Flood Risk Communication from the Viewpoint of Disaster Prevention Awareness in an Urban Area of Tokyo, Kita Ward

Abstract

Two types of flood risk communication – paper hazard maps and evacuation signage – were examined using a questionnaire survey, field survey, and map interpretation of the downstream Arakawa River area in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Respondents’ awareness of the flood dangers in the study area is high 76.5%of respondents but 33.1% of respondents accessed revised papermaps orWeb-basedmaps. The new measure, evacuation signage, showing predicted flood depth and the locations of designated evacuation shelters, was known only to 31.9% of respondents. This study showed that the recognition of evacuation signage is as low as that of revised flood hazardmaps. Although signage is beneficial, it is difficult to notice due to overlapping advertising signs. In addition, there are many unsuitable evacuation routes on paper maps. The distance between evacuation signage and evacuation shelters was more than 1.5 km for 69.4% of all evacuation routes. The administrative office should reconsider installation locations and the content of signage.