When to use this
Your property is in an earthquake-prone region and you want guests to be safe and informed before, during, and after an event.
Risks
- Guests unfamiliar with earthquakes not knowing what to do
- Heavy furniture or appliances tipping and causing injury
- Language barriers preventing guests from understanding official warnings
- No supplies or unclear exit routes
Escalate to a human when
- Any injury or gas leak — guests should call local emergency services immediately
- Structural damage — do not re-enter; contact the host and, if needed, authorities
- Follow official evacuation orders from local authorities over any host instruction
This is preparation guidance, not emergency instruction
In an actual emergency, guests should follow local authorities and official alerts. Provide the official local emergency number and links in your manual (see Sources for Japan).
Prepare the property
- Secure or anchor tall/heavy furniture, TVs, and water heaters so they can't topple.
- Keep basic emergency supplies accessible: water, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a whistle.
- Know and label your utility shutoffs (gas, water, electricity) and note them in the manual.
- Keep exit routes clear and make sure guests can find them.
Prepare your guests (in the manual)
- 1The local emergency number (in Japan: 119 for fire/ambulance, 110 for police) and the nearest hospital.
- 2The basic 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' guidance and where the safest spots in the unit are.
- 3The nearest official evacuation area, if one is designated locally.
- 4How to shut off gas if they smell it, and not to relight anything.
- 5Where the supplies and flashlight are kept.
Make it multilingual
International guests may not read the local language or understand local alert systems. Provide these instructions in the languages you serve — a grounded multilingual assistant can deliver them on demand. See creating a multilingual assistant.
During and after an event
- 1
Guest safety first
Guests protect themselves first and follow official alerts. Nothing about the property matters more than their safety.
- 2
Check in once it's safe
Message guests to confirm they're okay and share any local guidance you have. A calm, informed host is reassuring.
- 3
Assess before re-entry
If there's any sign of structural or gas damage, guests should stay out and wait for authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What earthquake information should I give Airbnb guests in Japan?+
Provide the emergency numbers (119 for fire/ambulance, 110 for police), the nearest hospital, basic 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' guidance, the location of any designated evacuation area, how to shut off the gas, and where emergency supplies are — ideally in the guest's own language. Always defer to official alerts from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local authorities.
Deliver safety instructions to every guest in their language, 24/7.
See multilingual support