The government has established great systems to respond quickly to natural disasters, but during natural disaster, the government may also be affected and unable to respond immediately. Additionally, depending on the type and scale of the disaster, government response alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, rather than relying on the government, it is important to implement measures that individuals can take. I mention items which we can do right now in the article.
Creating an evacuation plan
In Japan, several evacuation centers have been planned and it is easy to find a nearby one. It is important to plan in advance where to evacuate with your family, how to contact each other, and which route to take in case of natural disaster such as an earthquake or typhoon.
Preparing a list of emergency contacts
During natural disaster, it may be difficult to contact family and friends. It is important to list emergency contact information for your family and friends and carry it with you to ensure communication during a disaster. Consider alternative means of communication in case apps such as Whatsapp or LINE are not available.
Preparing an emergency evacuation kit
It is important to prepare an emergency evacuation kit to be able to quickly grab essential items when evacuating. The kit should include food, water, clothing, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a radio, and other necessary items. Keep it stored in a readily accessible location such as entrance.
Stockpiling emergency food supplies
During nartural disaster, there may be a shortage of food. In Japan it is said we need to prepare foods and vebarage for 3 days at least. It is important to prepare emergency food supplies such as dry bread, canned food, and retort pouches. There are now many delicious options available, so it’s fun to research and prepare.
Downloading a disaster prevention app
By downloading a disaster prevention app on your smartphone, you can access disaster information and confirm evacuation locations by sharing your location information. Here are three recommended apps.
1. Yurekuru Call
2. Safety Tips
3. Japan Official Travel App（JOTA）
Collecting information about disaster response
To prepare for a disaster at home, it is important to collect information about natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Utilize TV, radio, and the internet to gather information about disaster response. As it is easy to share information on social media, it is crucial to obtain correct information.
Instagram
Tiktok
Twitter