March 20th is "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day".
This day was established to ensure that we do not forget the 2005 Fukuoka Prefecture offshore earthquake and to prepare for future disasters.
Earthquakes and other disasters can strike at any time. This is a good opportunity to review essential preparations and actions to take during a disaster, especially for families with children.
The option of "sheltering in place"
When a major disaster such as an earthquake occurs, many people worry, "Will I be able to take my child to an evacuation center?" or "Will my child be fussy or crying and cause trouble for those around me?"
In particular, for families with infants or young children, unfamiliar environments can be a significant burden.
In reality, not everyone has to go to an evacuation center during a disaster. In recent years, buildings have become more earthquake-resistant. If the safety of the building can be confirmed and essential services such as electricity and water are available, staying at home while checking information from the city and the surrounding situation is also an option.
During a disaster, being able to stay in the familiar surroundings of one's own home provides a great sense of security for both children and their parents.
Considering the possibility of sheltering in place, let's review our usual preparations.
● Family disaster preparedness checklist
☐ I have prepared an emergency backpack for taking with me.
☐ Have you decided on a meeting place and contact method for family members in case of an emergency?
☐ Securing furniture and large appliances
☐ We have implemented measures to prevent items stored at high places from falling.
☐ No objects are placed that would block evacuation routes.
☐ I make it a point to keep water in the bathtub at all times.
☐ We have stockpiled enough food and water to last us three days.
☐ We have prepared medications, allergy-friendly foods, etc.
☐ I have plenty of milk, baby food, diapers, and baby wipes on hand.
☐ There are snacks and drinks that the child is used to eating.
☐ There is a light source such as a flashlight or lantern.
☐ I have a portable battery ready.
☐ I fill up my gas tank frequently.
Regarding emergency supplies, don't forget to regularly review the contents as your children grow.
By adopting a "rolling stock" approach—buying a little extra of the food and daily necessities you use every day and replenishing them as you use them—you can maintain your stockpile without difficulty.
The city's publication, "Disaster Prevention Mini-Book Utilizing a Woman's Perspective," provides easy-to-understand disaster prevention information useful for families with children.
●A mini-book on disaster preparedness that utilizes a woman's perspective
*Available at each ward office and information center.
If you are in trouble at an evacuation center with an infant or toddler
If it is difficult to stay at home, or if you feel safer around other people, you should use an evacuation shelter.
The city is taking steps to ensure that people can stay as comfortable as possible during disasters, such as providing warm meals and introducing portable beds.
Additionally, "welfare evacuation rooms" are available at the shelters for those who require special consideration. If you have infants or young children and are experiencing difficulties such as breastfeeding, your child becoming fussy, or crying at night, please do not hesitate to consult with the staff at the shelter.
Apps and services you should remember
● Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention App "Tsunagaru+ (Plus)"
The map displays the locations, facilities, and routes to evacuation shelters. In the event of a disaster, you can check the opening status and congestion levels of nearby evacuation shelters, as well as the level of danger in your current location.
● Let's create a personal timeline.
You can create a family disaster preparedness action plan, called "My Timeline," which outlines what actions to take and when during a disaster.
● Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center Official Account (Instagram)
We deliver the latest disaster prevention information and tips on preparing for earthquakes and floods. Our disaster prevention content focused on "protecting children" is highlighted.
● Fukuoka Prefecture Disaster Prevention App "Fukuoka Disaster Prevention Navi Mamoru-kun"
The app displays the opening status and congestion level of the nearest evacuation shelters on a map, and also allows you to check on the safety of registered family members.
●00000JAPAN (Five Zero Japan)
This is a public Wi-Fi service that is made available free of charge during disasters. It can be used immediately without authentication such as email address registration, and there are no time or usage restrictions.
Summary
Disaster preparedness isn't something extraordinary; it's an extension of our daily lives. Everyday greetings and conversations with those around us can lead to mutual support in times of need. Building relationships where people feel comfortable asking for help is also an important part of disaster preparedness that protects children.
Please take your family to participate in events that can give you an opportunity to think about disaster preparedness, such as local disaster drills and city disaster prevention fairs.
*The content of this article is current as of December 2026.
●Article supervised by: Community Disaster Prevention Division, Citizen Affairs Bureau