Actual conditions and challenges of disaster preparedness faced by companies in Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Abstract

Chiyoda City in Tokyo plays a central role in Japanese politics and the economy, with a daytime population of 820,000 and a nighttime population of 50,000. Consequently, companies are required to take measures to ensure the safety of evacuees and employees and to have a minimum knowledge of health care. These requirements necessitate an examination of the contents of intervention and support from the perspective of nursing, as a form of disaster preparedness cooperation among industry, government, and local communities. This study aimed to clarify the actual conditions of disaster preparedness and challenges regarding disaster countermeasures faced by companies in Chiyoda City and to examine the types of support required for facilitating disaster preparedness from the perspective of nursing. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the six persons in charge of disaster management at companies in Chiyoda City. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used for clarifying the companies' actual disaster preparedness practices and challenges. The participants acknowledged that specific disaster preparedness efforts at each company were carried out based on past experience with accidents and disasters and that their interests and efforts were promoted by associated organizations and not by the company itself. There was a difference in the level of awareness between participants and other employees, which placed a burden on the participants. In addition, numerous problems existed regarding regional cooperation. The results suggest that nurses could play a vital role in education regarding disaster preparedness and in improving awareness of care strategies for disaster victims. This study also indicated the importance of providing psychological support to persons in charge of disaster countermeasures, of confirming the safety of employees' families, and cooperating with regional organizations.