What is "Disaster Preparedness by Arranging"? The Kobe Shimbun proposes emergency kits to survive the "critical first 72 hours after a disaster."

The Kobe Shimbun, in collaboration with Kobe City, the Hyogo Disaster Prevention Collaboration Forum, and others, has launched the "Better Shelters Project." As its first initiative, the May 17th edition of the Kobe Shimbun proposed the "Better Shelters Emergency Kit," also known as the "Arrangeable Disaster Preparedness Kit," designed to improve shelter conditions during the critical first three days (72 hours) after a disaster.

Immediately after an earthquake, evacuation shelters typically lack sufficient space or partitions to protect privacy. Evacuees often endure significant stress and anxiety. The "Better Evacuation Shelters Project" aims to provide these evacuees with a sense of security and emotional support. Its ultimate goal is to develop an "easy-to-understand evacuation shelter management manual that anyone can use."

The "Arrange Your Disaster Supplies" feature recently published in the Kobe Shimbun recreates essential evacuation supplies at actual size across a double-page spread of newspaper. It encourages families to discuss and physically arrange these supplies on the newspaper spread to prepare their emergency evacuation bags. By arranging disaster supplies, it aims to raise disaster preparedness awareness while increasing the rate of emergency bag preparation—reported at only 31% in Japan (Sumitomo Life survey)—thereby improving shelter conditions.

The supplies incorporated into "Arranging Disaster Preparedness" aren't limited to essentials like emergency food and water. A key feature is visualizing items that contribute to a "better" shelter environment, such as stress-relief items and those mindful of women and children. For example, items like glasses and masks are considered not just for their usual purpose but also for functions like concealing the lack of makeup.

While the perception that "the government will handle shelter management" remains strong, reality shows the "first 72 hours after a disaster" is often a chaotic period beyond government reach. Communities and individuals must unite to manage shelters themselves. Attention is now focused on this project's future efforts to provide support and raise awareness for this purpose.

Trial video of a family actually trying "Arranged Disaster Preparedness": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7eeX8VXwMs

Kobe Shimbun NEXT: https://www.kobe-np.co.jp/