Izuumi Certified Kodomoen, located in Tago, Nishiizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits just 40 meters from Suruga Bay. Due to this proximity to the coast, the risk of tsunamis is ever-present, and the school has conducted monthly evacuation drills to a nearby shrine as a precaution.
However, disasters strike without warning. In particular, tsunamis can reach the shore within minutes after an earthquake, requiring extremely swift evacuation. Against this backdrop, the school decided to introduce a disaster shelter as a new evacuation measure.
High-Performance Shelter Made of Styrofoam
On March 27, 2025, the newly installed disaster shelter at Izuumi Certified Kodomoen was unveiled. This shelter is constructed from buoyant and flame-resistant styrofoam, coated with a highly durable protective agent. In the event of an emergency, children can evacuate into this shelter to ensure their safety.
Principal Mio Yamamoto commented, “By utilizing the disaster shelter, we hope to further strengthen our daily training so that children can live freely in an even safer environment.”
Raising Disaster Preparedness Awareness Throughout the Community
While Nishiizu Town is also considering consolidating nursery schools outside of tsunami inundation zones, disasters can occur at any time. Therefore, the town believes it is essential to be fully prepared for emergencies that could happen immediately.
Such initiatives not only raise disaster preparedness awareness throughout the community but also serve as a valuable model for other educational institutions and local governments.
Summary
The tsunami evacuation shelter introduced by Izuumi Certified Kodomoen, located just 40 meters from the coast, reaffirms the importance of immediate evacuation. This effort to protect the lives of children can serve as a reference for other regions and facilities. Since disasters can strike at any time, daily preparedness and rapid response are essential.
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