【Workman】What to wear during winter disasters? Key points for tsunami evacuation & recommended wear

If a tsunami occurs in midwinter and we need to evacuate──what should we wear and how can we protect ourselves? Let's check the results of the joint verification of disaster prevention wear by Workman and the Japanese Red Cross Disaster Relief Research Institute, along with recommended clothing.

What should we be careful about in anticipation of a winter tsunami evacuation?

Source: Workman. Photos from the demonstration experiment.

Workman and the Disaster Relief Technology Division of the Japanese Red Cross have been engaged in the joint development of clothing and outdoor gear for evacuations under severe weather conditions (extreme heat and extreme cold). Amid this, last year a demonstration of cold weather clothing and outdoor gear, anticipating a tsunami evacuation, was conducted at the tsunami evacuation site in the Habomai area. First, let's take a look at the results of the demonstration that were revealed there.

Source: Workman. Photos from the demonstration experiment.

It is necessary to anticipate long periods of outdoor waiting in bad weather.

At outdoor elevated evacuation sites, it is not always guaranteed that there will be a shelter, and there may be long waits under severe weather conditions such as wind, snow, rain, and strong winds. Therefore, it is necessary to wear clothing that can withstand bad weather.

Prepare your own clothes and footwear

During a disaster, the principle of "self-help" means you must take care of yourself. It is important to prepare clothing and shoes with cold-weather and waterproof functions in advance.

It is necessary to assume a power outage

Even if there is an indoor evacuation place on the high ground, there is no guarantee that electricity will be available. Preparing cold-weather clothing and footwear that can withstand the cold of midwinter is also important.

Luggage should be prepared quickly

The tsunami is a race against time. You need to quickly prepare the necessary items and wear warm clothing and footwear to evacuate. Of course, a disaster prevention kit is essential, but if you also consider having a set of warm clothing ready, you can wear it without hesitation.

Consider waiting inside the vehicle

In snowy and windy conditions, you must also be prepared to wait inside the car. However, when waiting inside the vehicle, there is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning due to snow blocking the exhaust. Additionally, you should be cautious of economy class syndrome due to maintaining the same position for an extended period.

If you are spending time with the engine off, the temperature inside the car can drop to about the same level as the outdoor temperature, so you cannot neglect wearing warm clothing just because you are inside the vehicle.

What are the points to be cautious about?

Source: Workman. Photos taken during a demonstration experiment.

What are the benefits of being cautious in everyday life?

It’s a good idea to prepare clothing and room shoes that allow you to stay comfortable without heating during power outages. Warm clothing that can be worn during evacuation, along with warm, non-slip outdoor shoes, will provide peace of mind when used regularly. Pack a change of clothes and shoes for use at the evacuation site in a large plastic bag and keep them in a backpack or similar container.

What should you be careful about when moving to the evacuation site?

During evacuation, wear clothing and footwear that are waterproof and insulated. In snowy regions, it is essential to choose shoes that resist slipping on icy surfaces. Additionally, wearing items like hats and neck warmers helps minimize skin exposure, preventing a drop in body temperature.

Slip-on shoes that are easy to take on and off are ideal for evacuations, but it’s also important that they fit around the ankles. When planning for evacuation on foot, combine clothing that is breathable and less likely to make you sweat.

What should you be careful about while waiting in a shelter?

It is reassuring to prepare room shoes with thermal insulation for life on a cold floor. Since you may not be able to take a bath for a long time at the shelter, choose underwear and socks with deodorizing functions. Having insulated bottoms and wear prepared will help you stay warm.

Also, consider that operating a generator or using charcoal will produce a large amount of carbon monoxide, so it should not be used indoors. If you think, "I have a generator, so I'm fine," and neglect to prepare warm clothing, you may end up in a difficult situation.

What are the recommended clothing items from Workman, demonstrated in Hokkaido for the "winter tsunami disaster" scenario?

Now, what specific types of clothing should you wear? Check out Workman's recommended gear!

NRP1001A INAREMU Premium Waterproof Cold-Weather Coat

Source: Workman.

By combining heat-retaining cotton, graphene cotton, and down, this coat achieves high thermal insulation and waterproof cold-weather performance. It features an adjustable dial hood. Furthermore, ventilation placed under the armpits allows for adjustment of moisture and temperature inside the clothing without removing the coat.

Product Name: NRP1001A INAREMU Premium Waterproof Cold-Weather Coat
Price: 7800 yen
Management Number: 68545
Size: M to 3L (Black also available in S, and 4L is available)
Color: Beige, Red, River Green, Black
Functions: Waterproof, Down, Ventilation, Windproof, Double Cuffs, Inner Pocket

XW108 X Shelter Insulated β Light Warm Pants

Source: Workman.

Warm pants made with the insulation material "XShelter." Designed for easy on and off with button and zipper specifications, and the waist can be adjusted with belt loops.

Product name: XW108 XShelter Insulation β Light Warm Pants
Price: 2900 yen
Management number: 36466
Size: S to 4L (Ivory does not have 4L)
Color: Ivory, Dark Beige, Navy, Black
Features: Insulation, light-absorbing heat generation, warmth retention, windproof, lightweight, durable water-repellent, 4D three-dimensional structure, stretch

FC382 Ice and Snow Slip-resistant Quebec NEO

Source: Workman.

These are non-slip all-purpose boots with glass fibers blended in. They feature an original ice sole. In addition to high thermal insulation from ball-shaped padding that keeps warmth, they have a waterproof structure suitable for rain and snow.

Product name: FC382 Ice and Snow Slip-Resistant Quebec NEO
Price: 3200 yen
Management number: 56365
Size: S to 4L
Color: Beige gray, Black
Function: Ice and snow slip resistance, antibacterial deodorization (insole), waterproof

●Workman

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