AFS Japan has asked your host family to confirm your safety and inform your host chapter immediately in the following cases:
An earthquake stronger than 6 Lower on the Japanese seismic intensity scale
Flooding above the floorboards in your host family’s house
If your host family evacuates their home
If there is damage to the host family’s home or injuries to your host family in a disaster
If there is a terrorist attack in your host community
If AFS Japan does not hear from your host family, we will contact you, your host family, or school to confirm your safety. This will be reported to the AFS National Office in your home country. If you are not with your host family, please get in touch with them or AFS Japan as soon as possible to confirm your safety.
Earthquakes are common in Japan. While most are small enough not to be felt, you may be surprised by the strong shaking or swaying of a larger earthquake sometime. Even so, houses or large buildings are very seldom damaged by earthquakes. When there is an earthquake, the most important thing is to remain calm.
Please thoroughly read “Information on Countermeasures against Earthquake Disasters”, by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, in the appendix and follow the instructions. Also, have a look at "What to do before, during, and after a major earthquake!", published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Japan’s typhoon season is from June till October. Very heavy rains, strong winds and flooding are possible. Pay attention to the water levels of any rivers nearby. In extremely heavy rains, widespread flooding can even occur in downtown areas. In such cases, stay away from subways, underground shopping areas and other underground floors and basements. During a typhoon there is a danger of tidal surges or high tides along the coastlines and landslides in hilly areas or the mountains. Keep in mind that a typhoon could disrupt transportation and/or communication lines, electricity, gas and water services, as well as telephone systems. Sometimes trains are stopped and roads closed in advance of a storm. Turn on the radio or television (if electricity is not disrupted) for emergency information and up-to-date news. Always follow instructions from trustworthy official sources such as Japan Meteorological Agency. Not all information on the internet and social media is reliable.
There are many wooden buildings set very close together in Japan. They catch fire easily and fires spread quickly to neighboring buildings. Follow the guidelines below to prevent fire-related accidents.
How to prevent fire-related accidents
It is crucial to put out a fire in its early stage. If you see a fire, shout for help immediately - it’s best to work together and make sure everyone knows there is an emergency.
Before going to bed or going out, make it a habit to check that all heaters, cooking stoves, irons and bath heaters are turned off.
Careless handling of cigarettes is the cause of many fires. NEVER SMOKE IN JAPAN.
Remember that before leaving home, you and your sending parents or guardians signed the AFS Participation Agreement, agreeing that AFS has no responsibility or liability for any damages or injuries claimed to have been caused by the acts or omissions of participants while on a program, and that the prosecution of any claims for damages or injuries suffered by participants while on a program is the sole responsibility of the participants and their parents or guardians.
Under Japanese law, liability insurance does not cover any damage or loss due to a fire caused by careless smoking.
Pay careful attention when using heating devices of any kind. During the winter, the air tends to be very dry, meaning fire is increased. Ask your host family how and when to use the heating devices. Practice until both you and your host family are sure that you fully understand them.
Don't put clothes, laundry or anything that may easily catch fire on or near heating devices.
Fire extinguishers (shookaki) are extremely effective for putting out a fire at an early stage. Please ask your host family if they have fire extinguishers and how to use them.