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Here is some useful information for those starting their life in Japan. In this article, we will talk about making emergency calls.
As you go about your daily life in Japan, you may have an accident or encounter some sort of emergency. It is a good idea to know what to do in an emergency before such a situation arises.
Let’s learn how to make an emergency call in Japan.
There are two three-digit phone numbers in Japan, 110 and 119, that you can call in an emergency. We will explain which numbers to call and what to say when you call these numbers.
Let’s start with 110 (hyakutoban).
110 is an emergency number that you can use when you are involved in a crime or accident, and you need the police to come to the scene. Examples of possible situations include robbery, car accidents, snatchings, stalking, and bank fraud. When such events occur, call 110 and tell them what happened.
What to Report
What happened (a crime or an accident)
When it happened (how long before the call)
Where it happened (Location, address, landmark store or building, what floor of the building, etc.)
Description of damage, witnesses, and whether anyone was injured
Characteristics of the suspect (gender, number of people, age, clothing, the direction of their escape, etc.)
Address, name, and contact information of the caller
Tips
There is also a 110 app for people with hearing or speech disabilities who have difficulty calling over the phone. You may want to register in advance in case of an emergency.
*If you can call over the phone, please call 110.
Next is 119 (hyakujukyuban).
119 is the emergency number to call for a fire department or an ambulance. When you call, tell them if it is a fire or an emergency, and then give them the details.
When Reporting a Fire
It is the Fire Department. Is it a fire or an emergency?
⇒ It is a fire.
Tell us the address where the fire truck should go.
⇒ The address is… (give exact address, apartment name, and room number)
What is on fire?
⇒ (Ex) The stove in the living room is on fire.
(Please be specific about what is burning)
Okay, fire department’s on their way.
When Reporting an Emergency
It is the Fire Department. Is it a fire or an emergency?
⇒ It is an emergency.
Tell us the address where the ambulance should go.
⇒ The address is… (give exact address, apartment name, and room number)
What happened?
⇒ (Ex) My father suddenly collapsed and is unconscious.
(Let the operator know what happened and who needs help)
Please tell me your name. (Sometimes, they ask for your phone number)
⇒ My name is XX (give them your name, and phone number if asked).
Okay, paramedics are on their way.
Tips
When calling 119 with your smartphone, enable your GPS before calling. The Location Information Notification System will track the caller’s location to help firefighters and paramedics respond quicker. (*Tell them your location verbally as well)
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has a user’s guide for ambulances in several languages.
Visit this page for more information.
Tips
Efforts are being made to respond to 119 calls from foreigners in multiple languages, including providing simultaneous interpretation through telephone interpretation centers. When making an emergency call, do not panic, but be clear and accurate.
Always be prepared to call 110 or 119 in case you encounter an emergency.
Metropolitan Police Departmenthttps://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/jiken_jiko/110/110_110.htmlTokyo Fire Department HPhttps://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/lfe/topics/119/
| Fire and Disaster Management Agency HP |
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