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Key Points for Preparing and Preventing Natural Disasters
2025.06.27
In Japan, where heavy rains and landslides occur almost every year, preparing for natural disasters is extremely important. Disasters tend to strike suddenly, so it is essential to be ready in advance. In this column, we’ll introduce key points for disaster preparedness.
Basic Disaster Preparedness
In times of disaster, the first priority is to protect your life. For those living in apartment buildings, it's important to note that elevators may be out of service during a disaster, and there’s a risk of being trapped. Make sure to locate emergency stairways in advance.
Disasters can also occur when families are separated—at work, school, or elsewhere. Since smartphones may not work or run out of battery, it's vital to decide in advance where family members should meet in case of a major disaster.
You should also prepare an emergency grab-and-go bag at home. If you have infants or elderly family members, more items will be needed, so plan ahead. For infants, items such as disposable diapers, wet wipes, plastic bags for disposal, and ready-to-use liquid formula (which doesn’t require mixing or heating) are recommended.
For elderly individuals, be sure to include any necessary medications, a medicine notebook, adult diapers, dental wipes, denture cleaning agents, and reading glasses.
Home Safety Measures
To prepare for earthquakes and floods, safety measures should be taken in the home as well. One simple precaution is to use anti-tip tools to prevent tall furniture—such as bookshelves, wardrobes, or refrigerators—from falling during an earthquake. These include non-slip mats under furniture or safety bars installed between the top of the furniture and the ceiling.
For flood protection, sandbags and flood barriers can be effective. Houses located near rivers, the ocean, or in low-lying areas are especially advised to take such measures.
In Japan, where earthquakes are common, seismic reinforcement of buildings is also crucial. If you live in an older detached house, consider earthquake-resistant renovations. Many municipalities offer subsidies for such renovations, so be sure to consult with your local government office before starting the work.
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Gathering and Responding to Information During Disasters
Gathering accurate information is essential both before and after evacuation. To stay informed about earthquakes, tsunamis, and heavy rain warnings, it’s a good idea to install disaster prevention apps.
Because both accuracy and speed matter, be sure to choose reliable apps. Also, make sure your smartphone is set up to receive emergency earthquake alerts with sound notifications. These can provide crucial seconds to react.
Natural disasters can occur anywhere at any time. That’s why everyone needs to be prepared. Taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones is vital. Having supplies ready can give you peace of mind, and even if you don’t end up using them, the effort is never wasted.
We hope this column helps you take the first step toward better disaster preparedness.
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