How to spend typhoon season in Japan and safety precautions

In Japan, typhoon season mainly occurs from August to October. Typhoons bring strong rain and winds, and may cause transportation such as trains and planes to be suspended. In some areas, power outages and water shortages may occur. It is important to obtain accurate information in advance and make the necessary preparations.

【【How to check typhoon information】
You can check typhoon information on TV and radio. NHK also broadcasts in English, so those who are not comfortable with Japanese can rest assured.
The following websites are useful on the Internet:
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Japan Meteorological Agency
https://www.jma.go.jp/
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)NHK World (English)
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/
Disaster prevention apps are also useful. The official Japan Tourism Agency app "Safety Tips" and "Yahoo! Disaster Prevention News" are available in both Japanese and English.

【【About evacuation】
The location of evacuation shelters and the timing for starting evacuation vary by city, town, or village. Be sure to check the location of evacuation shelters and evacuation information on the website or city hall of the area where you live.
Osaka City → Osaka City Disaster Prevention Portal Site
It is also important to check how to get to an evacuation shelter before the typhoon approaches.

【【Preparations you can make at home】
It is a good idea to prepare the following before a typhoon hits.
◎ Flashlight and spare batteries
◎Bottled water and emergency food
◎Mobile battery (charger)
◎ Regular medications
◎ Important documents such as passports and residence cards
Items on balconies or in gardens may be blown away by strong winds, so bring them indoors.

【【When a typhoon approaches】

When a typhoon is approaching, please refrain from unnecessary outings and stay safe at home.
◎ Close windows and doors tightly and draw curtains
◎ Keep your mobile phone or mobile battery fully charged
◎ Check the latest information on news and apps

[If a power outage or water outage occurs】

If the power goes out, use a flashlight. Avoid candles as they are a fire hazard.
If the water supply is cut off, use bath water or bottled water that you have saved in advance.

Typhoons are one of the most common natural disasters, but damage can be minimized by preparing in advance and checking the correct information. In particular, the locations of evacuation shelters and evacuation rules vary by region, so be sure to find out the information for your area in advance.