PROMOTION OF VOLUNTARY FLOOD DISASTER PREVENTION AIMING AT REDUCING THE FLOOD DAMAGES - DIRECTION IN THE PREVENTION INFORMATION FOR URBAN FLOOD-

Abstract

In this study, a survey was conducted in the cities of Moriguchi and Neyagawa in Osaka Prefecture, where flooding occurred during heavy rains in 1997, regarding levels of knowledge and concern about urban flooding, awareness of self-help procedures, and participation in disaster preparedness activities. The survey data led to the findings about the nature and importance of disaster preparedness information. We found that even in a flood-prone area, self-help awareness is low. Information about the local area is an influencing factor on awareness of self-help measures and participation in voluntary disaster preparedness activities. Therefore the government should actively encourage public awareness of the importance of self-help during an urban flood, and conduct public information campaigns on what area residents can do for themselves and on subsidy programs.