General Information

While no one wants to dwell on the thought of impending disaster, prudent planning can give you piece of mind knowing that you have prepared your family or company as well as possible.This page offers some resources of use in disaster preparedness.

Please choose a topic below to continue.

• National Threat Advisory, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• The Latest Worldwide Travel Caution/Warnings/Alerts from the Department of State.
• Country Specific Information for Japan
• Personal Safety Information 
• Safety Information for American Students Traveling Abroad
• Latest Newsletters
• Sign up for our free email newsletter on safety and security issues
• Earthquake preparedness information
• Typhoon Tips
• Tsunami
• Evacuation
• Travel and Safety Tips
• How to Call for an Ambulance in Japan
• Protecting Yourself Against Identity Fraud
• H1N1 flu outbreak
• Avian Flu (Bird Flu)
• Online Resources
• Rumors
• Bomb Threats
• Advice for Parents

Personal Safety Precautions

We continue to strongly recommend all Americans review their personal safety precautions, and that organizations associated with the American community should implement heightened security measures.Many callers to the Embassy have asked for advice on how to prepare and protect themselves.

An excellent source of specific things you can do to enhance your or your organization's security is available online from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), established by the U.S. Department of State in 1985 to foster the exchange of information between American companies with overseas operations and the U.S. Government.

Please also take a look at the following websites:

• A Safe Trip Abroad
• Ready Business - Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Diplomatic Security Release

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  • Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
  • Preparing for Terrorism, by the American Red Cross 
  • Ready - Prepare, Plan, Saty Informed 
  • Creating a Comprehensive Emergency Procedures Manual for Overseas Schools from the Department of State's Overseas Schools Advisory Council.
  • FAA Country Air Safety Information (International Aviation Safety Assessments Program) 
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
  • FEMA Disaster Information 
  • American Red Cross
  • Bomb Threat Checklist (PDF 55KB)

Community Security Update

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More Online Resources

Rumors

Many people have contacted the Embassy in relation to rumors and threats they have heard.In any instance where you believe a threat exists, please contact the Japanese police, who are able to assist in such matters where the Embassy cannot.The Embassy has no police powers and cannot investigate suspicious persons or activities.

Information of value to law enforcement agencies in the U.S. should be reported to the Embassy's Regional Security Office through the Embassy's main switchboard 03-3224-5000.

We ask all Americans to examine each rumor/threat/concern with a critical eye, and to carefully evaluate information they receive before acting on it.

 Telephone Bomb Threats

Telephonic bomb threats were received by an American company and an international press office in Japan. The threats were delivered in English and gave a specific time for the bomb to detonate. These threats proved to be hoaxes. In each instance the Japanese police responded and, with the company and building management, evacuated the threatened buildings.

Police can be contacted by phone anywhere in Japan by dialing 110 (cell phone users may need to dial the local police station directly). Employees and family members should be able to report threats to the police in Japanese if possible.

The Embassy advises all U.S. enterprises to review procedures for receiving and assessing bomb threats, and to prepare contingency plans for such threats. Information on how to prepare for and react to bomb threats is available at Ensuring Building Security by DHS.