Yokohama
Emergency Services
Sections
1. Overview of Emergency Services in Yokohama
Yokohama, as Japanโs second-largest city, has a well-organized and efficient emergency services system. The three main emergency services are:
- Police (Keisatsu - ่ญฆๅฏ)
- Fire Department (Shลbล - ๆถ้ฒ)
- Ambulance Services (Kyลซkyลซ - ๆๆฅ)
These services are accessible 24/7 and are designed to respond quickly to emergencies. Japanโs emergency services are known for their professionalism, punctuality, and high standards of care.
2. Emergency Contact Numbers
Japan uses a simple, nationwide system for emergency numbers:
- Police (for crimes, accidents, or lost property): Dial 110
- Fire and Ambulance (for fires, medical emergencies, or rescue): Dial 119
Both numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones and public payphones.
How to Use Public Payphones in Emergencies:
- Locate a green or gray payphone.
- Pick up the receiver and press the red emergency button (if available) or directly dial 110 or 119.
- No coins or phone cards are required for emergency calls.
3. Types of Emergency Services
A. Police (110)
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Services Provided:
- Reporting crimes (theft, assault, fraud, etc.)
- Reporting traffic accidents
- Assistance with lost or stolen property
- General public safety concerns
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Procedure:
- Dial 110 and state your emergency.
- Provide your location (use landmarks or nearby addresses if unsure).
- Describe the situation clearly and concisely.
-
Language Support:
- Police officers may have limited English proficiency, but interpreters are often available through a phone-based translation service.
- Some police stations in Yokohama, especially in tourist-heavy areas, have English-speaking staff.
-
Cultural Considerations:
- Be polite and patient. Japanese police are thorough and may ask detailed questions.
- Carry identification (passport or residence card) as it may be requested.
B. Fire Department and Ambulance Services (119)
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Services Provided:
- Firefighting and fire prevention
- Emergency medical services (ambulances)
- Rescue operations (e.g., during natural disasters or accidents)
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Procedure:
- Dial 119 and specify whether you need a fire truck ("Kaji desu" - ็ซไบใงใ) or an ambulance ("Kyลซkyลซ desu" - ๆๆฅใงใ).
- Provide your location and describe the emergency.
- Stay on the line for instructions until help arrives.
-
Language Support:
- The 119 operators in Yokohama have access to a multilingual interpretation service, including English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
- Ambulance staff may have limited English skills, so itโs helpful to know basic Japanese phrases or have a translation app ready.
-
Costs:
- Firefighting services are free.
- Ambulance transport is free, but you will be charged for medical treatment and hospital fees. These costs vary depending on the hospital and treatment required. If you have Japanese health insurance, it will cover 70% of the medical costs.
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Cultural Considerations:
- Ambulances in Japan do not use sirens unless necessary, so they may arrive quietly.
- Japanese hospitals operate on a first-come, first-served basis unless itโs a life-threatening emergency.
4. Additional Emergency Services
A. Disaster Preparedness
Yokohama is prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The city has a robust disaster response system, including evacuation centers and public announcements.
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Yokohama Disaster Prevention Information:
- Website: Yokohama City Disaster Prevention
- Multilingual disaster information is available.
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Earthquake Tips:
- If indoors, take cover under sturdy furniture.
- If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
B. Poison Control
- Japan Poison Information Center (JPIC):
- Phone: 03-5285-8080 (Tokyo center, available for Yokohama residents)
- Hours: 24/7
- Language: Japanese only (use a translation app or ask for help if needed).
5. Tips for Navigating Emergency Situations
A. Prepare in Advance
- Save emergency numbers (110 and 119) in your phone.
- Learn basic Japanese phrases for emergencies:
- "Help!" - "Tasukete!" (ๅฉใใฆ!)
- "I need an ambulance." - "Kyลซkyลซsha o yonde kudasai." (ๆๆฅ่ปใๅผใใงใใ ใใใ)
- "Thereโs a fire." - "Kaji desu." (็ซไบใงใใ)
- Keep your address written in Japanese to show responders.
B. Use Translation Tools
- Download translation apps like Google Translate or Pocketalk to communicate effectively.
- Some apps have an emergency mode for quick translations.
C. Know Your Location
- Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood, including nearby landmarks, police stations, and hospitals.
- Use GPS apps like Google Maps to pinpoint your location during emergencies.
D. Emergency Medical Information
- Carry a card with your medical history, allergies, and emergency contacts written in Japanese and English.
- If you have health insurance, carry your insurance card at all times.
6. Key Hospitals in Yokohama with Emergency Services
Yokohama has several hospitals with emergency departments. Some of them offer multilingual support:
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Yokohama City University Hospital
- Address: 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama
- Phone: 045-787-2800
- Language Support: English-speaking staff available.
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St. Marianna University Yokohama City Seibu Hospital
- Address: 1197-1 Yasashicho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama
- Phone: 045-366-1111
- Language Support: Limited English support.
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Yokohama Rosai Hospital
- Address: 3211 Kozukuecho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama
- Phone: 045-474-8111
- Language Support: English-speaking staff available.
7. Cultural Considerations
- Politeness: Always remain calm and polite when speaking to emergency responders. Bowing is not necessary during emergencies but is appreciated in non-urgent interactions.
- Privacy: Japanese culture values privacy, so emergency responders may avoid asking overly personal questions unless necessary.
- Efficiency: Japanese emergency services are highly efficient, so trust their process and follow their instructions carefully.
8. Summary of Key Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Language Support | |------------------|--------|------------------------| | Police | 110 | Limited English, interpreters available | | Fire/Ambulance | 119 | Multilingual support available | | Poison Control | 03-5285-8080 | Japanese only |
By understanding how to access and interact with emergency services in Yokohama, you can handle unexpected situations with confidence. Always prioritize safety and preparation to ensure a smooth experience in this vibrant city.