When there is heavy snowfall (advisories/warnings)

Drivers should:

• Refrain from using personal vehicles, and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway or bus)
• Refrain from driving on expressways, and use such routes as national roads instead.
• Carry safety equipment (chains, sandbags, shovels etc.) to protect against snow hazard.
• Drive slowly in hazardous areas, e.g. curving roads, hills, overpasses, bridges, and frozen areas.
• Always tune in to sources such as radio & TV to get the latest traffic conditions.
• Do not leave your vehicle parked on an arterial road, since it will interfere with snow removal operations.
• When crossing a steel deck plate in a subway construction area, drive slowly since the surface is slippery.
• Maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid hard braking.
• When braking, use the engine brake.
• Reduce speed when approaching intersections or pedestrian crossings, since braking distance becomes substantially longer on snowy roads.

Pedestrians should:

• Avoid going out-of-doors, as much as possible.
• Wear wide-soled running shoes or mountain-climbing boots when going out, to prevent accidental sliding.
• Wear gloves instead of putting your hands in your pockets when walking on slippery surfaces.
• Refrain from using cell phones or other mobile devices while walking.

• Criteria for issuance of heavy snow advisories and warnings

  Heavy snow advisories: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 5cm

  Heavy snow warnings: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 20cm; or for 30cm for mountainous areas

• Verify that approaching vehicles are stopped before stepping onto the road, e.g., at a crosswalk.
• Hold the railing when using stairs.
• Avoid walking after dark, as it is very dangerous. Return to the safety of your home as early as possible.
• Do not get into a vehicle on the road, since it will interfere with the safety of other vehicles.

At home

• Apply a wholesome civic mindset by taking responsibility for
• removing the snow in front of your home or shop.
• Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the house to prevent accidents.
• Children and the infirm or elderly should refrain from going outside.
• When there is deep snow, remove snow from vehicles, doors, rooftops, and eaves.
• Conduct safety inspections of aging houses to prevent collapse.
• In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.

At the workplace

• Go to work and return home earlier than usual.
• When commuting, refrain from using private vehicles and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway & buses).
• Apply a wholesome business-owner’s mindset by taking responsibility for removing the snow around your business or workplace.
• Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the business or workplace to prevent accidents.

n rural areas

• Crop-growing facilities susceptible to collapse, e.g., plastic greenhouses, should be inspected in advance and reinforced to prevent damage. ※ When there is an accumulation of snow around 20cm deep, electrical wires may snap and tree branches may break and fall.
• Remove shade cloths/films installed in greenhouses to minimize damage.
• Be careful during damage prevention operations, such as tearing plastic off.
• In vacant plastic greenhouses where crops are not currently being grown, remove the vinyl to protect the greenhouse tructure.
• In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.
• Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.

In coastal areas

• Measures should be taken to regulate the evacuation and port entry/departure of various vessels, and the securing (mooring) of such vessels.
• Keep fish pens and other marine propagation facilities warm to prevent fishes from freezing to death.
• Residents, fishermen, and vacationers should not attempt to go near the shore.
• Refrain from driving on coastal roads. Make sure that you have all the necessary safety equipment if forced to drive in the snow.
• Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.

When a vehicle is stranded by heavy snow

Check the weather report before traveling and make sure you have information on alternative routes to your destination in advance. Prepare such necessities as winter gear, fuel, and food & beverages.

Stay inside the vehicle if possible and tune in to the radio for the latest traffic and weather reports.

If you absolutely must leave the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition with your contact information.

If there is a house or rest area nearby, emergency patients, the elderly, and children have priority in evacuating.

Put a blanket or warm clothes over your body to maintain body heat and gently move your body.

When the vehicle heater is running, leave the windows slightly open for ventilation.

Remove snow around the vehicle to prevent the exhaust pipe (muffler) from clogging. This way the vehicle will still start easily.

Persons inside the car should not all sleep at the same time. Take turns sleeping in shifts to keep watch at all times.

Do not park or stop on the shoulder of a road intended for snow removal equipment or ambulances.

In the event your vehicle breaks down, contact the authorities immediately, e.g., the highway management agency, police, or fire department.

Inform a friend or family member about your situation by mobile phone or some other means; rather than panicking, all those involved should inform the appropriate agency (e.g., police or highway patrol) and cooperate actively with the proper authorities.

Refrain from using your mobile phone unnecessarily during emergencies.