Japan is known for its impressive landscapes and rich culture, but it’s also one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Here is my experience with Science Tokyo’s disaster prevention drill, an essential lesson in preparedness.
Living in Japan means not just enjoying its stunning seasons and scenery, but also understanding the realities of natural disasters. Japan’s climate, unique topography, and location on the Pacific Ring of Fire contribute to frequent seismic activity, earthquakes, typhoons (which occur normally from May to October, reaching peak season from August to September), and volcanic eruptions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there are 111 active volcanoes in Japan, of which 21 are in Tokyo. Given these risks, Japan places great importance on disaster prevention education. As a student from Malaysia, a country without earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, I found the disaster prevention drill held by Science Tokyo very informative. Read on for an overview of what I learned during the drill.
1. How to Escape from a Smoke-filled Room
During a fire, smoke quickly accumulates in a room, so knowing how to escape safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and respiratory issues caused by inhaling fine particulate matter (PM2.5) becomes important. Before entering the “smoke-simulation house,” an officer instructed me to cover my nose and mouth with clothing and crouch low to exit the room. Smoke rises if it’s warmer than the surrounding air, so crouching down helps you stay in cleaner air and make your way out more safely.
2. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Many people don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher effectively, so hands-on training is valuable. First, pick up the fire extinguisher and approach the fire. Then pull the yellow safety pin, take out the nozzle, and aim it at the fire’s base. Finally, squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent. Practicing this annually is a great way to stay prepared.
Photo 2: Fire extinguisher training
3. It is hard to stay upright in a severe earthquake
An earthquake experience vehicle simulates real earthquake scenarios. The officer instructed us to crouch under the table and protect our heads until the shaking stopped. We experienced both a magnitude 5 and a magnitude 7 quake. The magnitude 7 was intense, and I could barely hold on under the table. This experience made me reflect on the safest spots in my home if a major earthquake occurs. It is an experience I recommend to better understand how powerful earthquakes can be.
4. Useful Items for Disaster Preparedness
In another section, I saw some useful items on display that are needed during disasters, including an emergency evacuation mat, which can be used to help evacuate a person with reduced mobility. I tried it as both the “patient” and the “rescuer,” gaining practical skills in helping others during emergencies. The mat was surprisingly comfortable as a patient and manageable for the rescuer.
5. How to stockpile for emergencies
After completing each experience, participants received cards to exchange for emergency food and water. I chose an “alpha rice pack” (アルファ米, rice that is precooked and dehydrated for easy preparation), biscuits, and bottled water.
Disaster preparedness education in Japan advises stockpiling at least three days’ worth of water and food. After a disaster, it may take time for supplies to arrive, and stores may be sold out of necessities. Also, utilities like electricity, water, and gas may be cut off. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a stock of basic items for yourself and your family. When attending Japanese class, I was introduced to the concept of “rolling stock,” which involves buying, consuming, and replacing your stockpiled food regularly. This rotation keeps emergency stock fresh, ensuring you are always ready for an unexpected disaster.
6. Other Learning Opportunities
Besides the university’s annual disaster prevention drill, some municipal governments also provide disaster prevention education. For instance, I have visited the Yokohama Disaster Risk Education Learning Center. It is a learning facility that prepares residents for various disasters like earthquakes, fires, and floods. The center also comes with multilingual support (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean), making it accessible to anyone interested in disaster preparation. Most importantly, it is FREE OF CHARGE!
Conclusion
Participating in disaster prevention drills not only taught me practical skills, but also heightened my appreciation for Japan’s commitment to disaster awareness. I hope that the local government in my home country will also hold annual disaster prevention drills — for example, teaching how to deal with a fire or flood. Disaster preparedness isn’t just a routine, it is also a way of life that provides safety when dealing with nature’s unpredictability. I highly recommend joining this kind of event or visiting a disaster education center. You will definitely walk away with invaluable knowledge and gain a new respect for the importance of being well-prepared.
