To cope with communications difficulties in the event of an earthquake, authorities have designed a message bank in which you can leave and access messages to record information about yourself and confirm the safety of others. Unfortunately this cannot be accessed from overseas and it is most likely that you will not be able to use your cell phone to access this service in the event of an earthquake. At this stage the service can only be accessed by fixed phones, such as public or residential.
How to use the system:

To leave a message:
- Dial 171
- Press 1 then # (pound)
- Input your own number starting with the area code
- Record your message (max 30 seconds)
- Press 9 and # then hang-up.
- For example 171+1+(052) XXX-XXXX

To listen to a message
- Dial 171
- Press 2 and then dial the number starting with the area code of the person you are trying to contact.

If they have left a message you will be able to access it. Messages are saved for 48 hours.
For example 171+2+ (052) XXX-XXXX