*This page contains promotional material, but we strive to provide objective and accurate information in creating this article.
September 9st of every year is Disaster Prevention Day. We don't know when, where, or how much damage a natural disaster will cause. To protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure to prepare as much as possible as soon as you notice a natural disaster!
We will introduce disaster prevention measures that individuals can take starting today, as well as recommended disaster prevention goods that make great gifts or for personal use.
table of contents
- Why September 9st became "Disaster Prevention Day"
- What to do on Disaster Prevention Day?
- What you can do today to prepare for disasters
- Are they actually useless? Disaster preparedness items you didn't need
- Great for gifts or for yourself! 8 truly useful disaster preparedness items
- Start preparing for the worst with what you can do today!
Why September 9st became "Disaster Prevention Day"
September 9st became Disaster Prevention Day because of the Great Kanto Earthquake that occurred on September 1st, 1923 (Taisho 12). Japan has experienced frequent major earthquakes throughout history, but the Great Kanto Earthquake caused an estimated 9 deaths and missing, making it the largest disaster recorded in Japan since the Meiji era. This number of casualties is approximately 1 times that of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 10, 5 (estimated at 2011).
Learning from this disaster, Disaster Prevention Day was established by Cabinet approval in 1960 to raise awareness of disaster prevention. As many typhoons usually strike around September 9st each year, the day seems to also serve as a warning not to neglect preparations for disasters other than earthquakes.
What to do on Disaster Prevention Day?
On Disaster Prevention Day, various events are held all over the country every year to raise awareness of disaster prevention. In addition to evacuation drills held at schools, there are also workshops to teach people how to deal with natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, as well as disaster prevention lectures by experts.
If you are interested, please take this opportunity to find out about Disaster Prevention Day events in your area.
What you can do today to prepare for disasters
It is impossible to predict when and where a natural disaster will occur. It is important to take action on the day you think of it to prepare for a disaster. There are a few things you can do today to prepare, without relying on experts or local events:
Check the hazard map and evacuation route
First, check the hazard maps and evacuation routes for your area of residence, school, workplace, etc. There are several maps you should check depending on the topography and weather characteristics of your area, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, floods (inundation), landslides, and volcanoes.
Hazard maps can be obtained at the counter of each local government, and can also be viewed and downloaded 24 hours a day on their website. For details on how to obtain them and where they are distributed, please contact your local government.
Confirmation of emergency contact methods
During a large-scale disaster, there are many cases where normal means of communication become unusable due to poor signal strength or power outages that disable electronic devices. Discuss with your family how you will communicate in an emergency, and where to meet if you are unable to contact each other.
It's not guaranteed that all communication methods will be usable as usual, so it's a good idea to prioritize and decide on several methods. One communication method that can be used even when regular lines are congested is the "Disaster Message Service" offered by major telecommunications companies. Trial use days are set up periodically, so be sure to try it out in advance to make sure you understand how to use it.
NTT East Disaster Message Dial (171):https://www.ntt-east.co.jp/saigai/voice171/
NTT Docomo Disaster Message Board:https://www.docomo.ne.jp/info/disaster/disaster_board/
SoftBank Disaster Message Board:https://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/dengon/boards/
au Disaster Message Board Service:https://www.au.com/mobile/anti-disaster/saigai-dengon/
Fixing and rearranging furniture
Large furniture such as cupboards, bookshelves, and refrigerators are extremely dangerous if they tip over during an earthquake. Not only can they cause serious, life-threatening injuries, but they can also block evacuation routes or shatter glass, making it difficult to evacuate quickly.
It would be safe if you could securely fasten the furniture to the ceiling or wall with tools, but this can be difficult in rental properties where you can't drill holes. Here are some earthquake prevention measures you can take even in rental properties where you can't drill holes:
- Use tension rods to prevent tipping
- Place heavy items as low as possible
- Installing devices to prevent doors and drawers from jumping out
- Apply shatterproof film to glass windows and shelves
- Place adhesive earthquake-resistant mats under furniture
- Do not place anything that can easily fall over near your bed, futon, or entrance.
Prepare an emergency kit
An "emergency bag" is something you take with you from home when moving to an evacuation shelter. It is needed in situations where immediate evacuation is necessary for your life, such as a landslide, tsunami, fire, or flood, so you won't have time to carefully consider the contents once that happens.
The things you need will vary depending on your age, gender, family composition, whether you have any chronic illnesses, where you will evacuate (gymnasium, accommodation, sleeping in your car, the home of a relative or friend, etc.), etc. Prepare by thinking carefully about not only what you will do immediately after evacuation, but also your life at the evacuation shelter from the time you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night.
The key is to choose items that are "lightweight, compact, and small in quantity" so that the luggage itself does not get in the way of evacuation actions. Once you have prepared an emergency evacuation bag, place it along the "evacuation route" such as the entrance or hallway that you will definitely take in the event of an evacuation, rather than in a storeroom or warehouse.
Check and replenish stockpiles
If your home and surrounding area are safe, you can choose to remain at home instead of going to an evacuation shelter. The supplies you need for a home evacuation include food, drinking water, portable toilets, masks, hand sanitizer, and other hygiene products, work gloves and helmets for clearing debris, and cash.
It is recommended to stockpile food for three days, but in remote islands and areas with few roads, it may be necessary to stockpile for a longer period. It is a good idea to take into account the characteristics of the area and stock up on more food than necessary.
A relatively low-impact method is to stock up on foods you normally eat, and then buy more as you go. This is called "rolling stock." If you often use retort pouch foods, canned foods, or instant foods, we recommend incorporating this into your daily life.
Are they actually useless? Disaster preparedness items you didn't need
Disaster preparedness supplies should be prepared for a variety of situations, but many people who have actually experienced a disaster say that there are some items that they "didn't need" or "couldn't use properly."
