How prepared are people for a disaster in Japan?

Without sounding paranoid, living in Japan means getting used to the idea that a disaster could happen at almost any time. Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides, and extreme heat are all part of life here, so disaster preparedness is something most of us know we should take seriously. But how prepared are we, really?

A new survey ahead of Disaster Prevention Day on September 1st suggests there may be some significant gaps, particularly when it comes to something as basic as sleep.

Among 200 people surveyed across the country, drinking water and emergency food were the most commonly prepared disaster supplies at 21.7%, followed by flashlights and lanterns at 19.5%. Only 4.5% had prepared bedding such as blankets or sleeping bags, while just 2.1% had an air mattress.

That's particularly interesting given that sleeping conditions were a major concern about staying in an evacuation shelter. Respondents cited toilets, privacy, heat and cold, and noise among their biggest worries. Around 90% also recognized that prolonged sleep deprivation during an evacuation can create health risks.

Summer is another concern that the study covered. With Japan experiencing increasingly intense heat, nearly one in five respondents said they'd rely on a hand fan during a power outage, while others mentioned drinking water, finding somewhere cooler, or using wet towels.

As foreigners living in Japan, it's easy to focus on having the basics like water, food, batteries, and important documents at the ready. For me though, this survey was a good reminder that preparing for a disaster also means thinking about what happens after the initial emergency, including where you'll sleep and how you'll cope with the conditions.

If you had to sleep in an evacuation shelter tonight, what would you actually wish you had packed?