Disaster preparedness refers to the measures and planning activities taken to prepare for potential disasters, ensuring individuals, communities, and organizations can effectively respond and recover from emergencies. This includes the development of emergency plans, training, risk assessments, resource allocation, and public education aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters, such as natural calamities (like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), industrial accidents, and public health emergencies. The goal of disaster preparedness is to enhance resilience by anticipating hazards, enabling timely and efficient responses, and ensuring that systems are in place for communication, evacuation, shelter, and resource management during crisis situations. It often involves collaboration among government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to create comprehensive strategies that safeguard lives and property.
The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake was a pivotal moment in Japan that catalyzed improvements in disaster preparedness and resilience. The 1998 Disaster Relief Act marked a significant policy shift, focusing on housing…