{"content_id":"qrsuq0xfu6","slug":"japan-emergency-bag-vs-home-stockpile","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"comparison","category_name":"Comparison","title":"Comparing Emergency Go-Bags and Home Stockpiles in Japan: How to Calculate Water, Food, and Toilet Needs","summary":"Disaster preparedness in Japan requires separating a go-bag for immediate evacuation from supplies stockpiled to shelter at home. This explains how to combine both types of supplies based on water weight, household size, evacuation method, and the needs of infants, older adults, and those taking medication.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["If immediate evacuation is likely, check the go-bag's portability and accessibility of essential items before assessing the size of your home stockpile.","If your home is safe enough to shelter in place, calculate supplies based on the amount of water recommended by your local municipality and at least a three-day supply of food, or preferably a one-week supply.","Calculate emergency toilets by multiplying the number of household members by the expected number of uses per day and the number of days covered; they may run out before food does.","Ready-made emergency kits allow for quick preparation, but medication, allergy-safe foods, and supplies for infants and older adults must be added separately.","Shelter stockpiles vary by facility, and individual allocations are not guaranteed, so check your local municipality's facility-specific inventories and operating plans directly."],"content_markdown":"The most common mistake when preparing for disasters in Japan is either putting all water and food into an emergency backpack or, conversely, stockpiling everything only at home. A disaster preparedness backpack contains **emergency items for immediate evacuation**, while home supplies are **resources for enduring water outages, power outages, and supply disruptions when the home is safe**.\n\nThe two types of preparation do not replace each other. For most households, the best approach is to have both a lightweight backpack for each person and sufficient supplies at home.\n\n## Differences Between a Disaster Preparedness Backpack and Home Supplies\n\n| Comparison criterion | Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack | Home supplies | Distributed combination |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Primary purpose | Leave a hazardous area and travel to a shelter or safe location | Cope with water outages, power outages, and supply disruptions when the home is safe | Evacuate with backpacks while maintaining long-term supplies at home |\n| Storage location | Somewhere immediately accessible, such as near the entrance or bedroom | Distributed among several locations, such as the kitchen and storage cabinets | Divided between individual backpacks and home storage spaces |\n| Water | An amount that can realistically be carried, plus containers for refilling | Calculated based on about 3 liters per person per day | Water for travel in backpacks and the calculated supply at home |\n| Food | A small amount that can be eaten immediately without cooking | At least 3 days’ worth, and preferably 1 week’s worth | Separate portable food from stored foods eaten regularly |\n| Portable toilets | A small number of portable products | Enough for the entire household to use for several days | Distributed between backpacks and the home |\n| Weight | Extremely important; the backpack must be worn and tested while walking | Storage space and replacement management matter more than transport weight | Keep heavy water at home and have each person carry essential personal items |\n| Cost structure | Quantities are small, but lightweight, portable products may have high unit prices | The total purchase cost may be high if everything is prepared at once, but everyday foods can be rotated | Requires more initial work but reduces waste and the risk of losing one particular bag |\n| Items likely to be insufficient | Enough water, meals for several days, and large quantities of hygiene products | Identification, communications, lighting, and medications needed for immediate evacuation | Items may be missed without regular management of locations and expiration dates |\n| Suitable situations | Places requiring rapid evacuation due to floods, tsunamis, landslides, and similar hazards | Earthquake-resistant homes where sheltering at home is possible | Most households where the need to evacuate depends on the type of disaster |\n\nThe key is not to pack several days’ worth of everything into a backpack, but to **keep the items essential during evacuation within a weight that can actually be carried**. Putting the water and food that should remain at home into the backpack can slow evacuation and increase the risk of falling.\n\n## Calculating Quantities of Water, Food, and Portable Toilets\n\n### Water for Home Use\n\nPublic disaster preparedness guidance in Japan generally calculates household water as follows.\n\n**Number of household members × about 3 liters per day × number of stockpiled days**\n\nThis is mainly the amount needed for drinking and simple cooking. Water needed for washing, cleaning, pets, cleaning medical equipment, and other daily uses must be considered separately.\n\n| Household size | 3 days | 7 days |\n|---|---:|---:|\n| 1 person | About 9 liters | About 21 liters |\n| 2 people | About 18 liters | About 42 liters |\n| 4 people | About 36 liters | About 84 liters |\n\nBecause stored water is heavy, calculate the amount after checking the official recommendation from your local municipality; carrying several days’ worth of drinking water in a backpack is not realistic. Putting this amount into a backpack is not realistic. Dividing water among several containers rather than relying on one large container makes storage, transport, and the risk of container damage easier to manage.\n\n### Water in a Disaster Preparedness Backpack\n\nThere is no single nationwide correct amount of water to put in a backpack. It varies according to travel distance, weather, physical strength, shelter location, and whether infants will be accompanying you.\n\nUse the following principles to decide.\n\n- Put on the fully packed backpack and walk up and down stairs and along the actual evacuation route.\n- You should be able to use both hands freely with the water packed.\n- Divide the water among family members who can walk, taking differences in physical strength into account.\n- Include a collapsible water container or empty container for refilling, but it does not need to be filled from the start.\n- Water purification products differ in their ability to remove different types of contaminants, so do not assume they can replace a safe water source.\n\n### Food\n\nThe basic quantity of home food supplies can be calculated as **number of household members × number of meals per day × number of stockpiled days**. However, do not focus only on the number of meals; include foods that can be eaten without water or a heat source.\n\n- Ready-to-eat foods: canned foods, nutrition bars, instant porridge, etc.\n- Foods requiring water or a heat source: dried noodles, packaged instant rice, freeze-dried foods, etc.\n- Foods regularly eaten and replenished: rice, noodles, retort-pouch foods, and side dishes with a long shelf life\n- Foods for individual needs: allergy-friendly foods, low-sodium foods, easy-to-chew foods, and food for infants and young children\n\nIf you include canned food, check whether it can be opened by hand and store a can opener and utensils with it if necessary. Rather than buying emergency food and storing it separately, a rolling-stock system—using stored foods that you normally eat first and replenishing them with new products—is more effective for managing expiration dates.