Sapporo

1. Emergency Communication Categories

In Sapporo, emergency services are divided into three main categories:

a. Police (Crime, Accidents, and General Safety)

• Emergency Number: Dial 110.
• Purpose: To report crimes, traffic accidents, or any situation requiring police assistance.
• Language Support: Operators may not always speak English, but they will try to connect you to an interpreter if needed.

b. Fire and Ambulance (Medical Emergencies, Fires, and Rescues)

• Emergency Number: Dial 119.
• Purpose: To report fires, request an ambulance, or seek rescue services.
• Language Support: Some operators may speak basic English, and interpretation services are available in many cases.

c. Disaster and Crisis Information

• Hokkaido Disaster Prevention Information: In the event of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, typhoons, or heavy snow), the local government provides updates via:
  • Sapporo City Disaster Prevention App (available in multiple languages).
  • NHK World Japan (English-language news and alerts).
  • Local Radio Stations: Tune in to FM radio stations like FM North Wave (82.5 MHz) for updates in Japanese.

---

2. Costs of Emergency Services

• Police Assistance (110): Free of charge.
• Fire and Ambulance Services (119): Free for the call and dispatch. However:
  • Ambulance transport is free, but you will be charged for medical treatment and hospital services.
  • Firefighting services are free.

---

3. Procedures for Contacting Emergency Services

When calling emergency services in Sapporo, follow these steps:

a. Dial the Appropriate Number

• 110 for police.
• 119 for fire or ambulance.

b. Provide Key Information

• Speak clearly and provide the following details:
  1. Your Location: Use landmarks, street names, or nearby buildings. If you're unsure, describe your surroundings.
  2. Nature of the Emergency: Briefly explain what has happened (e.g., "There is a fire," "I need an ambulance," or "I was in a car accident").
  3. Your Contact Information: Provide your phone number in case they need to call you back.

c. Language Barriers

• If you don’t speak Japanese, say: “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?).
• If no English-speaking operator is available, they will connect you to an interpreter. Be patient, as this may take a few moments.

d. Use of Public Phones

• Public phones in Japan can be used to call emergency numbers for free. Look for green or gray payphones, which are common in Sapporo.

---

4. Local Site-Specific Considerations

Sapporo has unique features and challenges that may affect emergency communication:

a. Winter Weather

• Sapporo experiences heavy snowfall and icy conditions in winter. Be prepared for weather-related emergencies such as snowstorms or accidents caused by slippery roads.
• Keep the Sapporo Snow Removal Center contact information handy for snow-related issues: 011-621-5111 (Japanese only).

b. Earthquakes

• Japan is prone to earthquakes, and Sapporo is no exception. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters. Maps are available at local government offices and online.
• Download the Japan Official Travel App or the Safety Tips App for real-time earthquake and tsunami alerts in English.

c. Medical Emergencies

• Not all hospitals in Sapporo have English-speaking staff. For assistance, contact the Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911 or the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center at 011-200-9595 (available in multiple languages).

d. Tourist Information Centers

• Tourist information centers in Sapporo can assist with non-urgent issues and provide guidance in English. For example:
  • Sapporo Tourist Information Center (inside JR Sapporo Station).
  • Phone: 011-213-5088.

---

5. Additional Resources

a. Embassy or Consulate

• If you are a foreign national, your embassy or consulate can provide assistance in emergencies. For example:
  • U.S. Consulate in Sapporo: Phone: 011-641-1115.
  • Australian Consulate in Sapporo: Phone: 011-242-4381.

b. Non-Emergency Police Assistance

• For non-urgent matters, contact the Sapporo Police Station at 011-251-0110 (Japanese only).

c. Multilingual Support

• The Japan Visitor Hotline (available 24/7) provides assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Phone: 050-3816-2787.

---

6. Cultural Nuances

• Be Polite and Patient: Japanese emergency operators are professional but may take extra time to connect you to an interpreter.
• Stay Calm: Clear communication is essential, especially if there is a language barrier.
• Respect Local Protocols: Follow instructions carefully, as Japanese emergency services are highly organized and efficient.

---

7. Summary Checklist

• Memorize the emergency numbers: 110 (police) and 119 (fire/ambulance).
• Download apps like Safety Tips and Sapporo City Disaster Prevention App for alerts.
• Carry a card with your address (in Japanese) and emergency contact numbers.
• Learn basic Japanese phrases for emergencies, such as:
  • “Tasukete kudasai” (Please help me).
  • “Kaji desu” (There is a fire).
  • “Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai” (Please call an ambulance).

By understanding these systems and preparing in advance, you can navigate emergencies in Sapporo with confidence. Stay safe!