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EMERGENCY

Emergency

Phone numbers, what to do during a quake, and where to go if the building isn't safe.

Quick contacts

Tap a number to call. 110 and 119 operators can connect an English, Chinese, or Korean interpreter if you ask.

If there's an earthquake

Tokyo gets minor tremors regularly. Most pass in seconds. The steps below cover the larger ones.

While the shaking continues

Drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and hold on to something stable. Stay away from windows and tall furniture. Don't run outside while the ground is moving.

Once the shaking stops

Open the entrance door so it doesn't jam shut. Check yourself and your group for injuries. Turn off the gas at the kitchen valve and unplug appliances. Stay inside if the building is sound; move to an evacuation site only if it isn't.

Inside the apartment

The breaker is above the washing machine. The gas shut-off valve is at the kitchen counter. A fire extinguisher is at the entrance. Keep shoes nearby in case you need to step over broken glass.

Evacuation shelters

Sumida-ku designates schools and parks as evacuation sites. The two below are closest to the property; the official map covers the rest.

  • Honjo Junior High School

    Sumida-ku designated evacuation shelter, opened during major earthquakes or fires.

    Open in Maps

  • Sumida Park

    Wide-area evacuation site, designated as a temporary assembly area in large-scale fires.

    Open in Maps
Sumida-ku official disaster map

Hospitals & medical

For sudden serious illness or major injury, call 119. The list below is for less urgent care.

  • 24h emergency hospital

    Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital

    Sumida-ku emergency-designated hospital, 24h. About 10 min by taxi.

    03-3633-6151
    Open in Maps

  • English-friendly clinic

    Asakusa Hospital

    General hospital, useful for daytime sudden illness. Call ahead to confirm hours.

    03-3844-1771
    Open in Maps

Fire or gas leak

Call 119 immediately. Leave by the entrance, turn right onto the small street, and head for the wider road. If you smell gas, don't touch any light switches or appliances. Open a window and leave.