In order to make the most of your limited storage space, think carefully about whether you really need the items you buy. The following are the items that many people say they "didn't need."
rope
Ropes are said to be useful for descending from buildings with two or more floors, or for carrying luggage or injured people. However, in reality, it can be difficult to use them effectively unless you know how to tie them correctly.
Compass
A compass is a tool used to determine the directions of north, south, east, and west. While it may seem like it would be useful in an evacuation, simply knowing the directions won't actually help you locate an evacuation shelter or your home. There are many free compass apps available for smartphones, so there's no need to go out of your way to have one as part of your disaster preparedness kit.
ろ う そ く
Many people may have candles on hand to provide light in the event of a power outage. However, candles only provide a small amount of light, and they pose a high risk of secondary damage such as fires and burns. It's a good idea to have flashlights or LED lanterns that can be powered by batteries or solar power.
blanket
Many people prepare blankets to protect themselves from the cold in preparation for winter evacuations, but blankets are heavy and bulky to carry, which can get in the way of evacuation.
Also, blankets are often provided at evacuation shelters, so there is generally no need to bring your own. If you want to prepare something to keep warm, we recommend aluminum sheets, which are thinner and lighter than blankets.
Fishing Tents
Small, foldable tents are becoming increasingly popular as partitions in evacuation shelters. While they offer benefits such as privacy and infection prevention, they can also make it more uncomfortable to stay in due to their poor ventilation.
Also, depending on the capacity of the evacuation shelter and the size of the tent, even if you bring one, you may be instructed not to use it inside the shelter. In many cases, local governments have prepared partitions, so it can be said that it is a low priority.
Hand-crank generator and radio
Since electricity is generated by manually turning the handle when needed, it is known as a convenient disaster prevention item without having to worry about battery deterioration or running out of charge. However, it requires a lot of effort to actually use, and the disadvantage of not being able to do any other work while turning the handle cannot be ignored.
Battery-powered devices are easier to use if you prepare spare batteries and check the expiration date and replace them regularly. If you are worried about the battery running out, it is a good idea to choose a device that supports multiple power supply methods, such as solar or USB.
Drytack
It is a standard emergency food that can be stored for a long time, but it tends to make you thirsty after eating it and requires more water than a regular meal, so it seems to be avoided in recent years.
Instant noodle
Instant ramen, which can be easily eaten by simply boiling water, may be a familiar food that many people keep on hand as a "rolling stock." However, in the event of a water outage or power outage, instant ramen, which requires a lot of hot water, can be difficult to prepare.
If garbage collection is temporarily suspended due to a disaster, it can be difficult to dispose of leftover soup. When it comes to emergency food, canned foods and pre-packaged foods that can be eaten without heating are a higher priority.
Great for gifts or for yourself! 8 truly useful disaster preparedness items
From here on, we will introduce a carefully selected list of practical disaster prevention items that are perfect for yourself or as gifts.
This disaster preparedness kit is perfect for those who feel they haven't prepared at all. Developed by a Fukushima company that has experienced various natural disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Niigata and Fukushima heavy rain disasters, and the 2019 East Japan Typhoon, this carefully selected set of "practically useful" items was created under the supervision of a disaster prevention specialist.
It's lightweight, weighing just 4.5kg including the backpack, so it won't be a problem for a woman traveling long distances alone. Another popular feature is the generous capacity, allowing you to add any extra items you need.
This LED lantern can be used as a stand, ceiling light, or handheld lantern. Its even brightness makes it ideal for indoor lighting during power outages, as well as for evacuating at night or during heavy rain. It can be used continuously for up to 72 hours and is IPX6 waterproof, meaning it's safe even when wet. It's also recommended for outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
This food storage set is useful not only in emergencies but also in everyday situations. It offers a variety of satisfying meals that can be easily enjoyed in a variety of situations, such as busy mornings, outdoor activities, and overseas travel. Although the food has a long shelf life, it contains no preservatives and minimal additives, making it safe for both children and adults.
This delicious preserved food was created through a collaboration between the best-selling "Tabekko Animals" and IZAMESHI. Its familiar flavor makes it a great emergency food source, as well as a delicious everyday snack. It's egg-free, so it's safe for children with allergies.
This canned bread tastes just like freshly baked bread anytime. It contains a generous amount of the lactic acid bacteria "L-137," which House Foods Group has developed through extensive research. It comes in three flavors: orange, blueberry, and strawberry, which are easy for both adults and children to enjoy. It's light and easy to carry, making it perfect for outdoor leisure activities.
This portable stove is convenient for heating retort pouch foods and boiling water. Its compact size allows it to fit on a small table. Its cute, retro design makes it perfect for everyday use. It also comes with a safety device that automatically turns off the flame if it detects excessive heat.
This battery-powered mobile battery uses four AA batteries. It also comes with dry batteries, so you can use it right out of the box. It has an LED light function, so it can also be used as temporary light during a power outage. It also has a convenient notification function that detects the voltage of each battery and flashes the lamp when the remaining battery power is low.
This notebook case can store all your important notebooks and cards, including your medicine notebook, maternal and child health notebook, bankbook, and My Number card, all in one place. Its elegant, thin strap and tricolor design make it an eye-catching piece. The back also features a zippered pocket for storing bills, coins, and other cash. It's made with skimming-resistant fabric, so you can feel safe even in crowded places.
Start preparing for the worst with what you can do today!
There are many disaster preparedness items that you should prepare, but what each person needs varies. When giving disaster preparedness items as a gift, it's important to imagine in concrete terms how the recipient will use them and in what situations. Give your loved ones peace of mind with truly useful disaster preparedness items!
"PR"
