Overview of Implementation System

The Shinjuku Disaster Information Support System is a combination official disaster preparedness digital radio system (simultaneous-transmission-format / mobile-format official radio communications for disaster preparedness) and disaster information system that carries out advanced information utilization to provide multifaceted support for “gathering and transmission of disaster information”, which is one of the most important aspects of emergency response in times of disaster. This system is operable from two bases, the main City Office building and the City Disaster Prevention Center. As a rule, Disaster Control Headquarters is installed at the City Office, but in the event that the City Office is damaged, Disaster Control Headquarters will be installed at the City Disaster Prevention Center and emergency response measures will be conducted from there.

What is the official disaster preparedness digital radio system?

The official disaster preparedness digital radio system is a system consisting of two parts: digital mobile-format official disaster preparedness radio intended for two-way communication with all special branch offices (regional headquarters), disaster-related organizations and mobile stations that is based at the City Office (Disaster Control Headquarters) and the City Disaster Prevention Center, and digital simultaneous-transmission-format official disaster preparedness radio intended for reporting information to local city residents via outdoor public-address stations and household broadcast receivers.

What is the disaster information system?

The disaster information system is operated in tandem with the official disaster preparedness digital radio system, and carries out efficient and accurate processing of all types of data and information input at all regional headquarters, primary evacuation centers and disaster response bases. Used for display on disaster information and numeric value display panels, and for video observation via disaster-use cameras installed in elevated locations at Waseda Relay Station, this system is suited to rapid emergency response activities.

Benefits of Implementation System

1. Rapid and reliable transmission of information made possible by digitalization of official disaster preparedness radio

Disaster preparedness information gathered by the city is transmitted rapidly to local residents by official disaster preparedness digital radio (digital simultaneous-transmission-format outdoor public-address stations and private broadcast receivers).

2. For operation at two bases: the City Office and the City Disaster Prevention Center

In the event that Disaster Control Headquarters cannot be installed at the City Office, a backup system will be deployed and Disaster Control Headquarters installed at the City Disaster Prevention Center, and readiness maintained so that appropriate emergency response actions can be taken in the event of a disaster.

3. Redundancy of communications circuits

All communications between the City Office and Waseda Relay Station, and the City Office and each of the special branch offices (regional headquarters) are equipped with dual wireless/wired connections, enabling reliable gathering and transmission of information even when disasters occur.

4. Systematization to enable data communication

Systematization has been carried out to make possible wireless communication not only for voice, but for data as well. The network of primary evacuation centers and disaster response bases (health centers, waste management offices, construction offices, etc.) has been strengthened with a focus on the City Office and the special branch offices (regional headquarters), and is maintained to allow for rapid, accurate information gathering.

5. Information gathering with elevated cameras

Cameras are installed in elevated locations on the roof of Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering and at Shinjuku Station’s East Exit, and enabling understanding of damage conditions within the city and the situation of people detained in Shinjuku Station.

6. Diversification of disaster information transmission tools

Diversification of transmission tools is carried out to enable the reliable provision of information to local residents during disasters.
・Household broadcast receivers for digital simultaneous-transmission-format official disaster preparedness radio can be used for reliable communication via transmission of textual information.
・Linking with large screens and telephone lines from private-sector facilities, information can be provided by way of images intended for people detained outside Shinjuku Station.