\n\n### Portable Toilets\n\nWhen damage to sewer pipes is suspected, as well as during a water outage, pouring water into a toilet to flush it can worsen the problem. It is therefore safer to separately stock portable toilets that use solidifying agents and bags.\n\nUse the following formula.\n\n**Number of household members × expected number of uses per person per day × number of stockpiled days**\n\nSet the expected number of daily uses according to your family’s circumstances, and confirm the quantity needed using guidance or an official calculation tool from your local municipality. This is an example for planning purposes, and the actual number may vary depending on pregnancy, health conditions, medications, and age. Toilet supplies require not only solidifying agents but also toilet bags, sealable disposal bags, gloves, disinfectant, and odor-control measures.\n\n## Is It Better to Assemble Your Own Kit or Buy a Ready-Made Disaster Preparedness Kit?\n\n| Option | Advantages | Cost characteristics | Items likely to be omitted | Suitable situations |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| Assemble it yourself | Can be tailored precisely to the family’s circumstances and evacuation route | Using existing household items makes it easier to control additional spending | Researching items and testing weight takes time | Households with needs involving medications, allergies, infants, young children, or older adults |\n| Ready-made disaster preparedness kit | Provides basic tools in a short time | Buying the bag and tools as a bundle may cost more than purchasing them individually | Adequate quantities of water and food, medications, seasonal clothing, and personal hygiene products | Those beginning disaster preparations or finding it difficult to start with an empty bag |\n| Supplemented ready-made kit | Provides both basic equipment and individual customization | Additional costs arise after purchasing the kit | Duplicate items and increased total weight | Those able to inspect and supplement the kit after purchase |\n\nAlthough a ready-made kit may look complete, it is actually closer to a starting point. Before buying one, check the weight of the bag itself, the quantities of water and food, the radio’s power source, the flashlight battery specifications, the number of portable toilet uses, and food expiration dates.\n\nA low-cost kit may look advantageous when comparing price alone, but you should also consider the total cost after adding the required quantities and the actual carrying weight. It may be better to put only the necessary items into an existing backpack than to buy a kit containing many tools your family does not need.\n\n## Items to Add According to Family Composition\n\n### If You Have Infants or Young Children\n\n- The formula, baby food, and allergy-friendly foods they normally consume\n- Feeding supplies, bottle-care supplies, and disposable cups\n- Diapers, wet wipes, skin-protection products, and disposal bags\n- A baby carrier and a blanket for maintaining body temperature\n- Contact details for guardians and the child’s medical information\n\nFormula requires safe water and a preparation method appropriate for the product. Ready-to-feed liquid products can reduce the burden of preparation, but first check whether the child can normally consume them and what storage conditions they require.\n\n### Family Members Who Are Older Adults or Have Disabilities\n\n- Glasses, hearing aids, and spare batteries\n- Dentures and cleaning and storage supplies\n- Canes, walking aids, and communication cards\n- Adult diapers and skin-care products\n- Foods that are easy to chew or swallow\n- Alternative means of charging or powering devices normally used\n\n### If Someone Takes Medication or Has a Chronic Condition\n\n- Medications and their original packaging or prescription labels\n- A list recording medication names, dosages, and times taken\n- A copy of Okusuri Techo, Japan’s medication notebook, or offline information from the relevant app\n- Contact details for medical institutions and pharmacies\n- Medical device consumables and backup power sources\n\nThe amount and method for obtaining extra prescription medication vary according to the type of medication and the conditions of medical care. Do not reduce doses at your own discretion or store old medication; ask a doctor or pharmacist how to prepare for disasters.\n\n### If You Have Pets\n\nRules for bringing pets to shelters vary by municipality and facility. Prepare a carrier, food, water, waste-disposal supplies, medication, vaccination records, and photographs, and check how pets are accommodated at the actual designated shelter.\n\n## Principles for Dividing Supplies Among Family Members\n\nIf shared family supplies are concentrated in one person’s bag, no one will be able to use them if that person becomes separated from the group or the bag is lost.\n\n- Each person should prioritize carrying their own water, medications, light, contact details, and items for staying warm.\n- Adults should divide shared items such as radios, tools, and chargers among themselves.\n- Distribute supplies for infants and young children between two guardians.\n- Decide the weight of children’s and older adults’ bags based on their actual walking ability rather than applying a uniform weight standard.\n- Weigh the completed bags and test them on stairs and along the evacuation route while wearing shoes.\n- If flooding is possible, place important documents and electronic devices in waterproof pouches.\n\nAvoid writing sensitive personal information prominently on the outside of a bag. You may instead record the necessary information on a sealed contact card inside.\n\n## Why You Must First Decide the Type of Disaster and Evacuation Method\n\nBefore making an item list, determine **under what circumstances you will leave your home**. Even for the same home, the best choice varies by type of disaster.\n\n| Situation | Primary consideration | Preparation approach |\n|---|---|---|\n| Risk of river flooding or tsunami | Evacuation timing and travel time to higher ground or an evacuation facility | Focus on a lightweight backpack, waterproofing, and rapid movement on foot |\n| Landslide hazard area | Whether evacuation is possible before the rain intensifies | Nighttime lighting, rain gear, shoes, and an early evacuation plan |\n| Home remains safe after an earthquake | Fire, gas, and structural damage | Use home supplies and portable toilets |\n| Power and water outage in an apartment building | Elevator shutdown and the burden of moving between high floors | Distributed water storage, portable lighting, and charging options |\n| Power outage during extreme heat or cold | How long it is possible to remain without heating or cooling | Seasonal warming or cooling measures and a location for early relocation |\n\nThis is an area that simple checklists often overlook. First use the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Hazard Map Portal and maps from your local municipality to check flood, tsunami, and landslide risks and the locations of designated shelters. If the municipality advises evacuation or the building is unsafe, do not remain at home merely to protect your supplies.\n\n## How to Check Supplies at Evacuation Shelters\n\nDo not skip personal preparations simply because a shelter has water and food. Stored quantities, items, and opening conditions vary by facility, and distribution may be delayed by road damage or power outages.\n\nCheck the following items.\n\n1. On your local municipality’s website, distinguish between designated evacuation shelters and designated emergency evacuation sites.