Introducing Disaster Preparedness, Stockpiling Strategies, and Support for People with Disabilities!

Disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the probability of a magnitude 8 to 9 class earthquake occurring within the next 30 years is said to be 70% to 80%.

Reference: Predictions on Global Environment and Natural Disasters｜Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

January 17 marks the day of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

This day prompts many people to reassess their emergency supplies and stockpiles.

However, a standard emergency preparedness list may not address the "real difficulties" faced by people with disabilities, potentially putting their lives at risk.

In January 2024, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake caused significant damage to the Hokuriku region.

The impact of the disaster is still felt today, with many people living under challenging conditions.

This time, we would like to explain disaster preparedness and measures that people with disabilities can take, as well as the support they can receive when a disaster occurs.

1. People with Disabilities Are More Vulnerable During Disasters

The mortality rate for people with disabilities during disasters is about twice that of the general population, a shocking statistic revealed by research on the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Why is there such a significant disparity?

Reference: Disability Mortality Rate Twice the Overall Rate｜NHK Welfare Information Site
Reference: Forum 2011 - Mortality Rate of People with Disabilities in the Great East Japan Earthquake｜Japan Disability Rehabilitation Center Information Center

Depending on the disability, people with disabilities are more likely to be in dangerous situations during disasters.

NHK conducted a survey on disabilities and disaster preparedness from December 2020 to January 2021. According to the survey, 87% of the 876 respondents expressed anxiety about disasters, a high level of concern.

As a disaster preparedness measure, 57.9% of respondents checked the hazard map for risks around their homes or workplaces, but the numbers vary significantly when broken down by type of disability.

Focusing on those with visual impairments and deafblindness, only about 30% to 40% checked the hazard map.

The reasons include the map not being in an understandable format for them or not being aware of the hazard map at all.

Reference: NHK Welfare Information Site｜NHK

It seems that necessary information is not sufficiently reaching those who need it.

Additionally, due to the nature of their disabilities, some individuals find it difficult to adapt to, feel comfortable in, or even reach evacuation centers, indicating that evacuation itself is not straightforward.

Reference: Risks for People with Disabilities (PDF Page 1)｜Welfare Practice Case Portal

2. General Disaster Preparedness

The damage caused by disasters can potentially be minimized with correct knowledge and actions. To avoid panicking when a disaster occurs, let's review general disaster preparedness.

2-1. Securing Furniture

30% to 50% of earthquake-related injuries are caused by falling or toppling furniture. To prevent injuries from falls or toppling, it's effective to minimize the presence of furniture in living spaces and to use equipment for securing them.

The Tokyo Disaster Prevention website provides more detailed methods for securing furniture, so please refer to it.

Reference: Measures to Prevent Furniture from Falling, Toppling, or Moving at Home｜Tokyo Disaster Prevention Website

Additionally, the Tokyo Fire Department's "Furniture Fall, Topple, and Movement Prevention Handbook" includes a checklist at the end to ensure measures are correctly implemented, so please make use of it.

Reference: Furniture Fall, Topple, and Movement Prevention Handbook｜Tokyo Fire Department

2-2. Confirming Evacuation Routes

By confirming evacuation routes in advance, you can act calmly without panicking when a disaster occurs. Disaster maps and hazard maps are useful in such situations.

Disaster maps show the locations of evacuation sites and public facilities, and by checking them in advance and memorizing them, you can evacuate smoothly when necessary.

Hazard maps indicate areas prone to earthquakes, floods, and landslides, allowing you to recognize risks in advance and take actions to avoid them.

By combining these two maps and simulating routes based on actual situations, you can act more confidently, so be thorough in your preparations.

The Hazard Map Portal Site operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism allows you to quickly check the disaster risk of a specific location by entering the address, so it's recommended to check it once.

Reference: Hazard Map Portal Site｜Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

2-3. Discussing Disaster Preparedness with Family and Caregivers

Disasters can occur anytime, anywhere, even during work or while out. Therefore, it's recommended to discuss with your family in advance what actions to take before a disaster occurs.

The Urayasu City website introduces topics to discuss with your family as part of "Disaster Preparedness." For example:

・Decide on daily preventive measures and roles during disasters
・Regularly check if emergency supplies are complete
・Confirm communication methods and evacuation sites

These topics are explained in detail in the Disaster Preparedness Guide below, so please refer to and use it.

Reference: Disaster Preparedness Guide｜Urayasu City Office

2-4. Evacuation Checklist for People with Disabilities

By preparing an evacuation checklist in advance, you can avoid the risk of forgetting important items or delaying your escape.

