Evacuation simulation: How to prevent injuries and hypothermia during disasters

Every year on September 1, Disaster Prevention Day is observed in Japan. Workman, known for its products that blend functionality and fashion, offers a wide range of excellent disaster preparedness items. This report covers the 2023 Autumn-Winter New Product Presentation held on August 30, 2023. We will introduce the evacuation simulation experience and recommended disaster preparedness products from Workman that we had the opportunity to explore during the event.

Hazard Zone Escape Simulation in collaboration with Japan Red Cross College of Nursing’s Disaster Relief Research Institute

The 2023 Workman Autumn-Winter New Product Presentation titled “Share! Share! Share!” showcased recommended products for this autumn and winter. There was also an experiential booth titled “Hazard Zone Escape Simulation” at this event. This booth was organized in anticipation of Disaster Prevention Day.

Researchers from the Japan Red Cross College of Nursing’s Disaster Relief Research Institute also participated and recreated unexpected outdoor environments that occur during disasters. We had the opportunity to actually experience how Workman products can be helpful during evacuations.

A specially designed set simulating actual disaster conditions was constructed. Participants experienced a simulation that involved navigating through collapsed buildings, progressing safely through a storm and reaching an evacuation center. They wore Workman products such as safety boots and jackets while carrying a 5kg disaster preparedness bag, allowing them to personally feel the safety and reliability of these items.

Surprising safety of puncture-resistant insoles

When you actually walk inside the set, you keenly realize how challenging it is to walk on unstable terrain!

In situations where even walking is a challenge, the top priority is your survival. While disaster preparedness backpacks are typically said to weigh 10kg to 15kg, even a 5kg backpack felt quite heavy, and walking steadily was very difficult. Considering that conserving energy can be a matter of life and death during evacuations, I keenly felt the importance of keeping the contents of the disaster preparedness backpack to a minimum for lightweights.

Furthermore, walking on a road submerged in water up to the knees during a heavy rainstorm left my body completely soaked. Thanks to the excellent water-repellent feature of Workman products, I didn’t experience water seeping into my body, but it became evident that without a water-repellent jacket, the rain and wind could easily steal away body heat, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

I walked wearing safety boots, and the front of my feet was protected by a toe cap. This ensures that my feet are protected even if objects fall or sharp items come into contact with them.

Additionally, by inserting puncture-resistant insoles, you can confidently walk on sharp objects or debris. These insoles provide thorough protection to the soles of your feet, creating a double safety condition in combination with the toe caps. Even when walking on hazardous paths, I didn’t experience any discomfort in the soles of my feet.

These puncture-resistant insoles are astonishingly effective; they have metal plates inside, so even when I placed them on nails and hammered them with a hammer, no holes were formed! Since these insoles are sold separately, you can easily transform any pair of shoes into safety footwear. This is a must-have item to keep in your disaster preparedness kit.

Carbon monoxide tester and lantern light for peace of mind

In addition, among the Workman products that you should consider including in your disaster preparedness backpack are the “Joint Backpack Final Edition,” “Contec Aqua Headlight PRO,” “INAREM Rain Pants,” “Styrofoam-lined Helmet” and “Compact Hammer,” to name a few.

Furthermore, it’s advisable to have warm room shoes, socks, gloves, lanterns and other items prepared in anticipation of shelter life.

At the 2023 Autumn-Winter New Product Presentation, there was also a wide range of camping gear products available. What caught the author’s attention was this “Carbon Monoxide Tester.” It features a high-quality Japanese-made sensor and functions as an alarm that notifies you of carbon monoxide levels through light and sound. It can be used not only during camping when using fire but also as a home-use disaster alarm.

There is also a wide selection of lights that can be used for both camping and disaster preparedness. The “Variable 3-Way Lantern Light” is a versatile light that can be used as a tabletop lamp, reading light and flashlight. Its practicality in daily use, as well as its usefulness during camping and in times of disaster, make it a must-have light.

Disaster preparedness items are something you should have just in case. While Workman products are not specifically designed for disaster preparedness, their functionality, endorsed by professionals in various fields like craftsmen and campers, undoubtedly proves valuable in times of disaster. To enhance your disaster preparedness awareness, why not take a closer look at Workman products?

Originally published on Life Hugger.