\n2. Look for each shelter’s stockpile warehouse inventory, regional disaster management plan, and shelter operation manual.\n3. Check whether water, food, blankets, portable toilets, generators, and mobile phone charging options are available.\n4. Check whether individuals must prepare food for infants and young children, allergy-friendly food, menstrual products, and medications.\n5. Check the rules for bringing pets, support for people with disabilities, and conditions for using welfare shelters.\n6. If the published information is outdated or does not provide quantities by facility, contact the municipality’s disaster management department.\n\nPublished quantities are not portions allocated to specific individuals. It is also advisable to separately check evacuation facilities near workplaces or schools where family members spend the daytime.\n\n## Managing Expiration Dates and Storage Locations\n\nMaintaining supplies so they remain usable is harder than purchasing them. Record the following items in a table or mobile phone document.\n\n| Management item | Information to record |\n|---|---|\n| Item | Water, food, medication, batteries, portable toilets, etc. |\n| Quantity | Number, volume, and available uses |\n| Location | Individual backpack, entrance storage cabinet, kitchen, etc. |\n| Date | Best-before date, expiration date, and planned replacement date |\n| Conditions of use | Whether water, heating, batteries, or tools are required |\n| Person responsible | Family member who will inspect and replace the item |\n\nIn practical terms, management is easier if supplies are inspected once every six months, before typhoon and heavy-rain seasons, and after moving or changes in family composition. The six-month interval is not a statutory standard but an operational method for reducing omissions.\n\n- Place foods with shorter expiration dates at the front and consume them first in daily life.\n- If you do not buy all food on the same day, replacement times will be spread out.\n- Follow the manufacturer’s stated storage conditions and dates for bottled water.\n- Check batteries left inside devices for leakage.\n- Replace clothing, rain gear, and shoes with seasonally appropriate sizes and account for growth.\n- Update medications and medical information whenever prescriptions change.\n- Check that furniture or falling objects will not block access to the backpacks.\n\n## How to Cross-Check Quantities Using an Official Calculation Tool\n\nThe Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s 東京備蓄ナビ is an official tool that lets users enter household composition and housing conditions to check stockpile items and quantities. Because the results are reference figures based on living conditions in Tokyo, they must be adjusted according to guidance from your local municipality, individual medical conditions, and evacuation routes.\n\nRather than using the calculation results directly as a shopping list, review them in the following order.\n\n- Exclude food and household supplies already at home.\n- Check the proportion of foods requiring cooking water or a heat source.\n- Supplement portable toilets, hygiene supplies, and items for infants, young children, and older adults.\n- Decide on storage space, then acquire supplies gradually rather than buying everything at once.\n- Separately set aside items to be transferred to disaster preparedness backpacks and test their actual weight.\n\n## Final Selection Criteria\n\nFor most households, a distributed combination of disaster preparedness backpacks and home supplies is appropriate. However, the following questions can help determine where to allocate more budget and space.\n\n- Is the home in an area at risk of flooding, tsunamis, or landslides?\n- If a warning is issued, how quickly must you evacuate on foot?\n- When the home is safe, is there space to remain there for at least 3 days and up to 1 week?\n- Can water be moved without an elevator?\n- Does the family include infants, young children, older adults, people with disabilities, or people who take medication?\n- What personal essentials are not stocked at designated shelters?\n\nIf rapid evacuation is the priority, backpacks should be lighter and more personalized. If sheltering at home is more likely, strengthen home supplies in the order of water, portable toilets, food, and power sources. In either case, a backpack that cannot actually be carried and expired supplies can hardly be considered prepared resources.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe most common mistake when preparing for disasters in Japan is either putting all water and food into an emergency backpack or, conversely, stockpiling everything only at home. A disaster preparedness backpack contains \u003cstrong\u003eemergency items for immediate evacuation\u003c/strong\u003e, while home supplies are \u003cstrong\u003eresources for enduring water outages, power outages, and supply disruptions when the home is safe\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two types of preparation do not replace each other. For most households, the best approach is to have both a lightweight backpack for each person and sufficient supplies at home.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#differences-between-a-disaster-preparedness-backpack-and-home-supplies\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"differences-between-a-disaster-preparedness-backpack-and-home-supplies\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDifferences Between a Disaster Preparedness Backpack and Home Supplies\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComparison criterion\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEmergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHome supplies\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistributed combination\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003ePrimary purpose\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eLeave a hazardous area and travel to a shelter or safe location\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eCope with water outages, power outages, and supply disruptions when the home is safe\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eEvacuate with backpacks while maintaining long-term supplies at home\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eStorage location\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eSomewhere immediately accessible, such as near the entrance or bedroom\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eDistributed among several locations, such as the kitchen and storage cabinets\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eDivided between individual backpacks and home storage spaces\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eWater\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eAn amount that can realistically be carried, plus containers for refilling\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eCalculated based on about 3 liters per person per day\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eWater for travel in backpacks and the calculated supply at home\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eFood\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eA small amount that can be eaten immediately without cooking\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eAt least 3 days’ worth, and preferably 1 week’s worth\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eSeparate portable food from stored foods eaten regularly\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003ePortable toilets\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eA