Problems and solutions from the administrative perspective, volume 2 (Experiences of allergic diseases in disasters)

Abstract

Background: Patients with allergic diseases are regarded as "persons requiring special care and consideration" in disaster, and require appropriate environment, food, and other factors. Existing materials on dealing with allergic diseases in disaster are not made for municipalities that operate evacuation centers. In order to prepare for disasters in the future, it would be useful to understand the problems municipalities faced with allergic diseases in past disasters. In this study, we surveyed municipalities that had undergone disasters about their experiences in dealing with allergic diseases. Method: A written questionnaire was sent to municipalities to which the Disaster Relief Act was applied from 2015 to 2020. Results: We analyzed 323 municipalities. Seventy-seven percent of the disasters were floods and 21% were earthquakes, and 88% of all municipalities set up shelters. Thirty-eight percent of the municipalities took measures for food allergy when providing food and meals at the shelters. Although only 1-3% of the municipalities responded that they had problems in dealing with allergic diseases, we were able to learn about specific requests and problems through free descriptions. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is expected that a support system will be established to provide information to municipalities in preparation for large-scale disasters in the future.