1－1. In an Emergency
In the event of a large disaster, regional evacuation shelters
will be opened where you can take refuge. After you have confirmed your safety and your family’s safety, check for correct information and cooperate with your neighbors. Buildings may be damaged and telephone communication and electricity may be cut off, so you are advised to prepare a flashlight and a portable radio.
（1）Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in Japan. When the earth suddenly starts to
shake, the greatest danger is from falling objects and fires caused by the quake. The best protection is to be prepared before the event of an actual quake. You will be able to get information about the magnitude and epicenter of the quake and check the current situation via television or other media.
“Earthquake!” - What to do when the next one hits
① First make sure you are safe. Take refuge under a desk or table. If driving, slowly pull over to the left side of the road and stop.
②Make sure your family and property are safe. After the initial tremors die down, immediately extinguish stoves, heaters, etc. and turn off all gas valves. Be sure to put on slippers or shoes while in the house.
③Prepare to evacuate your house. Beware of aftershocks! Listen to the radio or T.V. for information. Prepare portable items used in cases of emergency.
④Cooperate with others in your neighborhood. Check to see if your neighbors are all right by calling out to them and then evacuate together. Stay away from houses that seem to be damaged.
⑤Help each other with evacuation procedures. Follow all neighborhood group rules. If your house is damaged do not go back inside.
（2）Fire
Don’t risk trying to put out the fire by yourself. Alert the neighbors of the fire and call the fire station at #119. If you are unable to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, leave the building at once. Practicing fire prevention and rehearsing fire drills can help when a real emergency occurs.
（3）Tsunamis
Tsunamis are large waves caused by earthquakes and since Joetsu faces the Sea of Japan, the possibility of damage due to a tsunami is very high. If you are near the seaside and feel a tremor, check a radio or T.V. for any tsunami information. Leave the area immediately and head for higher ground or a safe place.
(4) Storms and Floods
Damage due to typhoons or heavy rain occurs throughout Japan. Preparing beforehand for such a disaster is key. If you sense that anything is strange or dangerous contact someone in your neighborhood and evacuate quickly.
[Key points to remember when evacuating]
① Wear clothes that are easy to move around in. Protect your head with a helmet or hat and make sure to wear shoes that can be tied securely with laces.
② Do not act independently! Always evacuate in groups of two or more and use a rope to tie yourselves together.
③ Watch your step! Be careful not to fall into a manhole or ditch. Walk with a long stick or pole and test the road ahead of you.
④ Be careful of the depth of the water in which you are walking. Only walk in water that is knee-high. If you must walk through flowing water, do so in water that is only ankle-deep.
⑤ Do not overdo it! If the water level is too high to evacuate, move to the second or higher floors of a building.
(5) Landslides
An avalanche of earth and rocks or the crumbling of a cliffside are common occurrences that can be caused by earthquakes or rainfall and are dangerous to both people and property. If you feel that your area may experience a landslide due to heavy rain or feel that you may be in danger, contact others in your neighborhood and then quickly evacuate. If you encounter a landslide, move away at an angle perpendicular to it. Check the city homepage for areas that are susceptible to landslides and get information about the area where you live as well.
(6) Snow damage
Joetsu is an area of heavy snowfall. The snow may cause avalanches, destroy houses and even cut off certain areas and regions. In order to live safely it is important to know about the dangers of snow. Clear away snow from rooftops and driveways etc. as often as possible but always be careful when doing so.
(7) Volcanoes
In the event of an eruption on Mt.Yakeyama or Mt.Myoko there is a possibility that Joetsu City could be affected by falling ash. Learning about the situation beforehand through warnings and other information is the best way to prepare yourself should an actual eruption occur.
(8) Nuclear Power Plants
A disaster at a nuclear power plant could result in harmful radiation. In general, nuclear power plants have safeguards in place to prevent radiation leaks, but in the event of an accident do not panic. Monitor local, prefectural and national news to get up to date and accurate information about the situation.
(9) Large scale terrorist attacks or attacks from a foreign power
In the event of a terrorist attack or military attack by another country, warnings and evacuation measures will be announced by the government. Details of such measures will be given through T.V., radio and over
loudspeakers mounted on city vehicles. Please comply with all instructions and warnings.
○Things to take with you in an emergency
Your passport, your foreign resident card, cash, valuables, cell phone, cell phone charger, portable radios, a flashlight, spare batteries, clothing, emergency medical supplies, emergency rations (baby milk if applicable), a three-day supply of water.
Prepare all items well in advance and keep them in an easy-to-see and accessible place.
○Things you can do everyday to prepare
You can be prepared for an earthquake by locating the nearest evacuation center and participating in earthquake preparedness drills, as well as discussing with your friends and family what to do in an emergency.
Important Information Sources During Emergencies
【Emergency and Disaster Broadcast from Joetsu City Hall】
・FM Joetsu (FMJ): FM Radio 76.1 MgHz
・Joetsu Cable Vision (JCV): TV Channel 11
【Disaster Information, Designated Evacuation Center Information】
Joetsu City Disaster Prevention・Crisis Management (Joetsu City homepage, in Japanese):
【Weather Disaster Information, Emergency Information, etc.】
・Japan Meteorological Agency (In English):
・Niigata Prefectural Office (in several languages):
【Related Sites】
・“What to do in case of an earthquake”: Metropolitan Police Department (in English, Chinese)
・Civil Protection Portal Site (Cabinet Secretariat, in English)
【Pamphlet Distribution】
Distribution Centers：International Affairs Center on 2ndfloor of
Joetsu Shimin Plaza
“Jishin ni Jishin O” (Being Confident in an Earthquake)”published by the Institute for Fire Safety & Disaster Preparedness
(English, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese)
1-2. Hospitals
When you become ill or are injured, it may become necessary to
go to the hospital. When that time arises, you should know where the nearest hospitals are. Join the national health insurance plan.If you have a health insurance card, your medical fees will be reduced.