small number of portable products\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eEnough for the entire household to use for several days\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eDistributed between backpacks and the home\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eWeight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eExtremely important; the backpack must be worn and tested while walking\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eStorage space and replacement management matter more than transport weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eKeep heavy water at home and have each person carry essential personal items\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eCost structure\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eQuantities are small, but lightweight, portable products may have high unit prices\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eThe total purchase cost may be high if everything is prepared at once, but everyday foods can be rotated\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eRequires more initial work but reduces waste and the risk of losing one particular bag\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eItems likely to be insufficient\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003eEnough water, meals for several days, and large quantities of hygiene products\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eIdentification, communications, lighting, and medications needed for immediate evacuation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eItems may be missed without regular management of locations and expiration dates\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Comparison criterion\"\u003eSuitable situations\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Emergency evacuation disaster preparedness backpack\"\u003ePlaces requiring rapid evacuation due to floods, tsunamis, landslides, and similar hazards\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Home supplies\"\u003eEarthquake-resistant homes where sheltering at home is possible\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distributed combination\"\u003eMost households where the need to evacuate depends on the type of disaster\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key is not to pack several days’ worth of everything into a backpack, but to \u003cstrong\u003ekeep the items essential during evacuation within a weight that can actually be carried\u003c/strong\u003e. Putting the water and food that should remain at home into the backpack can slow evacuation and increase the risk of falling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#calculating-quantities-of-water-food-and-portable-toilets\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"calculating-quantities-of-water-food-and-portable-toilets\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCalculating Quantities of Water, Food, and Portable Toilets\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#water-for-home-use\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"water-for-home-use\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWater for Home Use\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublic disaster preparedness guidance in Japan generally calculates household water as follows.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of household members × about 3 liters per day × number of stockpiled days\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is mainly the amount needed for drinking and simple cooking. Water needed for washing, cleaning, pets, cleaning medical equipment, and other daily uses must be considered separately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHousehold size\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e3 days\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e7 days\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Household size\"\u003e1 person\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"3 days\"\u003eAbout 9 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"7 days\"\u003eAbout 21 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Household size\"\u003e2 people\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"3 days\"\u003eAbout 18 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"7 days\"\u003eAbout 42 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Household size\"\u003e4 people\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"3 days\"\u003eAbout 36 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"7 days\"\u003eAbout 84 liters\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause stored water is heavy, calculate the amount after checking the official recommendation from your local municipality; carrying several days’ worth of drinking water in a backpack is not realistic. Putting this amount into a backpack is not realistic. Dividing water among several containers rather than relying on one large container makes storage, transport, and the risk of container damage easier to manage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#water-in-a-disaster-preparedness-backpack\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"water-in-a-disaster-preparedness-backpack\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWater in a Disaster Preparedness Backpack\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no single nationwide correct amount of water to put in a backpack. It varies according to travel distance, weather, physical strength, shelter location, and whether infants will be accompanying you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the following principles to decide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut on the fully packed backpack and walk up and down stairs and along the actual evacuation route.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou should be able to use both hands freely with the water packed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDivide the water among family members who can walk, taking differences in physical strength into account.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInclude a collapsible water container or empty container for refilling, but it does not need to be filled from the start.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater purification products differ in their ability to remove different types of contaminants, so do not assume they can replace a safe water source.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#food\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"food\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFood\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic quantity of home food supplies can be calculated as \u003cstrong\u003enumber of household members × number of meals per day × number of stockpiled days\u003c/strong\u003e. However, do not focus only on the number of meals; include foods that can be eaten without water or a heat source.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReady-to-eat foods: canned foods, nutrition bars, instant porridge, etc.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoods requiring water or a heat source: dried noodles, packaged instant rice, freeze-dried foods, etc.