September 1st is “Disaster Prevention Day” in Japan. This day commemorates the Great Kanto earthquake that occurred on that day in 1923. There were many victims of fire partly because it occurred just before noon.
On the disaster prevention day, the extensive drills that assume mainly earthquake and fire are held in many schools from kindergarten to high school, local governments or community, public transport, etc. It is to learn procedures and routes of evacuation.
Many office buildings and commercial facilities also regularly conduct emergency drills, in order to prepare for unexpected catastrophes and to keep improving their emergency restoration measures.
In addition, during the period from August to October Japan is frequently hit by typhoon. These several years, natural disasters including torrential rain, floods are increasing. The importance of preparation against disasters is growing more and more.
Providing is preventing. If you are prepared, you do not have to worry. Koto-city has a facility that you can experience and learn earthquakes, named “Sona Area.” If you have time, why don’t you go and experience there?
For more information:
The Tokyo Rinkai Park, in Koto-city, is a great disaster prevention facility with an experience center and a learning center. Once a big disaster occurs Tokyo and the suburb region, this is supposed to become one of emergency restoration activity centers.
(by Junko)
