EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

No international travel comes without its risks. Through preparation and preemptive planning, World Walker accounts for potential extenuating circumstances and ensures both program participants and staff have a clear protocol to follow in the event of an emergency. The following Emergency Action Plan (EAP) details the steps students and staff should follow in the event of an emergency. This EAP is provided to students via the ‘Tradition and Innovation in Japan’ Handbook, with the capacity for live updates to respond on a case-by-case basis depending on the emergency situation.

I. Introduction

Prior to departure, all participants must submit their contact information, emergency contact information, and a photocopy of their passport to their program leads. Participants are expected to familiarize themselves with the EAP protocol outlined below and save the name and phone number of their program Point of Contact and Program Leads, in addition to the emergency Japanese phone numbers, to their phones.

II. Pre-Departure Preparation

• Ensure all emergency contacts are saved on your phone.

• Keep a physical copy of your passport and insurance details.

• Familiarize yourself with the Emergency Meeting Points (EMP).

• Understand and follow all local safety and security guidelines.

III. Emergency Response

Staff Response: In the event of an emergency, staff will call and/or message every participant to confirm their status and well-being. Each staff member will be the designated point of contact for ~10 participants and will be responsible for confirming the whereabouts of their students and reporting these to the World Walker Program Director. If unable to ascertain the whereabouts and wellbeing of a participant, the next steps will be determined by the Program Director on a case-by-case basis.

Student Response: While traveling in Japan, participants are expected to maintain active communication with their program leads. In the event of an emergency, participants must text or call their designated points of contact within one hour to confirm their well-being and location. In these situations, students should turn their phones on roaming. Should they be unable to reach their designated point of contact, they can reach out directly to the World Walker Program Director. Student Points of Contact can be found in the Appendix of the Handbook.

IV. Emergency Situations

Medical Emergency

• Minor medical situation: Contact your designated point of contact and/or program lead.

• Medical Emergency: Call Japan emergency services: 119

  • Inform your Point of Contact

  • Utilize your travel insurance for medical assistance and reimbursement.

Natural Disaster

• Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding.

• Follow advice from local authorities.

• Contact your Point of Contact.

• Navigate to the Emergency Meeting Points (EMP), if possible.

Civil Unrest or Security Threats

• Contact your staff Point of Contact.

• Navigate to the Emergency Meeting Points (EMP), if possible.

• If unable to contact staff or navigate to the nearest EMP, report to the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Lost or Stolen Passport

• Inform your staff Point of Contact.

• Report to the nearest Embassy or Consulate and follow guidance to process a replacement.

V. Emergency Contacts

Local Emergency Contacts in Japan

• Police: 110

• Ambulance: 119

• Fire Department: 119

U.S. Embassy in Tokyo

• Address: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

• Phone: +81-3-3224-5000

Program Contact Information

• World Walker Trip Lead:

  • Name: Isabel Keddy-Hector

  • Email: isabel@worldwalker.org

  • Phone: +1-737-465-0207

• World Walker Trip Lead:

  • Name: Alisa Sanada

  • Email: asanada@gmail.com

  • Phone: +090-6024-6826

• World Walker Trip Lead:

  • Name: Helah Payne

    Email: next1mgmt@gmail.com

    Phone: +1-225-678-4595

VI. Emergency Meeting Points (EMP)

Tokyo

• Primary Location:

  • Name: The KNOT Tokyo

  • Address: 4 Chome-31-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

  • Phone: +81-3-3375-6511

• Secondary Location:

  • Name: U.S. Embassy in Tokyo

  • Address: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

  • Phone: +81-3-3224-5000

Kyoto

• Primary Location:

  • Name: Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station

  • Address: 47 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8002, Japan

  • Phone: +81-75-692-2111

• Secondary Location:

  • Name: U.S. Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe

  • Address: 2-11-5 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan

  • Phone: +81-6-6315-5900