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoods regularly eaten and replenished: rice, noodles, retort-pouch foods, and side dishes with a long shelf life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoods for individual needs: allergy-friendly foods, low-sodium foods, easy-to-chew foods, and food for infants and young children\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you include canned food, check whether it can be opened by hand and store a can opener and utensils with it if necessary. Rather than buying emergency food and storing it separately, a rolling-stock system—using stored foods that you normally eat first and replenishing them with new products—is more effective for managing expiration dates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#portable-toilets\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"portable-toilets\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePortable Toilets\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen damage to sewer pipes is suspected, as well as during a water outage, pouring water into a toilet to flush it can worsen the problem. It is therefore safer to separately stock portable toilets that use solidifying agents and bags.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the following formula.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of household members × expected number of uses per person per day × number of stockpiled days\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet the expected number of daily uses according to your family’s circumstances, and confirm the quantity needed using guidance or an official calculation tool from your local municipality. This is an example for planning purposes, and the actual number may vary depending on pregnancy, health conditions, medications, and age. Toilet supplies require not only solidifying agents but also toilet bags, sealable disposal bags, gloves, disinfectant, and odor-control measures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#is-it-better-to-assemble-your-own-kit-or-buy-a-ready-made-disaster-preparedness-kit\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"is-it-better-to-assemble-your-own-kit-or-buy-a-ready-made-disaster-preparedness-kit\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIs It Better to Assemble Your Own Kit or Buy a Ready-Made Disaster Preparedness Kit?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOption\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAdvantages\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCost characteristics\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItems likely to be omitted\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuitable situations\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Option\"\u003eAssemble it yourself\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Advantages\"\u003eCan be tailored precisely to the family’s circumstances and evacuation route\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Cost characteristics\"\u003eUsing existing household items makes it easier to control additional spending\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items likely to be omitted\"\u003eResearching items and testing weight takes time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Suitable situations\"\u003eHouseholds with needs involving medications, allergies, infants, young children, or older adults\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Option\"\u003eReady-made disaster preparedness kit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Advantages\"\u003eProvides basic tools in a short time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Cost characteristics\"\u003eBuying the bag and tools as a bundle may cost more than purchasing them individually\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items likely to be omitted\"\u003eAdequate quantities of water and food, medications, seasonal clothing, and personal hygiene products\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Suitable situations\"\u003eThose beginning disaster preparations or finding it difficult to start with an empty bag\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Option\"\u003eSupplemented ready-made kit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Advantages\"\u003eProvides both basic equipment and individual customization\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Cost characteristics\"\u003eAdditional costs arise after purchasing the kit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items likely to be omitted\"\u003eDuplicate items and increased total weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Suitable situations\"\u003eThose able to inspect and supplement the kit after purchase\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a ready-made kit may look complete, it is actually closer to a starting point. Before buying one, check the weight of the bag itself, the quantities of water and food, the radio’s power source, the flashlight battery specifications, the number of portable toilet uses, and food expiration dates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA low-cost kit may look advantageous when comparing price alone, but you should also consider the total cost after adding the required quantities and the actual carrying weight. It may be better to put only the necessary items into an existing backpack than to buy a kit containing many tools your family does not need.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#items-to-add-according-to-family-composition\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"items-to-add-according-to-family-composition\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eItems to Add According to Family Composition\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#if-you-have-infants-or-young-children\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"if-you-have-infants-or-young-children\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIf You Have Infants or Young Children\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe formula, baby food, and allergy-friendly foods they normally consume\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeding supplies, bottle-care supplies, and disposable cups\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiapers, wet wipes, skin-protection products, and disposal bags\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA baby carrier and a blanket for maintaining body temperature\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContact details for guardians and the child’s medical information\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormula requires safe water and a preparation method appropriate for the product. Ready-to-feed liquid products can reduce the burden of preparation, but first check whether the child can normally consume them and what storage conditions they require.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#family-members-who-are-older-adults-or-have-disabilities\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"family-members-who-are-older-adults-or-have-disabilities\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFamily Members Who Are Older Adults or Have Disabilities\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlasses, hearing aids, and spare batteries\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDentures and cleaning and storage supplies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCanes, walking aids, and communication cards\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdult diapers and skin-care products\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoods that are easy to chew or swallow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlternative means of charging or powering devices normally used\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#if-someone-takes-medication-or-has-a-chronic-condition\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"if-someone-takes-medication-or-has-a-chronic-condition\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIf Someone Takes Medication