How to protect children at preschool facilities after a major tsunami warning
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It is difficult for small children to judge for themselves the level of danger in an emergency and the need for evacuation.
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However, Kyoko Tsukigase, an associate professor at Kokushikan University who specializes in emergency response, said, “If children repeatedly experience evacuation drills from around the age of 3, they will be able to take such steps as protecting their heads when an earthquake occurs.”
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Under the Child Welfare Law, childcare facilities are required to conduct evacuation and fire drills at least once a month. However, the Fire Service Law and other regulations oblige kindergartens to conduct such drills at least twice a year. The required frequency of drills differs among facilities for small children.
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Many preschool facilities conduct disaster drills involving parents picking up their children. Parents are encouraged to monitor disaster preparedness and evacuation procedures at their children’s facilities and call for improvements if any inadequacies or questionable matters are found.
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