I’ve seen and participated in a few disaster and evacuation drills over the years but mostly since coming here. Some are done on a wider scale involving actual agencies that would need to be involved in a real emergency. Others have included those officials showing residents how to use things like fire extinguishers, how to inform others of the disaster or emergency situation, and so on. The best one, well if I can say that about a disaster drill, was one in a nearby city where there was a huge drill. It included helicopters dousing ‘fires’, fire trucks on display, health officials giving talks, a translation workshop for foreigners, displays of equipment and survival tool and advice. Another good one involved the military and fire fighters displaying their disaster readiness for the mayor’s inspection.

Recently, I participated in a small scale evacuation exercise. Here are some of my thoughts. Well, this might not be a thought but I was wondering what would happen if an actual disaster occurred during the disaster drill. Keep in mind that I don’t speak the language here well enough so some things obviously would miss me and some things would not be shared with me. That being said, half of the people in my building would likely have needed emergency medical support. First, the alarm went off, then there was an announcement about there being a disaster situation in the building and to wait calmly (I think they said calmly) for further information. About a minute later, we got the information to evacuate and this was done with everyone in two lines!!

As I walked behind my group, I knocked on some of the walls and sure enough, a lot of the times, it was not concrete that I was touching. I didn’t see any of the staff going towards the disaster area for any checks or to try minimize possible damage, but since there is a language issue and I don’t know what arrangements they had in place I’ll hold my thoughts on that. Outside of that, it was cold!! Maybe about a quarter of everyone had on an actual winter jacket. The rest of us would have had issues with the cold – and we were in the assembly hall, not outside in the cold and drizzle. We would also have lost everything since we left it all behind while we ‘escaped’.

The person beside me was cold but keeping it together while the various persons commented on the good job everyone had done in following directions and sharing information on actual past disasters and the importance of being alert. I was dressed more warmly than her but I was cold and my ears were freezing. But as I listened to one speaker I thought about a disaster about eight years ago that happened in March that year. It was still snowing then. Not only did the people endure an earthquake, but they also experienced a tsunami and had to flee the threat of radiation. Many have never been able to go back to their homes. Some lost their loved ones, moved to different places, or are still living in what was meant as temporary housing. Thankfully, some have moved back home.

Though I was not there and may never hear the stories firsthand, I can imagine. There have been numerous other disasters around and many lives have been lost or affected as a result. The worse disaster I’ve been in was a hurricane. With global warming I believe there will be many other disasters but these drills are meant to prepare me. If I can avoid a disaster then sure but if not, at least I’m a bit prepared, even if I keep neglecting to make an emergency kit.