CHAPTER 2:People protection

No security unless you are prepared for a time of need

A time of need is when the unexpected happens. The present international situations do not exclude the possibility of Japan being subjected to armed attacks or large-scale terrorist attacks. The fire services' responsibility is to start rescue activities in the shortest possible time as a partner that is close to residents by going straight to the scene. To save as many lives as possible in a disaster stricken area, which may extend over quite a large territory, it is necessary to act immediately. We are required to conduct speedy and smooth operations to convey a warning notice precisely and securely, guide people beyond prefectural borders for safe evacuation, and inject the sufficient quantity of materials and equipment necessary for rescue or fire-fighting operations.

001 Development of a legal system steadfast in handling national crisis and a system to mitigate damage from an armed attack (People Protection Law)

The People Protection Law was legislated and promulgated in June 2004. Under the law, the national government is now obligated to develop a full security system for the entire country to ensure people's safety, including the proper and prompt implementation of measures to protect people, using its own initiative and employing every available resource including its organization and functions.
Fire and Disaster Management Agency will take charge of liaison and coordination with autonomous bodies in addition to notification of warnings and evacuation instructions, recommendation in guiding people beyond prefectural borders for evacuation, and for personal safety information gathering and provision.
Having established two offices, the People Protection Office and the People Protection Management Office, to fulfill these responsibilities, Fire and Disaster Management Agency will continue to enhance organizations essential for the implementation of measures to protect people in the future.

002 Enhancement of autonomous body capabilities

It is autonomous bodies that play important roles in conveying alarms, providing evacuation instructions and giving guidance to people, and carrying out fire fighting and rescue operations in a disaster caused by an armed attack or a large-scale terrorist attack. For this reason, Fire and Disaster Management Agency provides support to establish effective organizations at autonomous body levels, gives education and training to their personnel, and deploys and builds up the necessary inventories of materials and equipment.

Matters related to fire and disaster management in the People Protection Law

1.Tasks of fire services
Fire services must protect the lives and properties of citizens from fires by armed attacks by using its facilities and members and prevent and minimize the damage from armed attacks.

2.Guiding evacuees
·City or village mayor must guide evacuees to a safe place by commanding city employees, chief of fire defense headquarters, chief of Volunteer Fire Corps, etc.
·City employees, fire department members and members of Volunteer Fire Corps may issue necessary warnings or instructions.
·Fire service personnel may prohibit people's access to a dangerous place and conduct evacuation or other necessary measures (in case there is no policeman at the site.)

3.Finder's obligation to inform
·Those who find symptoms of disaster by armed attacks shall report to city mayor, village mayor, fire service personnel, policemen, etc.

4.Instructions of the Director General of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency
·Instruction to Governor
·Instructions to mayors of cities and villages
·Instruction related to support
·Securing safety related to fire and disaster management