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Starting in late-spring and continuing through early-autumn, there are occasional instances of high winds and heavy rains in the Yokosuka City and Miura Peninsula areas.  The most well-know of these storms are typhoons (台風) which approach Japan from the warmer/tropical southern ocean areas.  On average, 25 typhoons occur each year -- and about 10 of those make landfall in Japan.  What is unique about typhoons is their slow approach, which allows them to be closely tracked for many days, and locational reports and warnings are issued based on their strength and movement.  So, with typhoons, there is adequate time to make advance preparations to be ready for when they arrive.  On the other hand, there is less advance warning time available for torrential rainstorms (Shu-chu Go-u, 集中豪雨), in which damage from high winds, lightning, or flooding can occur.  Some "Shu-chu Go-u" are typical thunderstorms which are pass by quickly, but other heavy rainstorms can last for many hours, causing flooding and water damage.  Due to these weather conditions, many Japanese houses are equipped with shutters (Ama-do, 雨戸)  to cover windows and outdoor-facing sliding doors.  "Ama-do" sliding shutters can be pulled/closed to securely protect things from blowing wind & rain damage.  In the past, there have been some cases with our rental units where the shutters were not closed before the bad weather's arrival, resulting in windows being broken and/or rooms inside getting flooded & ruined with water.  So, securing the shutters in your Japanese house is definitely something to before a storm arrives, or, if you will be away from your home for a long period of time.  In addition to the shutters, there are a number of other actions to take in order to be prepared for possible disasters like typhoons or earthquakes.  In Japan this preparedness is called: Bo-Sai (防災) -- and to learn more about it please take a look at the information provided at the links below.  We hope you will always take safety measures in your Japanese house!   

Written by Goodfield

LINKS:

BOSAI (Disaster Preparedness)

BO-SAI (防災)｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

CFAY Emergency Management Webpage 

Emergency Management and Evacuation Program (navy.mil)