or Has a Chronic Condition\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedications and their original packaging or prescription labels\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA list recording medication names, dosages, and times taken\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA copy of Okusuri Techo, Japan’s medication notebook, or offline information from the relevant app\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContact details for medical institutions and pharmacies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedical device consumables and backup power sources\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amount and method for obtaining extra prescription medication vary according to the type of medication and the conditions of medical care. Do not reduce doses at your own discretion or store old medication; ask a doctor or pharmacist how to prepare for disasters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#if-you-have-pets\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"if-you-have-pets\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIf You Have Pets\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRules for bringing pets to shelters vary by municipality and facility. Prepare a carrier, food, water, waste-disposal supplies, medication, vaccination records, and photographs, and check how pets are accommodated at the actual designated shelter.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#principles-for-dividing-supplies-among-family-members\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"principles-for-dividing-supplies-among-family-members\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePrinciples for Dividing Supplies Among Family Members\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf shared family supplies are concentrated in one person’s bag, no one will be able to use them if that person becomes separated from the group or the bag is lost.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach person should prioritize carrying their own water, medications, light, contact details, and items for staying warm.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults should divide shared items such as radios, tools, and chargers among themselves.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistribute supplies for infants and young children between two guardians.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecide the weight of children’s and older adults’ bags based on their actual walking ability rather than applying a uniform weight standard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeigh the completed bags and test them on stairs and along the evacuation route while wearing shoes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf flooding is possible, place important documents and electronic devices in waterproof pouches.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid writing sensitive personal information prominently on the outside of a bag. You may instead record the necessary information on a sealed contact card inside.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-you-must-first-decide-the-type-of-disaster-and-evacuation-method\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-you-must-first-decide-the-type-of-disaster-and-evacuation-method\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy You Must First Decide the Type of Disaster and Evacuation Method\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore making an item list, determine \u003cstrong\u003eunder what circumstances you will leave your home\u003c/strong\u003e. Even for the same home, the best choice varies by type of disaster.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSituation\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePrimary consideration\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePreparation approach\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Situation\"\u003eRisk of river flooding or tsunami\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Primary consideration\"\u003eEvacuation timing and travel time to higher ground or an evacuation facility\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Preparation approach\"\u003eFocus on a lightweight backpack, waterproofing, and rapid movement on foot\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Situation\"\u003eLandslide hazard area\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Primary consideration\"\u003eWhether evacuation is possible before the rain intensifies\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Preparation approach\"\u003eNighttime lighting, rain gear, shoes, and an early evacuation plan\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Situation\"\u003eHome remains safe after an earthquake\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Primary consideration\"\u003eFire, gas, and structural damage\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Preparation approach\"\u003eUse home supplies and portable toilets\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Situation\"\u003ePower and water outage in an apartment building\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Primary consideration\"\u003eElevator shutdown and the burden of moving between high floors\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Preparation approach\"\u003eDistributed water storage, portable lighting, and charging options\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Situation\"\u003ePower outage during extreme heat or cold\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Primary consideration\"\u003eHow long it is possible to remain without heating or cooling\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Preparation approach\"\u003eSeasonal warming or cooling measures and a location for early relocation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an area that simple checklists often overlook. First use the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Hazard Map Portal and maps from your local municipality to check flood, tsunami, and landslide risks and the locations of designated shelters. If the municipality advises evacuation or the building is unsafe, do not remain at home merely to protect your supplies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-check-supplies-at-evacuation-shelters\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-check-supplies-at-evacuation-shelters\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to Check Supplies at Evacuation Shelters\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not skip personal preparations simply because a shelter has water and food. Stored quantities, items, and opening conditions vary by facility, and distribution may be delayed by road damage or power outages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck the following items.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn your local municipality’s website, distinguish between designated evacuation shelters and designated emergency evacuation sites.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLook for each shelter’s stockpile warehouse inventory, regional disaster management plan, and shelter operation manual.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether water, food, blankets, portable toilets, generators, and mobile phone charging options are available.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether individuals must prepare food for infants and young children, allergy-friendly food, menstrual products, and medications.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck the rules for bringing pets, support for people with disabilities, and conditions for using welfare shelters.