How to dial 119
When at home or at the office simply pick up the receiver and dial 119. When using a public phone press the red emergency button and dial 119 (no coins or cards are required).
The procedures are the same for calling the police by dialing 110 to report a crime or traffic accident.
Emergency calls from a cellular phone or PHS
You can call the police or fire department by dialing 110 or 119 in the same manner. Please tell the operator that you are calling from a cellular phone or PHS. Keep your phone on for a while after making the call since they may try to call you back to confirm information.
In case of fire
To call a fire truck
- The fire department has ambulances on hand as well as fire trucks so it is important first of all to specify whether you are calling about a fire or an emergency.
“Fire!” = “Kaji desu.”
- When dialing 119 you will initially be connected to the Tokyo Fire Department switchboard so you should first indicate that you are calling from Shibuya.
“There is a fire at XXXX.” = “Shibuya-ku, XX-cho, XX-ban, XX-go de XX ga moete imasu.”
- Give the name of your building or indicate a nearby landmark.
“I am in front of XX elementary school’s main gate.” =“XX shogakko no komon no mae desu.”
Handling an outbreak of fire
If a fire breaks out or you have noticed a fire notify the neighborhood and seek assistance with initial fire-fighting efforts after calling 119.
Fire extinguishers are useful in initial fire-fighting efforts. Please keep a fire extinguisher on hand at home and familiarize yourself with its use.
- Pull out the safety pin.
- Aim the nozzle of the hose toward the fire.
- Squeeze the lever firmly.
- First spray the flames closest to you, then steadily cover the entire blaze.
* Never throw water on an oil fire. Instead, use a fire extinguisher to put it out or smother it with a wet sheet.
* If flames have reached the ceiling it is past the point of initial efforts to extinguish the blaze and you should escape as quickly as possible.
Home fire prevention measures
The three major sources of fires in homes are arson, cigarettes and gas ranges.
- Do not leave flammable items outside your home.
- Do not smoke in bed.
- Stay by the gas range when using it and take special care when using large amounts of cooking oil during food preparation.
- Do not try to move a gas heater while it is on.
Sympathy payments for fire victimsand certification of fire damage
Sympathy payments to fire victims
The city provides sympathy payments and blankets (one per person) for people who have suffered from a fire.
Sympathy payments
Total destruction by fire: ¥60,000 per ordinary household, ¥30,000 per single occupant household
Fire damage equal to half or greater: ¥40,000 per ordinary household, ¥20,000 per single occupant household
Social Welfare and Public Health Department,
Administration Division, Public Welfare Section
Phone 3463-1211, ext. 2255~6
Certification of fire damage
When you have incurred losses due to a fire you will need to obtain a certificate that describes the actual circumstances and the extent of your losses in order to apply for tax reduc-tions or exemptions, insurance payments, reissuance of se-curities, and so on. The fire station issues these certificates.
Shibuya Fire Station
Address: 1-8-3 Jinnan
Phone 3464-0119, ext. 524
In case of an emergency
You should call an ambulance in case of sudden illness, major injury, or other emergencies. There is no charge for the use of an ambulance, but you should avoid calling for one for a minor illness or injury. Get out your health insurance certificate and some cash before the ambulance arrives.When you hear the siren, step outside and direct the ambulance. If you have a family doctor or regularly visit a certain hospital, jot down the name and address on a memo and give it to the ambulance staff.
To call an ambulance
- Clearly indicate whether there is a fire or an emergency:
“Emergency!” = “Kyukyu desu.”
- State your address (in the Japanese order¯ku, cho, banchi).
- Describe the situation specifically:
“He collapsed from a heart attack.” = “Shinzo hossa de taoreta.”
- Give the name of your building or indicate a nearby land-mark.
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