In Tokyo, about 5,000 fires have been reported in the last few years. Prepare yourself by learning how to prevent a fire and how to take appropriate action should one actually occur.

You should take the following steps to safely evacuate if you witness a fire:

• If you detect fire, immediately inform the neighbors about it.
• Try to put the fire out with an extinguisher or other available tools.
• If the fire has reached the ceiling, immediately evacuate the premises since it is very dangerous.
• When you evacuate, protect your nose and mouth from inhaling smoke with a moist handkerchief or towel and proceed by keeping yourself as low as possible.
• Evacuate to the lower floors since both fire and smoke move fast towards the higher floors.
• When you evacuate, do not use elevators - always take a staircase.
• Make a 119 phone call after you have evacuated the premises and secured your own safety.

Many fires have been caused by the negligent handling of cigarettes. If you are a smoker, keep the following in mind to prevent a cigarette fire:

• Never smoke in bed.
• Do not litter with cigarette butts.
• Do not smoke while walking on a street
  (You may also be fined in some wards of Tokyo.)
• Always make sure you have completely put out cigarettes.
• Put out cigarettes completely by dipping them in water.

It is also a good idea to make a habit of the following to prevent a fire:

• Never leave cookers unattended when you cook.
• Always turn off burners on cookers before you leave kitchen.
• Do not place any objects near burners or heating stoves.
• Unplug electric appliances when you are away from home for a long time.
• Do not leave any burnable items around the house to prevent arson.

Installing a residential fire alarm

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revised the fire prevention regulations and requires all existing residential buildings in Tokyo to have fire alarms installed as of April 1, 2010. The alarm installation has already been mandatory for newly built or remodeled residences since October 1, 2004. Immediate installation of the alarm is urged for residences without one, including apartment buildings. Installation standards may vary depending on the fire regulations of the area you live in. Call your local fire station to learn more about the requirement.

• Portable fire extinguishers are available in different sizes, from large types to small, light ones for residential use. It is important to know how to handle the extinguisher properly so that you can use it efficiently in a real situation.
• The extinguishers should be regularly inspected and placed where anyone can see and use them when necessary. When choosing a location for an extinguisher, avoid humid and/or sunny places and make sure it stands securely.
• Used/old extinguishers cannot be collected by your local authority as regular trash. If you have a malfunctioning or unwanted extinguisher, contact the store where you bought it or its manufacturer for inspection or disposal.
• You may participate in a local fire drill or at a class provided by the Tokyo Fire Department's Bosaikan (disaster prevention center) to experience the actual use of the extinguisher.