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the published information is outdated or does not provide quantities by facility, contact the municipality’s disaster management department.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished quantities are not portions allocated to specific individuals. It is also advisable to separately check evacuation facilities near workplaces or schools where family members spend the daytime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#managing-expiration-dates-and-storage-locations\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"managing-expiration-dates-and-storage-locations\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eManaging Expiration Dates and Storage Locations\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining supplies so they remain usable is harder than purchasing them. Record the following items in a table or mobile phone document.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManagement item\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInformation to record\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003eItem\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eWater, food, medication, batteries, portable toilets, etc.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003eQuantity\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eNumber, volume, and available uses\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003eLocation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eIndividual backpack, entrance storage cabinet, kitchen, etc.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003eDate\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eBest-before date, expiration date, and planned replacement date\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003eConditions of use\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eWhether water, heating, batteries, or tools are required\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Management item\"\u003ePerson responsible\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to record\"\u003eFamily member who will inspect and replace the item\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn practical terms, management is easier if supplies are inspected once every six months, before typhoon and heavy-rain seasons, and after moving or changes in family composition. The six-month interval is not a statutory standard but an operational method for reducing omissions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace foods with shorter expiration dates at the front and consume them first in daily life.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you do not buy all food on the same day, replacement times will be spread out.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFollow the manufacturer’s stated storage conditions and dates for bottled water.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck batteries left inside devices for leakage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplace clothing, rain gear, and shoes with seasonally appropriate sizes and account for growth.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdate medications and medical information whenever prescriptions change.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck that furniture or falling objects will not block access to the backpacks.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-cross-check-quantities-using-an-official-calculation-tool\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-cross-check-quantities-using-an-official-calculation-tool\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to Cross-Check Quantities Using an Official Calculation Tool\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s 東京備蓄ナビ is an official tool that lets users enter household composition and housing conditions to check stockpile items and quantities. Because the results are reference figures based on living conditions in Tokyo, they must be adjusted according to guidance from your local municipality, individual medical conditions, and evacuation routes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than using the calculation results directly as a shopping list, review them in the following order.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExclude food and household supplies already at home.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck the proportion of foods requiring cooking water or a heat source.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplement portable toilets, hygiene supplies, and items for infants, young children, and older adults.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecide on storage space, then acquire supplies gradually rather than buying everything at once.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparately set aside items to be transferred to disaster preparedness backpacks and test their actual weight.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#final-selection-criteria\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"final-selection-criteria\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFinal Selection Criteria\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most households, a distributed combination of disaster preparedness backpacks and home supplies is appropriate. However, the following questions can help determine where to allocate more budget and space.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the home in an area at risk of flooding, tsunamis, or landslides?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf a warning is issued, how quickly must you evacuate on foot?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen the home is safe, is there space to remain there for at least 3 days and up to 1 week?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan water be moved without an elevator?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes the family include infants, young children, older adults, people with disabilities, or people who take medication?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat personal essentials are not stocked at designated shelters?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf rapid evacuation is the priority, backpacks should be lighter and more personalized. If sheltering at home is more likely, strengthen home supplies in the order of water, portable toilets, food, and power sources. In either case, a backpack that cannot actually be carried and expired supplies can hardly be considered prepared resources.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Typhoon","Torrential rain","Disaster Preparedness","Emergency Backpack"],"faqs":[{"question":"Do I need to put all 3 liters of water per person per day in the emergency preparedness backpack?","answer":"No. Check the official guidance from your local government for the recommended amount of water to keep at home; you do not need to put all of it in the backpack. Pack an amount you can realistically carry based on the evacuation distance, temperature, and your physical strength, and store the rest in multiple locations at home."},{"question":"How many kilograms is acceptable for an emergency preparedness backpack?","answer":"There is no single weight standard that applies to everyone. It should be determined based on age, physical strength, health, and the slopes and stairs along the evacuation route. The most reliable approach is to put on the fully packed backpack and walk the actual route."