Beyond the emergency kit: The next steps in disaster preparedness for families – certificates, community, and more

Protecting your little ones: Expert advice on disaster preparedness for families – 2/2

Japan is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, making disaster preparedness essential. While many households already stockpile water and food, families with children face unique challenges during evacuations. These challenges are highlighted by Mami Tomikawa of the Tokyo-based NPO MAMA-PLUG in her recently published book, ‘The Latest Version: Disaster Preparedness Book for Families with Children: A Comprehensive Guide––Made with 1648 Affected Moms and Dads*’. MAMA-PLUG has extensive experience supporting families displaced by earthquakes, from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to the 2024 Noto Earthquake.

This article, following on from our previous piece on daily preparedness for families, explores further steps families can take, including essential information on obtaining vital documents like disaster certificates and damage certificates.

*The original title: 冨川万美 (2024) '全災害対応！最新子連れ防災BOOK－－被災ママパパ1648人と作りました'. Tokyo: Shodensha (祥伝社).

Summary

Earthquake, rainfall and wind hazards: A reality of living in Japan

Adapting mindsets: A call for change in Japan

Expect the unexpected: Disasters can transform Japan's normally safe streets into unpredictable environments

Understanding differences Disaster Damage and Victim Certificates: Don't get lost in translation!

Don't hesitate to take action!

Overwhelmed by disaster fears? Finding ways to cope

Disaster preparedness: unique challenges for families with children

Many natural disaster survivors with children faced unique challenges. A book compiling interviews with affected families with children has been published. We asked the author for tips for disaster preparedness for such households.

Small Business JapanYumiko Horie