Yokohama

๐ŸŒŽ

Disaster Preparedness

Information on earthquake, tsunami, and other disaster readiness specific to Yokohama, including shelters and guidelines.

Sections

1. Emergency Procedures in Yokohama

Yokohama has a well-organized disaster response system, and understanding the procedures can help you stay safe during emergencies.

Earthquakes

  • During an Earthquake:
    • Drop, cover, and hold on. Take shelter under sturdy furniture or protect your head with your arms.
    • Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, or anything that could fall.
    • If you are outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
  • After an Earthquake:
    • Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary.
    • Turn off gas, electricity, and water if you suspect damage.
    • Listen to emergency broadcasts on the radio or TV for updates (NHK broadcasts in English during emergencies).

Typhoons

  • Before a Typhoon:
    • Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.
    • Stock up on food, water, and batteries.
    • Monitor weather updates and warnings.
  • During a Typhoon:
    • Stay indoors and away from windows.
    • Avoid rivers, coastal areas, and flood-prone zones.

Tsunamis

  • Tsunami Warnings:
    • If you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, move to higher ground immediately.
    • Follow evacuation routes marked with blue tsunami signs.
    • Do not return to low-lying areas until authorities declare it safe.

Emergency Communication:

  • Dial 119 for fire and ambulance services.
  • Dial 110 for police.
  • Use the Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171) to leave or check messages for loved ones.
  • Download the Yokohama Safety App or the NHK World App for real-time updates in English.

2. Local Shelter Locations

Yokohama has designated evacuation shelters (้ฟ้›ฃๆ‰€, hinanjo) in schools, community centers, and public buildings. These shelters provide temporary refuge during disasters.

  • How to Find Shelters:

    • Look for signs with the kanji "้ฟ้›ฃๆ‰€" or the English word "Evacuation Shelter."
    • Use the Yokohama City Disaster Prevention Map (available online and in English) to locate the nearest shelter.
    • Shelters are equipped with basic supplies, but itโ€™s advisable to bring your own disaster kit.

  • Examples of Shelters in Yokohama:

    • Yokohama International School (for foreign residents in the area)
    • Local elementary and junior high schools
    • Community centers such as the Naka Ward Community Hall

  • Special Considerations:

    • Some shelters are designated as "tsunami evacuation buildings" for coastal areas.
    • Pet-friendly shelters are limited, so check in advance if you have pets.

3. Disaster Kits

A well-prepared disaster kit is essential for surviving the first 72 hours after a disaster. Hereโ€™s what to include:

Basic Items:

  • Water: 3 liters per person per day (for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, etc.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Portable phone charger (power bank)
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
  • Emergency blanket
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust masks
  • Copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance)

Additional Items for Yokohama:

  • Rain gear (for typhoons)
  • Local maps (in case GPS is unavailable)
  • Japanese phrasebook or translation app
  • Coins for public phones (in case mobile networks fail)

Estimated Costs:

  • Pre-made disaster kits in Japan cost between ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 ($35โ€“$100 USD), depending on the contents.
  • Individual items can be purchased at 100-yen shops, supermarkets, or online.

4. Cultural Considerations

Understanding cultural norms can help you navigate disaster situations more effectively in Yokohama.

  • Community Cooperation:

    • Japanese culture emphasizes group harmony and cooperation. During disasters, people often work together to help each other.
    • Follow instructions from local authorities and volunteers at shelters.

  • Language Barriers:

    • While many signs and announcements are in Japanese, major cities like Yokohama provide multilingual support during emergencies.
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases like "ๅŠฉใ‘ใฆใใ ใ•ใ„" (Tasukete kudasai - "Please help me") or "้ฟ้›ฃๆ‰€ใฏใฉใ“ใงใ™ใ‹๏ผŸ" (Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? - "Where is the evacuation shelter?").

  • Queueing:

    • Expect orderly lines for supplies, shelter registration, and assistance. Be patient and respectful.

5. Specific Risks in Yokohama

Yokohama faces several natural disaster risks due to its location and geography:

Earthquakes:

  • Yokohama is near the Sagami Trough, a tectonic plate boundary prone to seismic activity.
  • The city has strict building codes to minimize earthquake damage, but older structures may still be vulnerable.

Typhoons:

  • Typhoon season runs from June to October, with the highest risk in August and September.
  • Heavy rain can cause flooding in low-lying areas like Minato Mirai and Kannai.

Tsunamis:

  • Coastal areas, including the Yokohama Bay area, are at risk of tsunamis following major offshore earthquakes.
  • Evacuation routes and tsunami shelters are clearly marked.

Landslides:

  • Hilly areas in Yokohama, such as those in the suburbs, may experience landslides during heavy rain.

6. Resources for Disaster Preparedness

Yokohama provides several resources to help residents and visitors prepare for disasters:

  • Yokohama City Disaster Prevention Website:

  • Disaster Preparedness Workshops:

    • Local community centers often hold free workshops on earthquake and typhoon preparedness.

  • Disaster Prevention Centers:

    • Visit the Yokohama Disaster Risk Reduction Learning Center to practice earthquake simulations and learn survival skills.

  • Emergency Apps:

    • NHK World App: Provides emergency alerts in English.
    • Safety Tips App: Offers disaster information and evacuation advice in multiple languages.

7. Estimated Costs for Preparedness

  • Disaster Kit: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 ($35โ€“$100 USD)
  • Emergency Supplies (per person): ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 ($20โ€“$35 USD)
  • Workshops and Training: Free or minimal cost
  • Insurance (optional): Earthquake insurance for renters or homeowners costs around ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 annually ($70โ€“$350 USD), depending on coverage.

8. Final Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation routes and shelters as soon as you arrive in Yokohama.
  • Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank at all times.
  • Stay informed by monitoring local news and weather updates.
  • Practice drills with your family or travel group to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any disaster situation in Yokohama. Stay safe!