１ When you go to the hospital
You may find it helpful to have a Japanese friend go with you for the first visit. You may also find it helpful for you and the doctor if you make a note of your symptoms beforehand.
〔Things to bring〕 ・Health insurance card
２ Serious Illness or Emergencies
Call 119 and tell the fire department to dispatch an ambulance
sudden illness = KYUBYO desu. Serious injury = OOKEGA desu.The address is ______= Basho wa ______desu.
My name is ______. = Watashi no namae wa ______desu.
The phone number here is ______. = Kono denwa bango wa ______desu.
３ Clinics open on weekends, holidays and night-time
（If you get ill on a holiday, please use these facilities）
（1）internal medicine・pediatrics, surgery
○Emergency Medical Care Center (Kyujitsu Kyukan Center)
Shinkocho 1-8-11☎：025-522-3777
Days Open / Field / Open HoursMonday～Friday / Internal Medicine
Pediatrics / 19:30～21:30
Saturdays / Internal Medicine
Pediatrics / 16：00～17：30 19：00～20：30
Sundays・Holidays
8/15、12/31～1/3 / Internal Medicine
Pediatrics / 9：00～11：30 13：00～15：30
16：00～17：30 19：00～20：30
Surgery / 9：00～11：30 13：00～15：30
2）Dentistry (Please use if you need emergency dentistry on a holiday）
○Emergency Dental Clinic Center (Kyujitsu Shika Shinryo Center)
Shinkocho 1-10-16 ☎：025-522-1202
9：00～11：30 13：00～15：30
４Hospitals in Joetsu City
Choose the most appropriate department to treat your symptoms. Many private hospitals offer specialized care, so check the hospitals near you ahead of time. Otherwise, general hospitals offer care for most illnesses and injuries. The main general hospitals in Joetsu are listed below. Call direct to the hospital for specific information.
○Niigata Prefectural Central Hospital (Chuo Byoin)
Shinnancho 205, Joetsu City☎：025-522-7711
Reception Hours: Monday～Friday 8：30～11：30 (excluding holidays)
○Joetsu Area Medical Center Hospital (Joetsu chiiki iryo center)
Minami Takada 6-9, Joetsu City ☎：025-523-2131
Reception Hours: Monday～Friday 8：30～11：30(excluding holidays)
○Joetsu General Hospital(Sogo Byoin)
Joetsu shi Daido Fukuda 148-1
☎：025-524-3000
Reception Hours: Monday～Friday 8：30～11：30(excluding holidays)
○Niigata Industrial Injuries Hospital
Touncho 1-7-12, Joetsu City ☎：025-543-3123
Reception Hours: Monday～Friday 8：15～11：00(excluding holidays)
５ Medical Translator Volunteer Dispatch
Volunteer translators are available in some cases. Call the City
Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30～17:15, for availability
Inquiries
○JoetsuCity Health Maintenance Division
☎：025-526-5111
1-3. Consultation Services
There are several places you can visit for advice or counseling. Come by if you have any problems or concerns about life in Joetsu.
Joetsu International Network (JOIN) 【Free】
International Affairs Center on 2nd floor of Shimin Plaza
☎：025-527-3615
HP:
e-mail:
Counselors are available to discuss visas, international marriages, family issues, Japanese study, tax issues, illness, education, etc. Service is for non-Japanese and those involved with non-Japanese people. Translation is available. For consultation in your native language, please make an appointment beforehand.
Languages offered: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, others.
Hours: Monday 13:00〜17:00 Friday 13:00〜17:00
Thursday13:00 〜17:00 Saturdays 9:00〜13:00
≪counseling topics≫International Marriage and Divorce Issues
Family Issues
Child Adoption Issues
Visa and Immigration Issues
Children’s Japanese Education and School Enrollment
Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Issues
Work and Employment Issues
Issues Related to Japanese Language
Others (Illness, Consumer Issues, etc.)
○Takada Catholic Church 【Free】
Nishishiro Cho 2-3-12 ☎：025-523-5348
Available languages：Japanese, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog
Office Hours: Monday〜Friday, 8：30～12：00
○Legal Advice and Counseling (City Office Legal Center)
【by appointment only】
Appointments: 025-526-5111 (advice cannot be given over the telephone）
Available languages：Japanese only
Hours：Friday, 13：00～17：00
○Women’s Counseling, Gender Equality Promotion Center【Free】
Tsuchihashi 1914-3, Gender Equality Promotion Center on2ndfloor of Shimin Plaza
☎：025-527-3614
E-mail:
Available Languages：Japanese only
Hours：Monday〜Saturday, 9：00～17：00（Closed 3rd Wednesday）
Tuesday –counseling also available after hours until 7:00 but only over the phone
Consult the town homepage for further information on counseling
centers in Joetsu.
「Advice and Counseling」：Joetsu City（in Japanese）Your privacy will be strictly guarded.
You don’t have to suffer alone.