In the event of a disaster, the heads of municipalities may issue an "Evacuation advisory" and "Evacuation instructions" to local residents.

Understanding the difference between the two government orders in advance will help you to protect yourself. It is important for you to make your own decision about evacuating ahead of time.

Although the term "evacuation order" (hinan meirei) is frequently used, it legally refers to both an "advisory of evacuation (hinan kankoku) and "instructions for evacuation" (hinan shiji).

An "Evacuation advisory" is based on the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law. "Evacuation instructions" are stipulated by the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, as well as the Flood Prevention Law, Landslide Prevention Law, Law Concerning Execution of Duties of Police Officials, and the Self-Defense Forces Law. For example, in the event of a flooding river, "Evacuation instructions" will be issued in accordance with the Flood Prevention Law.

When the head of a municipality is unable to issue an "evacuation advisory" or "evacuation instructions," the Prefectural Governor will issue such an order on their behalf.

For situations requiring urgent action or at the request of a head of a municipality, police officers may order an evacuation. Under the Flood Prevention Law and the Landslide Prevention Law, the Prefectural Governor and prefectural government employees under the order of the governor can also order an evacuation.

Heads of municipalities, police officers, fire fighters and fire brigade members might designate dangerous areas as "warning areas" to limit the entry to such areas (limited access), to declare them off-limits (no entry), or to order evacuation from the area (expulsion order).

Those who fail to follow these orders will be subject to penalties.