A Training Program to Enhance Disaster Preparedness of Group Companies in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.

Sudo Sudo,Beppu Beppu,Hakamata Hakamata,Mashiro Mashiro

doi:10.3390/ijerph16234871

Abstract

Many business continuity (BC) plans do not mention food and water for BC personnel. Moreover, the BC relies on the assumption that, during an emergency or crisis, employees’ basic needs and personal hygiene are satisfied. Although no one can engage in BC without these supplies, literature regarding companies’ disaster stocks for their employees is limited. We evaluated the current situation of companies’ stockpiles of food and other supplies and what their employees thought about them after participating in a newly-developed overnight training program that allows the participants to experience situations that they would encounter in a disaster. Thirty-three employees from eight companies in Tokyo participated in the program. Seventy-five percent of the participants’ companies had food stocks for three days as instructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government but, after eating four stock meals, 81.3% of the participants thought it would be better if this provision were improved. The stock rate for bedding was 62.5% but less than 30% of companies stocked both blankets and mats, as suggested by the Sphere Standards. There were several people who complained of sleeplessness and a poor physical condition the next morning and this could be an obstacle in the BC.

Highlights

Companies must continue to do business, even in disasters
Studies have shown that publicly traded companies without a business continuity plan (BCP) or with an inadequate plan reduce their market viability [1]
The amount of food stockpiled for each person was nine meals for the first quartile, median and mode values, while the third quartile and the maximum value were both 21 meals

Summary

Introduction

Companies must continue to do business, even in disasters. Studies have shown that publicly traded companies without a business continuity plan (BCP) or with an inadequate plan reduce their market viability [1]. Business continuity (BC) is important for company profits and in terms of corporate social responsibility. It is the BC of each company that supports rescue and assistance by local and central governments through providing products and services. Companies must ensure BC in order to provide relief supplies and essential services such as transportation, mass communication, security, construction, retail, and facility management to support the lives of those affected by the disaster [2]

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Conclusion