Japan experiences typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The predominant events experienced in the Yokosuka area are typhoons and earthquakes. But, Japan's second most disastrous experience is from fire. The massive construction of wooden homes fuel fires from any source, natural or otherwise.

Fire No matter where you live in Japan, the telephone number for the Japanese Fire Department is 119. The Japanese word for fire is "Kaji-desu." Learn how to say your residence address in Japanese. In the event of a fire, you will be glad you learned it. When reporting a fire by telephone, state "Kaji-desu, Kaji-desu" followed by your address. Immediately alert your neighbors by shouting "Kaji-desu" as you may be responsible for any fire damage to their homes if negligence is found. Apartment or mansion occupants are recommended to check with their agent on fire insurance coverage. All fires should be reported to the CFAY Fire Department for investigation, since all fires will be investigated by Japanese fire officials. Heavy penalties may be imposed where gross negligence can be proven. In addition to liability, a negligent tenant would be liable to a civil suit for any damages resulting from personal negligence. Occupants are strongly encouraged to exercise caution and consistent good sense in the prevention of circumstances that may culminate in loss of property, injury or death from fire. Also, rental and fire insurance coverage is available at relatively low cost on and off base.

Earthquakes In 1995, Japan experienced an extremely strong earthquake in the Kobe area which caused massive structural damage. However, Japan usually experiences earthquakes which cause only minor damage to buildings. Most of these "quakes" are small and merely rattle windows.

Private rental housing should be equipped with the following:

A flashlight and replacement batteries.

A transistor radio (for bulletins from the Far East Network).

Heat sources, such as canned heat; light sources such as candles or kerosene lanterns; matches.

Stores of food that require neither refrigeration nor cooking.

Water containers, canned potable water, etc.

A first aid kit.

At the first sign of an earthquake open a door to allow an escape route. Stand under a reinforced structure such as a doorway or seek shelter under a study piece of furniture such as a kitchen table. Don't panic and run out of the building, most injuries occur from falling debris. If you are driving, try to get out of traffic and move to the shoulder and wait out the tumble. Listen to FEN radio for information.

Typhoons are cyclonic type storms with high winds moving faster than 80 miles per hour, accompanied by rain. Typhoons may occur in the Western Pacific during any month of the year but most frequently during the late summer, September in particular. During the winter, Japan sometimes experiences extra tropical storms having winds of typhoon strength; minor storms occur almost every week. The strong winds may cause damage by blowing down trees, fences, TV antennas, etc. Property damage is also caused by loose objects being blown by the wind and driving rain entering cracks around windows and doors. In some areas, there may be flooding or landslides. Wave damage is possible in coastal areas. To avoid needless damage to your property and to government property know the four conditions of readiness declared by military authorities and the recommendations that follow.

When "Condition 4" is Declared
Destructive winds possible adequate within 72 Hrs

Check to see that you have a three day supply of non-perishable food stuffs set aside in case of an emergency. Ensure you have an supply of emergency cooking fuel.

Inspect first aid kit to ensure all items have been assembled.

Check your supply of candles, matches, lanterns, flashlights, batteries, etc., to ensure adequate lighting. Ensure your portable radio is in proper working order.

When "Condition 3" is Declared
Destructive winds possible and within 48 Hrs

Ensure that the suggested actions for Condition 4 are complete.

Pick up and place inside items such as toys, cardboard containers, other small loose foreign matter around your home. These things can become airborne and do damage. If the item is too large to put inside, tie it down next to a tree or stationary object that will can't be blown down.

Keep your radio tuned to the Far East Network (AM 810 Khz) for typhoon announcements.

When "Condition 2" is Declared
Destructive winds anticipated within 24 Hrs

Ensure that the suggested actions for Condition 3 are complete.

Set your freezer to the coldest temperature to minimize spoilage if electric power is cut off.

Clean and disinfect your bathtub. Then fill it and other containers with water.

Do not use the telephone except in case of an emergency, since many official calls have to be made by the Navy and local authorities. Most homes on the local economy are built to withstand all but the most violent typhoons. However, depending on the location and condition of their residence, some families of DOD sponsored personnel may elect to move to an emergency shelter on base during the passage of a typhoon. Personnel living in off base private rentals that they consider unsafe should go to the nearest on base typhoon shelter (Thew Gymnasium in Yokosuka, Community Center Administrative Office in Yokohama.) Personnel seeking typhoon shelter should bring with them enough food for themselves and their families for their short stay at the typhoon shelter.

When "Condition 1" is Declared
Destructive winds anticipated within 12 Hrs

Ensure that the suggested actions for Condition 2 are complete.

Gather buckets, towels, rags, and mops to absorb rain water that may be blown into your quarters by the wind.

Close windows securely. Close window shutters, if available. During the actual typhoon, partially open a few windows on the side of the house away from the wind. This will prevent a vacuum inside of the house.

If water leaks in around doors or windows, roll up rugs and place on beds or tables to avoid water damage.

Turn off gas and oil supplies at their source in off base houses.

Stay in your shelter. Do not attempt to go outdoors unless you are directed to do so by local authorities. There is danger of being hit by flying objects. If the storm becomes too severe, move your family into the bathroom. Usually the bathroom has the most heavily reinforced walls and the least window area.

At the center of a typhoon is an area of calm called the "eye." Often the passing of the eye is mistaken as the end of the storm. However, immediately following the eye, the typhoon is at its strongest velocity. Be careful not to mistake the eye as the end of the storm. Stay inside!

When "ALL CLEAR" is Declared (Listen to FEN to be sure)
Resume Normal and Activity

Pick up items that might have been blown near the house. This precludes having them there if the typhoon should reverse course return.

If the typhoon was severe, the water supply may be contaminated. Therefore, use your reserve water supply. If you must use tap water, boil for at least 10 minutes or use water purification tablets.