Catastrophe and emergency preparedness is an integral a part of any resilient group, particularly a metropolis with over 14 million residents like Tokyo. At its Ikebukuro Life Security Studying Middle, the Tokyo Hearth Division presents hands-on experiences and coaching to show individuals how one can reply in an emergency, akin to a fireplace or earthquake. The middle additionally presents an “simple Japanese” model of the tour to make sure that preparedness coaching is accessible to worldwide residents as nicely.
“Simple Japanese” Fingers-on Tour
The Ikebukuro Life Security Studying Middle was established by the Tokyo Hearth Division in 1986 to offer Tokyo residents and guests with necessary expertise, information, and simulated experiences associated to emergency and catastrophe preparedness. Conveniently situated close to Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo’s Toshima Metropolis, the middle and its hands-on excursions—expertly guided by former Hearth Division members—are free to all.
To make sure that all members of the group know what to do within the occasion of a catastrophe or emergency, the middle additionally presents its excursions in “simple Japanese,” making them accessible for residents whose Japanese language expertise are nonetheless a piece in progress. The trainer makes certain to talk slowly and clearly, in addition to to elucidate unfamiliar vocabulary in easy phrases, akin to “earthquake: the bottom is shifting” or “evacuate: go to a secure place.” Numerous supporting movies, diagrams, and illustrations assist contributors perceive the content material.
“There are various worldwide residents in Japan, and it’s important for them to have the ability to obtain the identical catastrophe preparedness schooling as those that grew up right here,” stated Abe Yoshio, the middle’s deputy chief. “Taking this type of hands-on course will help cut back hurt within the occasion of an actual emergency.”
On common, the middle sees roughly 230 contributors within the “simple Japanese” course annually, about 70% of whom reside or work in Tokyo. Reservations are required for the 100-minute hands-on tour.
Combating Small Fires, Safely Fleeing Massive Ones
The primary a part of the hands-on tour coated how one can use a fireplace extinguisher and how one can evacuate from a burning constructing, expertise related not simply in Japan however the world over.
The teacher taught the group how one can shout “Hearth!” in Japanese—”Kaji da!”—in addition to what to do when calling a fireplace engine or an ambulance by means of Japan’s emergency hotline, 119.
Subsequent, contributors realized how one can use a fireplace extinguisher by means of three easy steps, which occurred to make use of the identical phrases in each Japanese and English: pin, hose, lever. Water, reasonably than precise fireplace retardant, sprayed out of the apply fireplace extinguishers as contributors battled a reasonable blaze, akin to a kitchen fireplace, projected onto the wall.
Nevertheless, the teacher then defined that, if a fireplace is just too large to be extinguished, it is very important escape shortly. Smoke comprises carbon monoxide and is poisonous; those that breathe in an excessive amount of can fall unconscious. In Tokyo, which comprises greater than 600 buildings over 100 meters tall, it’s significantly necessary to know how one can evacuate safely.
The middle makes use of a smoke maze to simulate the expertise of evacuating a burning constructing. Individuals have been instructed to crouch down under the smoke, with a towel or different fabric over their nostril and mouth. Within the maze, they cautiously felt the doorways and partitions, checking whether or not they have been “sizzling,” as they groped at the hours of darkness towards the exit. Duck-walking by means of the maze was tiring, however rising even a bit made the odor of “smoke” stronger—which meant one was inhaling an excessive amount of of it, the teacher warned.
Earthquake Simulator Mimics Highly effective Shock
Subsequent, the hands-on tour coated earthquake security. Resulting from its location above a subduction zone, earthquakes are a geologic truth of life in Japan, and, as such, earthquake preparedness is taught in faculties and different amenities all through the nation.
Though most earthquakes are imperceptibly small, main quakes—such because the Nice East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and subsequent tsunami—could cause critical hurt, the teacher defined. When a quake happens, individuals have to act shortly to guard themselves from falling objects, akin to gadgets on cabinets.
The tour’s earthquake part started with a video explaining how tectonic plate actions trigger earthquakes and tsunamis. Then, the teacher gave contributors a quiz on what to do if an earthquake hits. For instance, do you have to shelter beneath a desk, or go outdoors? Must you flip off the gasoline range first earlier than diving beneath a desk? The latter query stumped a couple of contributors, and the teacher emphasised that defending oneself is all the time the primary precedence.
Lastly, contributors skilled earthquake simulations by way of a shifting platform with a big desk, beneath which they have been instructed to shelter. One simulation gave an instance of Japan’s earthquake early warning alarm earlier than the shaking began, whereas the opposite simulated a extra violent quake with no prior warning. The latter was modeled on the Nice East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and video footage from the catastrophe performed on screens because the platform shuddered irregularly, typically briefly calming earlier than rocking with one other jolt.
Though earthquakes mustn’t deter anybody from visiting Japan, it’s all the time greatest to be ready. Abe stated that among the many heart’s guests are many vacationers in Japan for prolonged stays who wish to study extra about earthquake security.
Administering First Assist in Japan
The ultimate stage of the hands-on tour is first support, particularly how one can give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automatic exterior defibrillator (AED).
The trainer defined a couple of methods to name for assist in Japanese if somebody has collapsed, relying on one’s language means: “Tasukete-kudasai!” “Dare-ka kite-kudasai!” and even simply “Assist!” Because the AED directions have been in Japanese—and it’s all the time more durable to calmly comply with directions in an emergency—having the possibility to apply on a manikin was an necessary expertise.
In her parting feedback, the teacher inspired contributors to come back again as many occasions as they wished to apply the talents and construct up their expertise. She famous that the approaching seasons will seemingly additionally convey heavy rain and typhoons, so everybody ought to know a secure evacuation level and have an emergency bag ready in case of a pure catastrophe.
Emergency and catastrophe preparedness is crucial in constructing resilient cities during which nobody will get left behind. As Tokyo sees growing numbers of each residents and guests from overseas, the Ikebukuro Life Security Studying Middle will certainly proceed to play an necessary function locally going ahead.
Ikebukuro Life Security Studying Middle
Interview and writing by Annelise Giseburt
