Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify disaster preparedness among mothers raising their preschool children and related factors in disaster areas. The study subjects were mothers whose children attended one of three institutions (certified public nursery schools and child institution) in one city. They were asked about the presence or absence of preparedness for disaster prevention and mitigation at home as well as their details, knowledge, and ideas regarding such preparedness, and disaster-induced influences. The study period was between January and February 2013. As a result, more than 90% of the subjects were prepared for disasters: they commonly stocked flashlights, candles, drinking water, spare batteries, and emergency food. On the other hand, fewer mothers discussed with decided how to contact their family members and institutions (nursery school or kindergarten) in the case of an emergency, and told their children an emergency phone number. Concerning the details of preparedness, mothers who were more prepared for disasters thought they should be prepared compared to other subjects. The results of this study suggest the necessity of promoting and maintaining people's preparedness, such as how to contact others.
