English-language “Household Disaster Preparedness Planning” Workshop
PBV held the English-language “Household Disaster Preparedness Planning Workshop” on 4th September 2016.
25 participants from 12 countries took part in the workshop, which was held at the “Shinjuku Bosai Festa”, a major disaster prevention festival in Tokyo.
Over the course of 2 hours, the participants explored the following key workshop themes: “Understanding your household and surroundings”, “Visualizing a disaster”, and “Disaster preparedness and response”.
The workshop covered practical skills in how to prepare one’s home, protect one’s self and loved ones, and minimise disaster impacts.The participants not only learnt tangible methods to make their homes safer, but also identified evacuation routes in their communities and learnt how to make effective disaster plans for their entire household.
The participants were very engaged, and after several lively discussions and activities, left with more confidence in being prepared for the next disaster.
“I think everyone should take this course”, “I feel more prepared now with specific actions to take”, and “this workshop was very informative; I would recommend to all” were some of the comments from the post-workshop anonymous evaluation.
Whilst many Japanese people receive basic disaster education in school and at the workplace, many non-Japanese nationals are considered “vulnerable in disasters” due to potential language barriers and limited exposure to natural disasters in the Japanese context.
Japan is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. To cite on example, the chance of a major earthquake hitting Tokyo in the next 30 years is said to be 70% (according to the Japanese government).
PBV launched this program to reach out to those English-speakers who want or need access to basic disaster preparedness education to protect themselves and loved ones from future disasters.
If you are interested in taking part in an English-language workshop or would like any further information, please contact us at relief@peaceboat.gr.jp
