About Evacuation Center

Major earthquakes can result in fires and the collapse of buildings.
Typhoons and heavy rainfall can lead to homes being flooded or washed away.
Evacuating in the event of a disaster, or when a disaster is expected to occur, is known as "hinan".
Different types of places to evacuate to are listed below.

Evacuation centers have food, water and places to sleep.
People stay together in the centers until they are able to return to their homes.

Evacuation Process

• In the Event of an earthquake
  After a major earthquake, everyone should make their way to an evacuation area.
  Once it is understood that the danger of fire, etc. has passed, individuals should confirm the safety of their own homes.
  Those whose homes have been destroyed or become uninhabitable due to power, gas or water outages, should make their way to an evacuation center.

• In the Event of Major Typhoons and Heavy Rainfall
  Evacuation centers may also be set up in the event of a major typhoon or heavy rainfall.
  Local authorities will announce the Alert Level for each area when danger approaches.
  It is important to take the appropriate measures for each Alert Level.
  If your current area is not safe, it may be best to head to an evacuation center.
  Please check the website below for information on actions to take for each Alert Level.
  Alert Levels　(8 Languages)

Staying at an Evacuation Center

What it's like to stay at an evacuation center:

• Food is provided.
• You sleep in a designated place. Bedding is provided.

• Bathing and toilet facilities are shared.
• Medical staff such as doctors and nurses may visit.
• Evacuation centers become focal points for the gathering of information, including announcements from local government offices and information on which shops are open.

• You may be able to charge electrical devices, and WiFi may be available.

Evacuation centers may also carry out the distribution of hot meals (known as “takidashi”), and the distribution of water both for drinking and everyday use (known as “kyūsui”).
Some evacuation centers provide these services even for those not staying at the center.

• When arriving at an evacuation center

  Take the following steps after arriving at an evacuation center.

  • Give your name, address and telephone number at reception.
  • Find out where you should sleep from center staff.
  • Check if your family is safe.
  • Confirm the rules of the center.
  • Help with the running of the center. Evacuation centers are run in part by evacuees.
• Things to take care over at an evacuation center

  At evacuation centers, a lot of people have to live together in one place. Follow the rules and practice good manners. Take care over the following points.

  • Be mindful of elderly people, people with disabilities, pregnant women and people with babies.
  • Keep toilets and other communal spaces clean.
  • Get exercise to stay healthy.
  • Take care of your own possessions to prevent theft.
• Things to take to the evacuation center

  It may take some time for food and other essentials to arrive at the center. To help you get by until supplies arrive, take the following items with you:

  • Wallet
  • Mobile phone
  • Any medications you take, and your medication notebook
  • Passport/residence card
  • Emergency backpack

  Suggested Emergency Backpack Contents:

  • Drinking water
  • Instant food (canned food, etc.)
  • First-aid kit, women's sanitary products
  • Helmet, work gloves
  • Flashlight, phone charger
  • A change of clothes
  • Towels, wet wipes
  • Plastic bags
  • Photocopies of passport/residence card

  Make sure your bag is not too heavy.
  Only include items you will need.

  

• Before heading to the evacuation center

  Before you leave for the center, take the following steps:

  • Turn off your home's electrical breaker.

    
    

    

  • Turn off the gas supply.

    
    

    

• How to find nearby evacuation centers

  Check your local area's disaster prevention map to find nearby evacuation areas and centers.
  You can also check the site below.
  Tokyo Disaster Prevention Map　(Machine translation available [English, Korean, Chinese])

Column 1: Support stations for those attempting to return home during a disaster

After a major earthquake, train services are sometimes suspended.
When you become forced to walk home, you can receive water and use bathroom facilities at places designated as Support Stations.
Support Stations display the picture shown below.
Convenience stores, gas stations and family restaurants are often Support Stations.

Column 2: Sheltering At Home (zaitaku hinan)

Staying at home after a disaster, rather than going to an evacuation center, is called “zaitaku hinan”.
Because evacuation centers have many people staying together, it can be a cause of stress.
As long as your home is safe, in order to be able to remain there, be sure to prepare food, water, and an emergency toilet.