On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2014.03.08(Sat)/09:00～

In order to be well-prepared against disasters, it's necessary for each and every one of us to be informed about disaster prevention well in advance. So that the areas around us stay safe, we need to have a basic knowledge about disaster prevention and be able to act quickly and appropriately when disaster strikes.

In each school district of Fukuoka City, there are independent disaster prevention organizations which hold educational seminars and practice drills throughout the year.

Mitoma Community Center in Higashi Ward held a disaster prevention workshop this past January. After a lecture on disaster prevention preparedness, the 68 participants split into 8 groups and did the HUG Hinanjo Un’ei Game, or in English, the Evacuation Center Operating Game, at their desks. In the exercise, they practiced helping mock-evacuees in a school gymnasium and playground. By experiencing the difficulties of providing assistance to evacuees and dealing with a variety of situations, they reaffirmed the importance of working together as a community in the case of a major disaster. These types of disaster preparedness exercises are being carried out year-round at the independent disaster prevention organizations associated with each school district.

In Minami Ward, in the Wakahisa school district's January session, 136 participants practiced how to take measures against cold when using emergency tents and how to do soup runs. There were also examples, inside the tents, of items that will help you be prepared for disasters.

In Nishi Ward, in the Atago-Hama school district's February session, 206 participants practiced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, transportation of injured, and operation of an emergency evacuation facility. After practicing through the HUG evacuation center operating game, they had hands-on practice providing water in emergency situations with the aid of the Water Works Bureau.

No one knows where or when a disaster will strike, or if your family members will be together or not. Just in case, it's important to decide on a meeting place you will go and wait for one another in advance.

Also, in emergency situations, ambulances and fire trucks may not be able to come to disaster-struck areas where gas, electricity and water have been cut. In such times, it's highly likely that local communities will have to provide for themselves. Please participate in disaster preparedness training offered near you and let's think together, as communities, so that we are prepared.

Information regarding disaster preparedness training sessions is listed in monthly Public hall Dayori community center newsletters. Session times vary depending on district, so be sure to check your Public hall Dayori or community circular. You can also get information directly from the neighborhood associations running the training sessions.

Please, take this opportunity to prepare for the worst!