},{"question":"Which is better for emergency food supplies: 3 days or 7 days?","answer":"Japanese public guidance recommends keeping at least 3 days' worth of food at home, and preferably 1 week's worth. If space and budget are limited, first secure 3 days' worth, then increase your supply by rotating shelf-stable foods that you normally eat."},{"question":"Do I also need 1 week's worth of portable toilets?","answer":"Because water outages or sewer pipe damage can last a long time, it is best to prepare enough to match your household's stockpiling period if possible. Calculate the amount by multiplying the number of household members by the expected number of uses per day and the number of days covered, and also prepare bags, gloves, and odor-control supplies."},{"question":"Is my preparation complete if I buy just one ready-made emergency kit?","answer":"Ready-made kits include basic lighting and tools, but they may lack enough water and food, prescription medications, food for allergies, and supplies for infants, young children, or older adults. You must personally check the quantities of the contents, power specifications, expiration dates, and final weight."},{"question":"If an evacuation shelter has water and food, do I still need personal supplies?","answer":"Yes. The quantities and types of supplies at evacuation shelters vary by facility, distribution may be delayed, and an individual allocation is not guaranteed. Check the facility-specific list provided by your local government, but prepare your own water and personal essentials needed for the initial evacuation."},{"question":"What additional preparations should residents of upper floors in apartment buildings make?","answer":"You should consider the possibility that elevators and water supply pumps may stop during a power outage. Distribute water among multiple locations and containers, and prepare sufficient portable toilets, lighting, and charging options. However, if the building becomes unsafe or evacuation instructions are issued, evacuate immediately."},{"question":"How often should emergency supplies be checked?","answer":"While giving priority to each product's stated date, checking once every six months, before typhoon and heavy-rain seasons, and after moving or changes in family composition makes supplies easier to manage. Use foods with approaching expiration dates in everyday life first and replace them with new products."},{"question":"Should prescription medications be kept in the emergency preparedness backpack or at home?","answer":"Medications needed immediately and medication information must be accessible to take with you when evacuating, and you should consult a doctor or pharmacist about how much can be stockpiled. Also prepare the medication names, dosages, dosing times, contact information for medical institutions, and a copy of your medication notebook."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.maff.go.jp/j/zyukyu/foodstock/index.html","title":"Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Household Stockpiling Portal","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.bichiku.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/","title":"Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tokyo Stockpiling Navigator","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://disaportal.gsi.go.jp/","title":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Hazard Map Portal Site","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.bousai.go.jp/","title":"Cabinet Office Disaster Management Information Page","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/1002147/index.html","title":"Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Prevention Website: Tokyo Disaster Preparedness","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":992,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTM2NjcsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--03ad7aa0abfeff4dc3e40a4f00fde15676a6d76a/ai-4f7516dd.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"비축품 선반에서 생수를 꺼내 빨간 방재 배낭에 챙기는 여성","caption":"여성이 물과 식량, 비상용품을 확인하며 방재 배낭을 준비하고 있다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Woman taking bottled water from a supply cabinet while packing a red emergency backpack","caption":"A woman checks stored water, food, and emergency supplies as she prepares a disaster kit.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"備蓄棚から水を取り出し、赤い防災リュックに詰める女性","caption":"女性が水や食品、非常用品を確認しながら防災リュックを準備している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Mujer sacando agua embotellada de un armario mientras prepara una mochila roja de emergencia","caption":"Una mujer revisa agua, alimentos y suministros mientras prepara su kit de emergencia.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Perempuan mengambil air botol dari lemari persediaan sambil menyiapkan ransel darurat merah","caption":"Seorang perempuan memeriksa air, makanan, dan perlengkapan saat menyiapkan tas siaga bencana.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Mulher retirando água engarrafada do armário enquanto prepara uma mochila vermelha de emergência","caption":"Uma mulher confere água, alimentos e suprimentos ao preparar seu kit de emergência.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"女子從儲備櫃取出瓶裝水，整理紅色防災背包","caption":"女子一邊清點飲水、食物與緊急用品，一邊準備防災背包。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Frau nimmt Wasserflaschen aus einem Vorratsschrank und packt einen roten Notfallrucksack","caption":"Eine Frau prüft Wasser, Lebensmittel und Notvorräte für ihren Katastrophenrucksack.","description":null}}},{"id":993,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTM2NzMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0cf6aad6dbd6118fb76fa465262cf8e0acf5925b/ai-e2ae9c5b.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_image","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"가족이 방재 배낭과 물·식량·위생용품 비축 선반 앞에서 필요 수량표를 확인하는 모습","caption":"가족 구성별 물과 식량, 비상용 화장실의 필요량을 방재 배낭과 자택 비축품으로 나눠 점검한다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Family reviewing a supply chart beside an emergency backpack and shelves of water, food, and hygiene items","caption":"The family compares an evacuation backpack with home stocks of water, food, and emergency toilet supplies.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"防災リュックと水・食品・衛生用品の備蓄棚を前に必要量の表を確認する家族","caption":"家族構成に応じた水や食料、非常用トイレの必要量を持ち出し品と自宅備蓄に分けて確認している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Familia revisando una tabla junto a una mochila de emergencia y estantes con agua, comida y artículos de higiene","caption":"La familia compara la mochila de evacuación con las reservas domésticas de agua, alimentos y baños de emergencia.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Keluarga memeriksa tabel kebutuhan di samping tas siaga dan rak berisi air, makanan, serta perlengkapan kebersihan","caption":"Keluarga membandingkan isi tas evakuasi dengan persediaan air, makanan, dan toilet darurat di rumah.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Família consulta uma tabela ao lado de mochila de emergência e prateleiras com água, comida e itens de higiene","caption":"A família compara a mochila de evacuação com os estoques domésticos de água, alimentos e banheiros de emergência.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"一家人在防災背包與水、食品及衛生用品儲備架前查看所需數量表","caption":"一家人依成員人數比較避難背包與居家儲備中的飲水、食物和緊急廁所用品。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Familie prüft eine Bedarfstabelle neben Notfallrucksack und Regalen mit Wasser, Lebensmitteln und Hygieneartikeln","caption":"Die Familie vergleicht den Fluchtrucksack mit den Vorräten an Wasser, Lebensmitteln und Nottoiletten für zu Hause.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-09-01T02:49:07+09:00","updated_at":"2026-09-01T02:49:07+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/japan-emergency-bag-vs-home-stockpile"}