ASOURCE Navi

Since March of this year, earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 4 or higher have occurred one after another across the country. As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, it is necessary to prepare for disasters such as earthquakes. So, I summarized the evacuation and preparation at the time of disaster in the corona vortex.

Evacuation is to protect yourself from disasters, but if you go to a shelter, you may be worried about being infected with the new coronavirus. Therefore, it is important to evacuate to a safe place other than a shelter, which is called "decentralized evacuation". If you have relatives or acquaintances who live in a safe place, take shelter there. It is important to talk regularly with your relatives and acquaintances about evacuation in the event of a disaster, and to confirm whether they will cooperate with you as an evacuation site. In addition, the risk of infection can be reduced by dispersing local people to various evacuation destinations, such as hotels and staying in cars. You can also choose to stay at home even after a disaster strikes. If the hazard map shows that the danger level is low and your home is safe, there is no need to force yourself to evacuate.

However, if you are concerned about the surrounding environment, do not hesitate to move to an evacuation center. If dangers such as floods or earthquakes are imminent, it is important to go to the designated emergency shelter in your area as soon as possible.

It is known that long-term group living in a crowded environment such as an evacuation center increases the risk of spreading infections such as new corona, influenza, and infectious gastroenteritis caused by norovirus. In fact, after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, patients with influenza and norovirus were recognized one after another.

In addition to food, drinking water, and clothing, items to bring to the shelter are masks, thermometers, and alcohol disinfectants to prevent infection. Masks are an important item to avoid droplets of new corona infected people. A thermometer is useful for determining suspicion of infection and changes in physical condition by continuously measuring body temperature. Use alcohol disinfectant to disinfect your hands before and after touching common parts of the shelter, such as doorknobs, handrails, and light switches. It is important to be aware that you may be a carrier of the virus. Disinfection is essential after using the toilet and before eating. In the event of a disaster, water may be cut off, and hand washing may not always be possible. Evacuation centers may have stockpiles, but you should be prepared assuming that they are not. It is a good idea to have these things ready after a disaster strikes so that you don't have to evacuate late.

As for how to spend your time at the shelter, it is important to avoid closed spaces, crowds, and close contact. (1) Keep ventilation in mind, (2) Keep a distance of at least 2 meters from others, and (3) Avoid close-up conversations. If it is not possible to keep a distance from other people, partitions with cardboard or partitions are effective. I would like to try to gargle and brush my teeth as much as possible, prevent colds, and maintain good oral hygiene. I want to be conscious of rest and sleep in order not to lower my body's resistance. There is a risk that the infection will spread through footwear that has been contaminated in the toilet, so it is desirable to strictly ban shoes in residential areas. Masks are effective in preventing droplets from spreading to people around you when you cough or sneeze. Good.

It is important to confirm in advance what to do when evacuating so that you do not panic when a disaster strikes.

<Precautions for preventing infectious diseases>

■ Toilet
Wipe the toilet seat before and after use.
■ Hand washing
Wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating.
If water does not come out, take a generous amount of alcohol disinfectant and wipe it off with paper towels.
■ food
Eat food that comes in a bag directly instead of tearing it apart with your hands.
When making rice balls, use disposable gloves or wrap them in plastic wrap.