Readers may be wondering why I am introducing a book about a tragic winter storm in the middle of Japan's hot summer, when it's about a disaster that took place on the other side of the world in New England.
But as I read this book, I could not help but find parallels in whatever the type of disaster is and wherever they take place. In other words, there are universal lessons to draw from certain disasters that we must always keep in mind.
The book to which I am referring is Northeaster: A Story of Courage and Survival in the Blizzard of 1952 by Cathie Pelletier (Simon and Schuster). It was published in 2023, becoming a national bestseller in the United States.
When Facing Natural or Manmade Disasters
There is not a single connection to Japan in the book. While some of the individuals mentioned in the book fought in World War II, they did so in Europe and Northern Africa, not in the Pacific Theater. Moreover, at the time of the horrific blizzard of February 1952 (which took several lives), the industries in Maine, the locale of the true story, had not yet been devastated by imports from Japan and other East Asian countries.
Despite this lack of connection, I felt a strong urge to introduce this book to readers. As alluded to earlier, the lessons we can draw from the book also apply for natural or manmade disasters that Japan (and other countries) will face.
Readers may remember the snowstorm that struck Fukui Prefecture in February 2018. It caused about 800 cars to become stranded, necessitating the Ground Self-Defense Force to mobilize and provide assistance. Similar incidents happened in 2020 and 2021, with dozens of deaths recorded.
As I read the book, written by Maine native Cathie Pelletier, I could not help but think of the universal lessons that emerged through her storytelling.
Key Lessons Learned
Sharing these lessons is particularly important on the eve of Disaster Prevention Day, which is conducted every September 1 in Japan. It is a remembrance of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake that killed approximately 140,000 people.
The lessons I took away from the book are the following.
Heed Warnings
First it is important to heed warnings. In that storm and many others, as well as other potential natural disasters, warnings are given ahead of time. Often, the warnings come days, weeks, and months in advance. We tend to ignore, overlook, or forget them, or refuse to take them seriously enough.
Timely Evacuation
Second, evacuate ahead of time or secure safe shelter early. If you don't, you will likely end up helping to cause traffic jams or other problems. Delays impact first responders. Moreover, your late arrival may cause others to go out and search for you or try to help in other ways, compounding the problems and worries.
Stay Supplied
Third, get supplies early. This lessens the burden on stores and supply chains, reduces traffic jams, and mitigates other negative effects.
Stay Safe
Fourth, avoid going out unnecessarily from one's home, shelter, or other safe location. Doing so places a huge burden on first responders, who are usually already overburdened, when something goes wrong. It also unnecessarily worries family members and others close to you.
Prepare to Survive
Fifth, if, for whatever reason you do go out, make sure you have an adequate supply of clothing, food, and other things you may need to survive.
Sharing Temporary Shelter
Sixth, every building has areas that can provide some form of shelter, assuming they are in safe areas. For example, hotel rooms may be full. However, their restaurants, ballrooms, and other areas, including hallways, can be made temporarily available as places for rest.
Open to Community
Seventh, and related to the previous lesson, the Howard Johnson's restaurant in the aforementioned book played a huge role and probably saved dozens if not hundreds of lives. Staffed with only a few restaurant employees, it allowed its dining area to be used for resting and serving hot meals throughout the blizzard. All places should open up and make themselves available to provide warmth and whatever comfort they can.
Be Resourceful
Eighth, each person has unique backgrounds that can help in disasters. It is important for you to draw on your respective strengths and experiences in case help doesn't immediately come. Be resourceful.
Resilience with Families and Friends
Ninth, strong communities are resilient in and after tragedies. Family and friends can help one another during and following a disaster. Invest in your family and friends.
Continuing Care
Tenth, according to the Northeaster: A Story of Courage and Survival in the Blizzard of 1952, it was the unanticipated deaths — those by heart attacks, odd accidents, etc — that hit communities hardest. A crisis does not end when the storm passes or the disaster is over, but can continue for weeks, months, and years afterward. Be there for people who are affected in a disaster, either physically, financially, or emotionally, particularly for those who lost a loved one.
Taking Preparations to Heart
Japan is known as a disaster-prone country. In my 35 years here in this country, I have witnessed and experienced my share of disasters. I am not naïve enough to think that I won't see any more. For that reason, I intend to take the above lessons to heart and hope you do as well, no matter where you are located and what time of year it might be.
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Author: Dr Robert D Eldridge
Eldridge served as the political advisor to the Forward Command Element of US Forces Japan during Operation Tomodachi in March 2011. He is the author of the book by the same name. In addition, he is a survivor of the January 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Great Earthquake and lectures and writes regularly on disaster preparedness and response.
