The Government of Japan has constantly reminded its citizen to always have an emergency bag ready with them at all time. The bag is at times referred to as ‘Tsunami bag’. The bag got its name from one of the worst ever Tsunami to ever hit Japan at the beginning of 2011 killing hundreds of people and leaving others un-accounted for. Many people are still living in temporary shelters as they wait for the Government to settle them or rebuild their destroyed homes.
Any re-occurrence of a Tsunami cannot be ruled out, and depending on what a lot of individuals went through before aid got to them; it is imperative and important to have a bag ready as per the Government requirements. The bag is known to carry a lot of emergency (essential) supplies. The first requirement is that the bag should if possible be fire-proof and large enough to carry supplies for at least 3 members of a family. There has to be a first-aid kit inside, a sleeping bag or blanket, drinking water containers, camping knifes, portable radio (to help keep informed of any happenings), sanitary products, foods (canned, dried, high energy), and gloves amongst others.
The emergency’s bag main importance is to help over the first few days after a catastrophe like what happened in Japan. Most of the times the destruction is massive and any available help usually takes long to come by. With items such as identification details, cash (coins or phone cards), ropes, torch and an extra pair of batteries, survival becomes easy as help is awaited. The emergency bag is not restricted to the homes only, car owners are advised to carry one in their bags and even those working in offices need to have with them at all times, spare clothing, a pair of comfortable shoes and high energy foods in case disaster strikes.
The list can include a lot of items as per individual’s requirements and their ability but the basics are a must have for each citizen. Apart from the kits each, family is required to inform all the occupants of the house where the emergency kit is kept and if possible agree on what steps to take incase of such eventualities. The disaster preparation kit is a must have for every home.
