Amid concerns about infection with the new coronavirus, cars can be considered as one of the evacuation destinations in case of unavoidable circumstances from the viewpoint of infection prevention in the event of a disaster.
In Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, the first training was held assuming "van-dwelling" evacuees.
Approximately 40 city officials who support the operation of the evacuation center participated in the training held in Toyota City, and van-dwelling evacuees from the city's disaster prevention measures section and Toyota Motor Corporation visited the evacuation center. I learned how to deal with the situation and what to look out for when staying in the car.
In the reception training, participants broke up with the evacuees and the reception side, and confirmed where the person staying in the car stopped the car.
It is important to prevent "economy class syndrome" when staying in the car. In addition to exercising your feet and taking water, depending on the type of car, the seat in front of you may be knocked down and the space under your feet may be a cardboard box. I learned to fill it with cardboard, stretch my legs and sleep.
A staff member who participated said, "I am glad that I was able to learn practical things such as the danger of life and countermeasures when I have economy class syndrome."
Takahiro Umekawa of the Toyota City Disaster Prevention Countermeasures Division said, "Some residents do not know how to escape by car and stay in the car as it is, so I would like to raise awareness through every opportunity."