Japanese Red Cross Society Develops New Disaster Seminar Curriculum: 'Evacuation Switch for Heavy Rain and Typhoons'

The Japanese Red Cross Society (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Atsushi Seike; hereinafter 'JRCS') has developed a new curriculum titled 'Evacuation Switch for Heavy Rain and Typhoons' for its Red Cross Disaster Prevention Seminar. The curriculum will be rolled out progressively through branches nationwide starting in April 2026.

In recent years, flood and landslide disasters have been occurring across the country, making every region vulnerable. However, a 2021 consciousness survey conducted by the JRCS revealed that approximately 80% of disaster survivors who were aware of evacuation advisories or instructions did not actually evacuate, highlighting a major gap between receiving information and taking action.

Despite improvements in hazard maps and evacuation information, evacuation is still often not executed. This new curriculum focuses on the 'knowing but unable to act' scenario, aiming to reduce hesitation and procrastination.

The core of this curriculum is the 'Evacuation Switch.' For heavy rain and typhoons, there is a 'lead time' during which preparations can be made based on weather information before risks escalate. This curriculum aims to help participants understand the importance of daily preparation, reduce hesitation, and enable them to flip their 'evacuation switch' to begin evacuation preparations early, thereby protecting their lives. It also aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and local government disaster prevention efforts.

Overview of 'Evacuation Switch for Heavy Rain and Typhoons': - Name: Evacuation Switch for Heavy Rain and Typhoons - Duration: Standard 60 minutes - Instructor: Disaster Education Project Leaders (staff, Red Cross volunteers, etc.) - Implementation: Lecturers are dispatched upon request from neighborhood associations, etc. - Launch: Progressive rollout nationwide from April 2026

Curriculum Contents: 1. Confirmation of regional risks 2. Visualization of evacuation actions 3. Awareness of the psychological workings that cause hesitation in evacuation These form the pillars of the curriculum, which involves identifying risks at home and in the community, considering evacuation sites, and defining the 'evacuation switch'.