Among the few venomous snakes on Okinawa, the Habu is the most deadly.  It has a triangular shaped head with a white belly.  The Habu averages about two yards in length with a firm tail.  They are nocturnal reptiles active during the months of April through November.  It inhabits damp, secluded places like sugar cane fields, tombs, road sides, between walls and caves.

Every year, there are approximately 250 people bitten by Habu.  Symptoms are paralyzing pain, swelling at the bite point, and internal hemorrhaging.  If you are bitten, apply pressure above the bite without completely blocking the flow of blood.  Next, immediately dial 119 off base and 911 on base for an ambulance.  For further information, contact he Okinawa Prefecture Government Habu Laboratory at 946-6710, the US Naval Hospital on Camp Lester or nearest American Red Cross.

Okinawa's summers are very hot and humid.  Air conditioners become an indispensable part of every day life in the summer.  This is also the season for mosquitoes and termites to become very active.  Mosquito repellents and insecticides for termites are sold in the exchange and commissary and should be used whenever necessary.  Especially be aware of termites!  They will eat almost anything, from your books and furniture to the house itself.  When evidence has been found that  termites are in your home, you should immediately notify the housing agent.  Termites like to lay eggs in wooden or cardboard boxes.  So please inspect your residence periodically for signs of them.  If termites are left unattended they will increase to great quantities very rapidly and will cause a lot of harm to your personal property and home.

Everyone living on Okinawa is subject to Japanese law.  There are some differences between American and Japanese laws that are very helpful to know...

* There are strict penalties for illegal drug possession or use.  The possession of marijuana in any amount can result in a visit to a Japanese prison for up to 7 years at hard labor.  If a narcotic is involved, you can expect a stay in a Japanese prison from 3 years to life with a 5 million yen fine.  That is roughly $50,000 dollars.

* Possession of a gun and carrying a knife with a blade longer then 2 1/2 inches are both strictly prohibited.

* Japanese police officials are permitted to enter military bases to apprehend a suspect.

* The possession of a lost item can bring a charge of larceny, so if you find any lost items deliver them to the nearest police station.

* Do not bring Vicks cough drops into Japan.  While they are available for purchase on base, they contain a substance illegal in Japan and cannot be imported by individuals.  In contrast, the Japanese have a cough syrup called Bron which is illegal for Americans.  Any medicine containing codeine is prohibited and is illegal to use without a doctor's prescription.

In Japan everyone drives on the left side of the road.  Okinawan roads can get very congested, especially during rush hours in the early morning and mid-afternoon around 1600.  Please allow yourself time and have patience when you drive.  I have found that, unlike in California, the drivers here on Okinawa have a more carefree attitude with regard to driving.  If you were to cut someone off by mistake, you would most likely not even get a horn to honk at you.  However, in turn, you need to always be alert to the possibility that you can be cut off since most drivers here drive in more a reckless manner then you may be used to... but somehow it seems more organized.   You would also think you there would be more accidents but you really don't see all that many.

Wearing a seat belt when driving or riding a motor vehicle is mandatory as well as wearing a helmet and reflective devices on a motorcycle or moped.  Speeding tickers start from 2000 yen, about $20.00.  Drunk driving  fines start at approximately 50,000 yen or $500.00 and the suspension of your driving license.

Another major violation is driving in the bus lane during designated hours.  Please be cautious of the bus lanes which operate on weekdays, during heavy traffic hours on designated highway sand roads.  The left lane is reserved lane for buses, taxis, motorcycles and permitted vehicles only.  Other cars must use the other lanes, except when turning at corners.  A bus lane violation ticket starts at 10,000, about $100 U.S. dollars.

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