Information on daily life ・Housing >> ・Transportation >> ・ Electricity, gas, waterworks, starting and canceling your services (when moving), notes on the use of services >> ・ Internet corner >> Refuse disposal and recycling In case of emergency Guide to consultation services Notice		To use the electricity for the first time after moving into a new apartment, push up the breaker switch and check that the electricity is connected. Fill out your address, name, and the start date on the postcard that will be attached to the breaker and then mail it to the electric power company. The supply is 100 V, 50 Hz in eastern Japan, and 100 V, 60 Hz in western Japan. You are advised not to use electrical equipment that does not conform to these specifications. If you use more electricity than the contracted amperage, the breaker will trip. Should this happen, turn off some of your appliances and then push the breaker back up. You can change your contracted amperage by contacting the power company. When you move into your new apartment, call the gas company serving your area and ask them to turn on your gas supply. There are 13 types of town gas throughout Japan. Other than that, bottled LP gas may be used. Note that you can use only gas appliances that are designed for your type of gas. Otherwise, the gas may not combust completely and may produce toxic fumes. Often, however, your gas appliances can be modified to work with the gas type in your area. Contact your gas company. Whenever you use gas, be sure that there is sufficient ventilation and, after finishing with the gas, turn off the gas cock. If an earthquake occurs, turn off the appliance immediately and close the gas cock. An odor is added to the gas. If you notice a gas leak, turn off the appliance immediately, close the gas cock and the main cock, and then ventilate your apartment by opening all the windows and doors. To prevent an explosion, never light a flame or turn on an electrical appliance. Contact the gas company immediately. Pamphlets for non-Japanese residents are nowadays available at gas company branch offices. Non-Japanese residents are recommended to read these pamphlets. As soon as you have moved into your new apartment, check the meter box. If the meter is connected, you can use the water simply by opening the valve. Fill out the postcard attached to the faucet with name, address, and start date and mail it to the nearest waterworks department, or call the office of the waterworks department. If water leaks from the cock, replace the packing. The waterworks department can provide you with the tools needed to make this repair. When you move out, call the offices for your services about a week or a couple of days before you move out so that they can calculate your outstanding charges. Bill collectors will visit you to settle the balance.