Prepare Your Teams for Natural Emergencies the Japanese Way
When expanding your business to the Japanese market, there are practical considerations you need to make that may go beyond routine business planning in the UK. Disaster emergency preparation is a key part of Japanese life and children will learn about this from the time they first go to school. But it may be new to your staff, so we’ve put together a handy guide to help you prepare staff moving to Japan and make sure your business premises are properly equipped. From emergency food preparation to fuel and ID documents - there’s plenty to think about in our emergency kit template!
Understanding Japan's vulnerability to earthquakes
Japan is renowned for its stunning landscapes and technological prowess, but it also faces a constant threat from natural disasters. The Noto earthquake on New Year's Day 2024 was a stark reminder of this reality. Despite occupying only 0.29% of the world's landmass, Japan experiences a disproportionately high number of significant earthquakes, accounting for 18.5% of global seismic events with a magnitude of 6 or higher. The country is also home to 7% of the world's active volcanoes. Consequently, Japanese people remain vigilant and prepared to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
Embrace the concepts of ‘Phase Free’ and ‘Rolling Stock’
In recent years, a new concept in disaster preparedness - Phase Free - has been gaining traction. Phase Free, coined in 2014 by social entrepreneur Tadayuki Sato, bridges the gap between everyday life and preparedness by eliminating the distinction between ordinary and emergency phases. This innovative approach aims to enhance quality of life during crises by seamlessly integrating preparedness into daily routines.
The Phase Free concept has been shared with businesses and consumers through educational initiatives and promotions led by the Phase Free Association. Various goods and services have now received Phase Free certification, indicating their usefulness in both everyday life and emergencies. These range from basic items like waterproof shopping bags to electric buses which can use the power from their batteries to charge phones and other essentials in an emergency.
Another new concept in emergency management is Rolling Stock. This is a method of regularly using items from your emergency rations stockpile and replacing them with new items. This way, even food and supplies with a relatively short shelf life can be kept available for emergencies. While food and water are obvious items to include in this, batteries and medications are also useful to consider in this idea. The Rolling Stock concept can minimise food waste as well as help avoid the acute shortage of certain items in an emergency - a crucial consideration highlighted by shortages of essential items like toilet paper during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
While the geography of Japan makes emergency planning essential, worldwide events like the Covid 19 pandemic underscore the universal need for disaster preparedness. The concept of Phase Free in particular is now crossing borders, beyond Japan and other regions that face geographical natural disaster. Globally emergencies may come in very different forms, including pandemics, wars and events caused by climate changes, but the need to be prepared is increasingly universal.
Essential Kit List for Emergencies in Japan
Natural disasters strike unexpectedly, leaving us in situations where access to basic necessities may be limited. Having a well-prepared emergency kit can make a significant difference to your safety and survival.
Below is a comprehensive list of essential items to include in an emergency kit. As well as advising staff to be prepared at home, make sure there is a kit containing essential items kept in your business premises.
1. Water
Experience shows that it takes 2 to 3 days for water rations to arrive at disaster areas. Water is essential for hydration and sanitation. Prepare at least 3 litres of drinking water per person per day and a further 1 to 2 litres for sanitation.
2. Emergency food supply examples
The Japanese government recommends keeping enough stock for one week. You can buy ready-packed emergency food supply kits developed by nutritionists and rescue workers, but with a wealth of packaged food available in Japan, it is easy to make your own.
Food gives you nourishment physically and mentally when the going gets tough. Remember, disaster preparedness isn't just about survival. The latest recommendations take into account mental wellbeing during the toughest times, so suggest packing some favourite foods, varieties of flavour, and including cartons of vegetable and fruit juice. Don’t forget to consider any food allergies or special dietary needs people in your home or office have too.
Ease of preparation is another important factor to consider. A simple cup of water transforms into a steaming hot meal thanks to ingenious, disaster-ready, instant meals. Freeze-dried soups also come in great variety, providing warmth as well as critical nutrition. The variety of these foods is huge in Japan, from hearty curries to simple white rice, meatballs in tomato sauce and pasta. You name it, you can probably find it And, of course, there's the ever-reliable instant ramen, a must-have in every Japanese household.
But the culinary innovation doesn't stop there. What about including stylish canned bread? Very popular in Japan, this is a quirky yet practical addition to any emergency kit as it doesn’t require any cooking. Who knew emergency rations could be so fashionable?
All these items are easy to store without any compromise in quality, and also suitable for everyday meals, perfect for practising the Rolling Stock concept.
3. Fuel
In the event of power outages, having extra fuel on hand allows you to cook and stay warm. Propane, charcoal or wood can be used for cooking purposes, as well as providing a source of warmth and comfort during challenging times. Include waterproof matches or lighters too.
4. Hygiene and personal care
Make sure you stock up on toilet paper, soap, hand sanitiser, toothpaste, toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products. Remember, you may have limited access to water, so cleansing and anti bacterial wipes are particularly helpful.
5. Medications and first aid
Have a selection of over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, allergy medication, antiseptic cream, wound wipes, plasters and bandages, as well as any prescription medications you normally use.
6. Important documents
Keep identification documents, passports, insurance cards, medical records, emergency contact information, etc., in a waterproof container. Businesses should ask staff to complete emergency details forms including contact details of their next of kin.
7. Lights
Keep flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries ready. You may also want to include a wind up torch or camping lantern.
8. Information gathering tools
Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts, and pencils and paper to write down any important information. Also, consider having a solar-powered charger for your phone.
9. Seasonal supplies
Adjust your kit seasonally. In colder months include extra clothing, blankets and hand warmers. In warmer months consider sunscreen, hats, fans and insect repellent.
10. Personal necessities
Include items tailored to the individual needs of people, such as prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, infant formula.
11. Miscellaneous items
Add multitools, duct tape, plastic bags, whistles and a camping stove among other miscellaneous items.
A special note for women
It's a sad reality that women are at greater risk of being victims of sexual crimes in evacuation centres. Since there have been multiple reports of such incidents previously, many rescue operators advise women to pack unisex clothes, boxer shorts and tank tops to avoid unnecessary attention. It is also advised to pick materials that dry quickly so that there is no need to hang underwear for a long time.
Reflecting on preparedness for emergencies
As we navigate an increasingly uncertain world, the importance of disaster preparedness is recognised by countries across the world. Japan's experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of disasters and the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact.
There have been technological improvements from food and lifestyle industries, but innovative concepts like Phase Free and practical solutions like Rolling Stock, mean individuals, businesses and communities can enhance their resilience and readiness in the face of adversity.
By embracing a culture of preparedness and investing in the necessary resources and knowledge, we can build safer and more resilient societies for generations to come. It is not just important for geographical areas affected by earthquakes, but increasingly applies world-wide.
It’s also an opportunity to consider innovative uses of ordinary-looking products and services under different circumstances, as you may find your own ways to contribute to emergency preparedness.
Pointblank Promotions can provide tailored support to companies wishing to expand into the Japanese market. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs using the enquiries link below.
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Read more about the concept of Phase Free here:
https://www.fujitsu.com/jp/microsite/fujitsutransformationnews-en/2022-03-11/01/
Read more about the idea of Rolling Stock in food planning here:
https://www.japanlivingguide.com/health-and-safety/emergency/emergency-food/
This article was created in partnership with ChatGPT and humans from Pointblank