Depending on the type of disability, the necessary supplies may vary, but the "Minna no Shougai" site introduces representative supplies under the title "Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities - Preparations, Items, and Emergency Response.".

Based on this content, it's a good idea to prepare the following items:

To be able to quickly grab them, store items that can be prepared in advance in a backpack or bag, allowing you to move faster, so create and prepare a checklist.

Also, if you have a help card, review it to ensure it truly contains information that allows you to receive support.

In the case of a simple help card, it may only list the illness and contact information.

On the other hand, for a help card that facilitates support, it's recommended to create it with the following items:

[My Condition]
・I have paralysis in both legs and cannot stand on my own
・I have difficulty speaking, but I can understand

[Requests]
・Please lift me by the armpits during evacuation
・Please speak slowly (it takes time for me to understand)
・A writing board would be helpful

[Emergency Contacts]
・Family: 090-XXXX-XXXX (Mother, Hanako)
・Primary Hospital: XX Hospital 03-XXXX-XXXX
・Medications: △△ tablets (morning and evening), □□ tablets (as needed)

[Update Date] January 17, 2025

The key point above is to prioritize "specific assistance methods" over "illness names."

Also, clearly stating "what you want" is important.

Once created, don't leave it as is; update contact information annually and laminate it for waterproofing.

Additionally, set up emergency medical information (Medical ID) that can be viewed from the lock screen of your smartphone, in addition to the paper help card.

This allows rescuers to check information even if you are unconscious.

[Setup Method]
iPhone: Health app → Medical ID → "Show When Locked" ON
Android: Settings → Emergency Information and Emergency Calls → "Show on Lock Screen" ON

Make sure to enter allergies, medications, medical history, and emergency contacts without omissions.

Reference: Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities - Preparations, Items, and Emergency Response｜Minna no Shougai

3. Disaster Preparedness for Different Disabilities

Here, we summarize disaster preparedness measures for different disabilities. This summary is based on the "Site for People with Disabilities During Disasters" compiled by NHK.

While researching, there were many "aha!" moments, so if you want to learn more, please refer to this page.

Reference: Site for People with Disabilities During Disasters｜NHK

3-1. For Those with Visual Impairments

For those with visual impairments, if completely blind, it is difficult to obtain information visually, and those with low vision may need equipment to aid their vision. Additionally, difficulties in mobility are anticipated.

・White cane
・Glasses or magnifying glass to aid vision
・Braille board
・Radio
・Photos of family or partners

These items are recommended. Having photos of family or partners can be helpful in evacuation centers when you want to find loved ones but cannot do so on your own, allowing you to ask others for help.

3-2. For Those with Hearing Impairments

For those with hearing impairments, they can obtain information visually, but it is difficult to obtain information through sound, making it challenging to accurately understand the situation.

・Writing tools for communication
・Spare batteries for hearing aids or cochlear implants
・Flashlight

These items can make it easier to gather information when a disaster occurs.

3-3. For Those with Physical Disabilities

For those with physical disabilities, they often use wheelchairs, canes, or braces, making it difficult to move during emergencies, potentially leading to isolation.

・Adult diapers or portable toilets
・Items for preventing bedsores
・Stretcher for when self-mobility is difficult

These items provide reassurance.

Additionally, regularly maintain canes to ensure they are safe to use, and check for air pressure and part defects in wheelchairs. Consider preparing a spare cane in case there are places where a wheelchair cannot pass, as part of advance preparations.

3-4. For Those with Internal Disabilities

Internal disabilities vary depending on the condition, but they may make living in evacuation centers difficult, or be hard to recognize from appearance, making it challenging to gain understanding from others.

・Medications and tools used for treatment
・Medication notebook or drug information sheet detailing medication content and effects
・Special or therapeutic diets

Prepare these items. In evacuation centers, contacting medical institutions as soon as possible can provide greater peace of mind.

3-5. For Those with Mental Disabilities

For those with mental disabilities, psychological stress during disasters can lead to anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and other mental health issues.

・Regular medications
・Disability certificate and drug information sheet detailing medication content and effects
・Contact information for medical institutions in case of trouble

Even in emergencies, do not hesitate to seek help from those around you.

3-6. For Those with Intellectual Disabilities

For those with intellectual disabilities, understanding and conveying accurate information may be challenging.

・Regular medications
・Help card with name, address, phone number, etc.
・Toys or books that are familiar and calming

These items can help others notice and assist you when in trouble.

4. Learning from Past Disasters: Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities in Evacuation Centers