Action Research to Promote the Indoor Safety Measures at the Time of the Earthquake

－A Collaboration Case Study with Commissioned Welfare Volunteers in Ryugadai, Suma-Ward, Kobe City－

Abstract

Because the furniture fixation as an indoor safety measure at the time of the earthquake has not been widely spread, this study investigated measures to promote furniture fixation. Four elderly citizens' homes were visited, each elderly was interviewed, indoor safety analyses were conducted, room safety measures were suggested, furniture fixations were implemented, and follow-up evaluations were conducted. From these four case studies, societal issues that prevented furniture fixation were explored. This study demonstrated procedures to decide which furniture to fixate and practical techniques to conduct furniture fixation in order to improve indoor safety. Finally policy directions for furniture fixation promotion were suggested.