Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2010

Non-Japanese-speaking residents got some much-needed help last month when the government unveiled a website to assist foreigners dealing with natural disasters and other emergencies. According to The Mainichi Daily News, the site provides details on how to use the 119 emergency phone number and “simple Japanese phrases, like ‘I am injured.’” Here are some other expressions that foreigners might find useful.

この非難センターではマックがありますか？
Kono hinan senta de wa makku ga arimasu ka?
Is there a McDonald’s in this evacuation center?

助けてーiPhoneががれきの下に埋まっている
Tasukete—iPhone ga gareki no shita ni umatteiru
Please help—my iPhone is buried in the rubble

泥棒が入りました!
Dorobou ga hairimashita!
I have been burgled!*

いつになったら電車は走るのかって、誰か知っていますか？
Itsu ni nattara densha wa hashiru no ka tte, dare ka shitteimasu ka?
Does anyone have any idea how long the train will be delayed?

ＮＨＫの人だと言うおじさんにストーカーされてる！
NHK no hito da to iu ojisan ni sto-ka- sareteru!
I’m being stalked by an old man who says he’s from NHK!

*we didn’t make this one up

The website can be found at http://meturl.com/helpcard