Analysis of disaster preparedness and risk classification in Japanese childcare centres

This study aims to clarify the disaster preparedness of childcare centres and determine the kinds of support they require. Few studies have examined disaster preparedness in childcare centres, and those that do mainly focus on location and building structures. Accordingly, this study not only investigates disaster preparedness measures at childcare centres but also identifies the support required for each facility. The study employed a questionnaire survey and interviews conducted at childcare facilities. The results revealed that the facilities could be divided into four groups based on six disaster preparedness criteria: the seismic status of the facility, location within the anticipated disaster area, anticipated high-risk disasters, stockpiling of disaster supplies, cooperation among facilities in the event of a disaster, and the facility’s ability to support the community during a disaster. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 comprise facilities in need of seismic improvements, safe facilities, facilities requiring assistance, and facilities with enhanced disaster preparedness, respectively. To strengthen childcare facilities against disasters, public support is necessary in terms of both hardware and software, including financial assistance for the purchase of disaster supplies, reinforcement of buildings, development of building plans, and other related support.