The following emergency phone numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone booth*, private or cell phone.

*See the following NTT WEST HP for details on how to use public phones:
http://www.ntt-west.co.jp/ptd_e/mag_public/kind.html
http://www.ntt-west.co.jp/ptd_e/mag_public/digital.html

Police Station (Dial 110)

1. Traffic Accidents

Dial 110 to report traffic accidents to the police. For details, see "Traffic Accidents" below.

2. Theft and Other Crimes

Dial 110 to report theft and other crimes.

Fire Department (Dial 119)

1. In case of FIRE

A) Shout "KAJI!" (Fire!) to alert the neighbors.

B) Dial 119. The fire service will ask whether the caller is reporting a fire or if it is an ambulance that is needed.
Answer "Kaji desu" (There is a fire). Give the caller's name, address, telephone number and any building in the neighborhood that will pinpoint the site. Cover mouth with a damp towel to protect against poisonous gas, and keep a low position when leaving the room.

C) If the fire is not particularly threatening, and if there is a fire extinguisher nearby, use it to put out the fire.

2. Sudden illness or injury

A) To call for an ambulance, dial 119 and say "kyukyu desu" (I need an Ambulance). Give the caller's name and address, and describe the injury or illness. The emergency service will find the nearest hospital that can treat the illness or injury. The ambulance service is free of charge.

B) On holidays and in the evenings, hospitals provide emergency treatment on a rotation basis. It might be a good idea to inquire at the nearest city or town hall for a list of clinic or hospital that can provide emergency treatment.

Special Emergency Treatment System for Foreigners

In the Hanshin, Kobe, East Harima and West Harima regions, there is also a special emergency treatment system for foreign residents. About 45 hospitals are registered and diagnostic forms are available in five languages. The hospitals are prepared to deal with emergency cases involving foreign residents even at night. For further information, please contact the following organization.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

(1) Accident Insurance

There are two types of insurance in Japan. One is compulsory insurance (required by law) and optional insurance. Compulsory insurance only covers injury and death of the other party involved in the accidents caused by the insured. This form of coverage is not quite adequate. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that car owners buy optional insurance, which provides full coverage against loss, injury due to accidents, and damage to vehicles etc. This is particularly advisable because pedestrians are given priority over drivers in Japan, so the amount of financial compensation for accidents is extremely high. Please keep that in mind when buying a motorcycle or car. Select insurance policy carefully and read it thoroughly before signing.

(2) Traffic Accidents

When involved in a traffic accident, the involved is required by law to report to the police. If an accident is not reported, the Certificate of Traffic Accident necessary for making insurance claims cannot be obtained. Verify the name and address of the other party and contact the insurance company. In case of injury, NO MATTER HOW SLIGHT, it is best to get a medical examination.
If the involved does not know how to make an insurance claim, or how to settle matters out of court, contact the prefectural traffic accidents office or a lawyer. Consultation is free of charge and there are consultants in several areas of the prefecture. Consultation is in Japanese only, so if the involved does not understand Japanese, ask someone who can interpret to come along, or contact the Hyogo International Association Information and Advisory Service (Tel +81-78-382-2052).

In case of Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters

If an Earthquake Occurs

1. Ensure physical safety first by taking shelter under a table.

2. Turn off all gas appliances. Close gas main. Turn off all other cooking and heating appliances that may be a fire hazard. If a fire breaks out, put it out immediately with a fire extinguisher.

3. When shaking stops, turn on the radio or TV to get accurate information, then evacuate to open ground outside.

4. Contact respective faculties/professors or relevant administration office as soon as possible so that family members can be notified when they call the University.

5. If the earthquake occurs while driving, do not brake suddenly. Reduce speed slowly and pull off the car onto the left side of the road. Do not stop near gas stations, high-pressure gas facilities, or underneath a pedestrian bridge.

Typhoon: Storm and Flood Damage

Typhoons often hit Japan during the summer and autumn seasons. Usually damage (landslides and floods) is caused by strong winds and heavy rain.

If the weather forecast mentions a typhoon heading toward Kobe, take the following precautions:

1. Prepare against strong wind and heavy rain by closing all shutters and reinforcing windowpanes with adhesive or vinyl tape.

2. Any items in the garden or on the balcony that might be blown away should be fixed in place or brought indoors.

3. TV antenna should be reinforced with splints and wire.

4. Houses situated in lowland may be at risk from flooding, so move furniture and electrical goods above ground level or upstairs.

5. In case of power failure during a typhoon, keep a flashlight and a portable radio in a place accessible by all family members.

6. Keep emergency items available, should an evacuation become necessary.

7. Confirm the location and access routes to the nearest shelter. Information about shelters and "Maps of Dangerous Areas" (kiken kashozu) are available at each ward office, fire station and civil engineering office.

Evacuation

1. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Families with older or sick people and babies should evacuate as soon as possible.

2. Be sure to wear a helmet or a thick hat when leaving home.

3. Check that gas appliances are turned off and that gas mains are closed.

4. Turn off the electricity supply and close all doors.

5. Do not approach fallen power poles or dangling electric wires.

6. Keep baggage to a minimum, use a backpack instead of a tote bag, to keep your hands free.

7. Trust only information from television, radio or official reports from public offices.