Crossroad Game: Middle School Students Experience Disaster Preparedness

Engaging Middle School Students in Disaster Preparedness

A recent educational program on disaster preparedness was held for 135 first-year students from Tachikawa Fourth Junior High School, located in Tachikawa City, Tokyo. Organized in collaboration with the Tokyo Fire Department, this initiative utilized the interactive Crossroad Game as a central teaching tool to instill awareness about emergencies. The objective was to encourage students to view disasters as a personal concern and understand the importance of preparedness.

Hands-On Experience at Tachikawa Disaster Prevention Center

The event commenced at the Tachikawa Disaster Prevention Center, where students were divided into groups for a series of practical experiences. They participated in five different disaster simulations, including:

- Earthquake simulations
- Smoke exposure drills
- Fire extinguishing training
- Rescue operations
- VR disaster experience

These hands-on activities proved impactful, with many students expressing their feelings. Comments included, "I felt scared thinking about how terrifying these situations are" and "The experience made me realize the severity of disasters," demonstrating initial engagement with the topic.

The Crossroad Game: Decision-Making Under Pressure

Following the simulations, students participated in the Crossroad Game—a unique instructional method based on experiences from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. This interactive game prompts students to confront various disaster scenarios, making choices between 'YES' or 'NO' and discussing their reasoning within their groups.

Students, working in groups of five to six, deliberated on responses to questions like, "How would you act if you found yourself in this situation?" The discussions fostered opportunities for students to share their thoughts and learn from one another about adaptive behaviors during an emergency.

Insights from Instructors

This marked the third session of the disaster preparedness course, hosted at the renovated Tachikawa Disaster Prevention Center. Feedback from the students was varied—they acknowledged feelings of fear and intrigue alike. Many expressed how the activities were educational yet fun.

The game prompted deep reflection among students who previously hadn't considered disaster scenarios. The chance to actively engage during the Crossroad Game helped them internalize emergency situations. Particularly because the groups consisted of classmates, discussions flowed smoothly, emphasizing previous relationships. Furthermore, as schools can serve as emergency shelters, students were urged to consider their roles and responsibilities during such crises.

Each class presented their conclusions, with ideas such as:

- Assisting adults
- Offering support to individuals in need
- Engaging with younger children
- Providing companionship to the elderly
- Helping distribute food supplies
- Assisting with clean-up efforts

Discussions also highlighted considerations for people requiring special assistance during evacuations, leading to reflections on how they, as students, could be of service. They received insights on essential items for emergency preparedness kits and were encouraged to evaluate home supplies based on their family's specific needs.

Through this learning experience, students recognized the significance of life-saving actions and the complexities of decision-making during emergencies. They grasped the importance of understanding diverse perspectives through discussions about challenging topics.

Expanding Disaster Education

Disasters can happen unexpectedly, affecting anyone at any time. The goal of making disaster preparedness a personal issue cannot be overstated. By being proactive and familiar with the potential risks surrounding their homes and schools, students can enhance their capabilities to avoid danger and respond effectively.

This program aims to raise public awareness around disaster preparedness, serving as an invitation for more discussions about safety in schools and homes.

For inquiries about disaster education programs or training opportunities, Kizunakai welcomes dialogue from schools, local organizations, and businesses. Programs such as the Crossroad Game, shelter management (HUG), and various workshops are available tailored to your specific needs.

For more information, please contact Kizunakai:

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 080-5188-5855
- Website: https://www.honbu.hanyuukai.biz/

(*Please refrain from contacting us for sales or solicitation purposes.)