Interactive Disaster Preparedness Through the Crossroad Game for Middle School Students

Enhancing Disaster Readiness with the Crossroad Game

In a significant initiative aimed at improving disaster preparedness among adolescents, the Kizunayukai Association collaborated with the Tokyo Fire Department to implement an engaging program that combines education with practical experiences through the Crossroad Game. This hands-on learning approach focuses on the critical decision points individuals may face during emergencies, allowing students to express their thoughts and learn from diverse perspectives in a participatory setting.

Program Overview

The program targeted approximately 147 second-year middle school students in the Toshima district of Tokyo. Utilizing the Crossroad Game, students engaged in disaster-themed discussions that highlighted scenarios with no single correct answer. The structure of the program was divided into two groups, executing their experience in different sequences to evaluate learning outcomes:
- Group 1: Attended the lecture first, followed by hands-on experience at the Disaster Prevention Center.
- Group 2: Gained hands-on experience at the center before participating in the lecture.

The Disaster Prevention Center, known as the Tokyo Citizens Disaster Education Center, aims to equip the public with knowledge and skills necessary for safe living. Participants get to experience simulations of seismic tremors, learn fire response techniques, and understand evacuation procedures from smoke during fires. The success of such experiences has made them invaluable, not only for school educational purposes but also for community training and corporate employee onboarding.

Engaging Learning Experience

Throughout the program, students encountered various disaster scenarios through activities like smoke experience and earthquake simulations, complemented by the Crossroad Game application. The sessions provided a fertile ground for interactive learning, promoting self-expression and group discussions among students about the dilemmas faced in disaster situations.

Instructor Insights

According to Hitomi Tahara, the lead instructor and disaster response specialist, students who first engaged in the practical experience before attending the lecture developed a better grasp of disaster-related concepts. Their insights during group presentations were profound, demonstrating a remarkable understanding despite being new to the Crossroad Game. The instructor emphasized the importance of discussing the session experiences with families to foster disaster preparedness at home, which can include strategies like securing furniture, creating evacuation plans, and stockpiling essential supplies.

Instructor Background

Hitomi Tahara has extensive expertise in disaster education and is a certified disaster response expert and nurse. A member of esteemed organizations like the Japan Disaster Prevention Association, she also serves as a local disaster advisor and an instructor for various emergency care programs. Tahara is committed to raising awareness and proficiency in disaster management through collaborative efforts with local authorities and educational institutions.

The Significance of Disaster Education

Disasters can strike unpredictably, making it imperative for individuals to view these events through a personal lens. Understanding local risks and preparing accordingly fosters quicker evacuations and safer actions in times of crisis. Programs like this are essential to cultivating a culture of safety, encouraging discussions about disaster readiness at school and home.

Training and Consultation Services

The Kizunayukai Association is open to consultations for disaster education programs targeting schools, community organizations, and corporates. They offer tailor-made programs, including the Crossroad Game, Shelter Management, and various disaster workshops suited to specific needs. Organizations interested in implementing disaster education or staff training are encouraged to reach out.

For inquiries on training services: