TOPICS-3:Fire services today and in the past/Red pages in the Hello Page telephone directory/Fire and disaster management Helicopters utilized fully for multiple purposes

Fire services today and in the past

The history of fire services in Japan dates back to the Edo era. Then society had fire defense organizations such as Machibikeshi, known for the famous 48 teams named after the letters of the Japanese alphabet, Daimyoubikeshi and Joubikeshi, each engaged in fire services. Joubikeshi among them was, so to speak, the origin of today's permanent fire defense forces, which could be mobilized immediately upon the outbreak of a fire. On the other hand, Machibikeshi, which was closely related to each community, was rather similar to today's Volunteer Fire Corps as its members had their own professions for a living such as being a scaffolding man. To search for the counterpart of Daimyoubikeshi in today's fire defense organizations, it may correspond to fire-fighting teams organized by big businesses with special facilities such as a petroleum complex, as they protected Edo Castle and the mansions of feudal lords.

Red pages in the Hello Page telephone directory

Did you know about the red pages provided inside the front cover of a Hello Page telephone directory distributed to each home? They are edited on a regional basis in the country with the cooperation of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and show clearly where you should evacuate when a disaster breaks out. They contain useful disaster prevention information including what you should do first when a disaster breaks out, what you should do in your usual life to ensure smooth evacuation, etc. Red pages are the pages you should consult in a time of need. Please keep in mind to rip out the pages from the telephone directory and put them in your pocket at a critical moment.

Fire and disaster management Helicopters utilized fully for multiple purposes

Helicopters have been utilized for rescue operations in mountains and floods as well as life saving operations, and the need for their use is expected to grow in the future. This is because they will play important roles in an extensive area cooperation system mobilized in possible large-scale disasters and special disasters, such as NBC terrorism. They can get near a disaster-stricken area for disaster information gathering from above and transport materials and equipment for disaster control operations even if transportation networks on the ground are devastated. Fire and Disaster Management Agency is providing active support to promote the deployment of fire and disaster management helicopters and the development of manuals for their effective utilization.