Disaster preparedness and recovery is one of Japan’s strong points. It is a country that is highly vulnerable due to its geographical location. But due to the efforts of the government and its people, detrimental effects of disasters particularly earthquakes are lesser. No wonder others especially those from neighboring countries look up to the Japanese practices when it comes to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).
Disaster Preparedness Campaign in Edogawa
Like other cities, Edogawa has initiated a variety of preparedness measures for its residents. One of them is the information guidebook distributed to every household. It quite impressive that they have it English too for the foreign residents. Inside are information needed before, during, and after the occurrence of a disaster or emergency. It has also some guidelines on how to use daily things as survival materials. Most importantly, it has contact information of different services for assistance.
A few days before the commemoration on the March 11 incident, Edogawa City hosted a disaster preparedness campaign at Kasai Rinkai Park. There were simulation facilities in case of fire or earthquake. There were booths with photos of different disasters that happened or may occur in Tokyo as well as life-saving and first aid demonstrations. The staff of Kasai Rinkai even prepared some warm soup for free! They also opened the Tokyo Sea Life for the earthquake drill. In return, people who participated got free entrance and some souvenirs.
