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Increasing Awareness of Disaster Preparedness

In light of ongoing disasters, awareness of disaster preparedness has surged, as reflected in a recent survey conducted by Plus Corporation, targeting 516 business executives and officials involved in disaster risk management. The survey, conducted between March 6 and April 1, 2025, revealed that approximately 90% of businesses, and about 80% of local authorities and care facilities, recognize a heightened awareness of disaster and BCP (Business Continuity Plan) strategies.

Heightened Awareness Across Sectors

When prompted about their perception of disaster preparedness within their organizations, 85.6% of corporate respondents, 78.7% of local government employees, and 77.5% of personnel working in care facilities answered that their awareness was on the rise. Key reasons for this rise in consciousness varied by sector: among businesses, it was largely attributed to the necessity of preparing for new infectious disease risks post-COVID-19 (reported by 55.4%); local authorities cited frequent disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons (67.2%); and care facilities highlighted mandates from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare calling for BCP formulation (58.6%).

Current Practices in Preparedness Measures

The survey further revealed that procurement of disaster supplies remains a top priority across all sectors. Notably, the highest reported items in stock included emergency food and potable water. For example, among businesses, 84.4% reported stockpiling emergency food, while 73.4% had saved potable water. However, challenges in storage proved prevalent, with 50.6% of businesses and 65.6% of care facilities indicating they were only maintaining basic inventory due to insufficient storage space.

Tools for Effective Management

Recognizing the need for better management tools, a significant portion of respondents expressed interest in disaster supply management systems. Across the board, 84.1% of businesses and 77.4% of care facilities were keen to implement tools that assist in the procurement, maintenance, and management of disaster supplies. Additionally, about 76.6% of businesses, 57.4% of local authorities, and 66.1% of care facilities would like to consult experts for assistance in purchasing and managing supplies.

Challenges Faced by Organizations

Although awareness and interest in preparedness tools have increased, there remain considerable challenges. A lack of storage space and insufficient funds are consistently cited barriers. Moreover, organizations often lack the knowledge to select the appropriate supplies or understand how much to purchase. Management of existing supplies is also cumbersome, with many respondents relying on basic tracking methods, such as Excel spreadsheets.

In many cases, outdated supplies are dealt with by distributing them among employees or residents during disaster drills, yet there remains a gap in systematic disposal methods. This situation underscores the urgency of establishing efficient systems for inventory management and timely updates about supply expiration to enhance overall preparedness.

A Call for Continued Support

The findings of this survey underline a critical transition as more organizations acknowledge the importance of disaster preparedness following recent global events. The ongoing need for support in enhancing their measures is evident, as organizations continue to grapple with management challenges. Moving forward, comprehensive solutions, including thorough inventory management tools and expert assistance, are essential for strengthening the disaster resilience of both businesses and public entities.

In conclusion, as disasters become increasingly common, fostering a culture of preparedness that encompasses proactive measures and ongoing education will be vital in ensuring safety across sectors. Plus Corporation remains committed to supporting organizations in navigating their disaster preparedness journey, striving towards a society where safety is a shared priority.

Overview of Plus Corporation

Plus Corporation, founded in 1948, specializes in office furniture and supplies, venturing into disaster preparedness solutions that play a crucial role in mitigating risk in workplaces and communities alike. For more information on their offerings, please visit their website.