) for use during disasters. These are typically located in schools, community centers, and public buildings. Key points to know:

• Finding Shelters:
  • Use the Nagoya City Disaster Prevention Map (available online or as a mobile app) to locate the nearest shelter.
  • Look for signs with the kanji "避難所" or the English word "Evacuation Shelter."
• Shelter Facilities:
  • Shelters provide basic necessities like water, food, and blankets, but it’s advisable to bring your own emergency kit.
  • Some shelters are designated as tsunami shelters and are located on higher ground.
• Pet-Friendly Shelters:
  • Some shelters allow pets, but you may need to bring pet supplies (food, carrier, etc.).
• Accessibility:
  • Many shelters are wheelchair accessible, and some provide support for non-Japanese speakers.

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5. Disaster Awareness Programs

Nagoya City and the Japanese government offer various programs to educate residents and visitors about disaster preparedness:

• Nagoya City Disaster Prevention Center (名古屋市防災センター):
  • Located in Atsuta Ward, this center provides hands-on disaster preparedness training, including earthquake simulators, fire evacuation drills, and first aid training.
  • Admission is free, and some exhibits have English explanations.
• Community Drills:
  • Local neighborhoods often organize disaster drills (bousai kunren). Participating in these drills is a great way to learn about local procedures and meet neighbors.
• Multilingual Resources:
  • Nagoya International Center (NIC) provides disaster preparedness information in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Portuguese.
  • Download the "Safety Tips" app by the Japan Tourism Agency for real-time disaster alerts and guidance in English and other languages.

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6. Costs Associated with Preparedness

• Emergency Kits: Pre-made kits range from ¥5,000 to ¥20,000, depending on the contents.
• Disaster Insurance: Consider purchasing earthquake insurance (地震保険, jishin hoken) if you are a long-term resident. Costs vary based on property value and location.
• Free Resources: Many disaster preparedness resources, such as maps, guides, and training sessions, are provided free of charge by the city or local organizations.

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7. Cultural Practices and Considerations

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on community and preparedness, which influences disaster readiness:

• Community Involvement:
  • Neighborhood associations (chonaikai) play a key role in disaster response. They organize drills, share information, and support residents during emergencies.
• Politeness and Order:
  • During disasters, Japanese people tend to remain calm and orderly. Follow local customs by queuing patiently and cooperating with authorities.
• Language Barriers:
  • While many resources are available in English, not all shelter staff may speak English. Learn basic Japanese phrases like "助けてください" (tasukete kudasai, "Please help me") or carry a translation app.
• Preparedness as a Norm:
  • It is common for households to have emergency kits and plans. As a visitor or immigrant, adopting this practice will help you integrate into the local culture.

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8. Additional Tips

• Stay Informed:
  • Monitor weather and disaster alerts through apps like "NHK World" or "Safety Tips."
  • Follow Nagoya City’s official social media accounts for updates.
• Know Your Embassy:
  • Register with your country’s embassy in Japan to receive emergency notifications and assistance.
• Practice Evacuation Routes:
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from your home, workplace, or hotel.

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By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your safety and adapt to Nagoya’s disaster preparedness culture. If you need further assistance or specific resources, feel free to ask!