Disaster Preparedness

Niigata city has designated certain areas as emergency evacuation areas in the event of a major catastrophe. These evacuation areas include municipal elementary schools, prefectural high schools, and city parks.

Signboards like the one pictured here have been placed at the entrance to all evacuation areas. Information boards are also available in a variety of locations, such as ward offices or branch offices where people are likely to congregate.

You should know the locations of at least two evacuation areas in your neighborhood. Be aware of evacuation areas in other places as well, as you never know where you will be when a disaster strikes. Evacuations may be ordered in response to earthquakes, floods, and a variety of other disasters.

If you feel that you are in danger, evacuate the promises immediately. When an official evacuation is ordered, it will be announced via the radio, television, or loud speaker vans patrolling the neighborhoods.

If you have any questions related to evacuation areas, contact the Niigata City Emergency Control and Disaster Prevention Division at 025-226-2428 or your local ward office.

• Confirm the location of nearby evacuation areas.
• Keep a set of emergency supplies prepared in one place. The set should include water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, medicine, clothes, radio, flashlight, spare batteries, hygenic items (diapers, toilet paper), cash, and copies of important documents (passport, insurance policies, birth certificates). People with food allergies should keep a separate supply of food.
• You should also keep a notebook listing your medical requirements. Keep your valuables and important items (bankbooks, ID cards, etc.) in a location from which you can easily retrieve them in case of an evacuation.
• Memorize emergency numbers and know how to state your name and address in Japanese.
• Have fire extinguishing equipment prepared.

• Be aware of weather conditions. Keep in mind what the weather is like outside in case you have to evacuate (i.e. prepare warm clothing and blankets in the winter, extra water in the hot summer, etc.).
• In case of high winds or heavy rains, be prepared for power failures and water stoppages.
• Take shelter in a safe location.
• Don't leave the house unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Safeguard the integrity of your house and its surroundings.Move furniture and household goods to a safe place.

In Case of Disaster 

�@ Disaster Drills

This year, the city of Niigata plans to conduct disaster drills for each of the city’s wards. Please participate in a drill in order to get the knowledge you need to react in a real emergency.

 The following wards have drills scheduled for the fiscal year 2008: Kita Ward (8 June), Chuo Ward (15 June), Minami Ward (Autumn), and Nishikan Ward. (Autumn)

Please contact your local ward office for times and details.　

�A Designated Evacuation Shelters

These are places, like schools and community centers, where you can temporarily take refuge if a disaster occurs. Anyone may use them. Food, blankets, and other items will be provided to you there as necessary. Please make it a habit to know where to find the evacuation shelters nearest you. 

�B Registration for Persons Needing Special Assistance During Disasters

 If you have no one to help you escape to safety during a disaster, members of the local community will help you, so please register for this service in advance. The application forms are available at the Foreign Resident’s Registration window at each ward office, the Foreign Affairs Division of the City Office, and at the Niigata International Exchange Foundation. (Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.) Please click here for more information regarding disaster special assistance.  

�C Niigata Disaster Prevention E-mail (24-hours a day)

 You can receive e-mails with urgent information about disasters and evacuations. Please register your e-mail address (computer and/or mobile phone) on the City of Niigata website. (In  Japanese only.) 

City of Niigata Website:   http://www.city.niigata.jp/

Click on “Emergency Information” (防災緊急情報) and then “Niigata Disaster Prevention E-mail” (にいがた防災メール) to sign up. 

�D Weather Conditions Telephone Guide

Please call 025-226-7172 to hear information about rainfall and wind speeds for each part of the city. (In Japanese only.)

 Please contact one of the offices below if you have any questions: 

◆ Foreign Affairs Division, Niigata City Office

　　Address: 1-602-1 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi 951-8550

　　TEL: 025-226-1673

　　FAX: 025-225-3255

　　E-Mail：kokusai@city.niigata.lg.jp 

◆ Niigata City International Exchange Foundation

　　Address: CrossPal Niigata, 3-2086 Ishizuecho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi 951-8055

　　TEL: 025-225-2727

　　FAX: 025-225-2733

　　E-Mail：nigtief@pavc.ne.jp

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