The Importance of a Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Strategy Focused on the Interplay of Individual and Community Elements: An Exploratory Study

This study is dedicated to identifying and understanding regional vulnerabilities within countries, focusing particularly on those susceptible to frequent and devastating disasters, such as Japan. The primary objective of this research is to delve into the dynamics of disaster preparedness, aiming to propose a robust framework that local governments can collaboratively establish with their citizens, demonstrating active leadership throughout the process. The central focus of this research is Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture. This locale was chosen to evaluate the awareness levels of disaster preparedness among its residents, providing a microcosmic view of broader regional challenges. Simultaneously, the study seeks to scrutinize the leadership components integral to formulating public-sector disaster response policies. The research analyzed survey responses from 333 participants to distill crucial requirements for ensuring the safety and security of the town’s population. Utilizing structural equation modeling, the results of this study underscore the nuanced nature of building trust in municipal disaster preparedness. The research advocates a dual-pronged strategy. First, it emphasizes enhancing citizen services as a tangible manifestation of consistent government support for day-to-day community activities. Second, it highlights the necessity of maintaining clear and decisive leadership to ensure the sustained long-term viability of the community. The study stresses that alongside continually improving citizen services, an unwavering commitment to the local government’s message of “sustainable city development” is pivotal. The study’s proposed framework serves as a guide for local governments to not only prepare for but also effectively respond to disasters. It outlines the importance of a cohesive strategy that incorporates citizen engagement, robust leadership, and consistent service enhancement as pillars of disaster preparedness.