Japan, as recent history has powerfully illustrated, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Today, it is also one of the best prepared to face such seismic risk. This was not always the case. Earthquake Children is the first book to examine the origins of modern Japan’s infrastructure of resilience. Drawing from a rich collection of previously unexplored sources, Janet Borland vividly illustrates that Japan’s contemporary culture of disaster preparedness and its people’s ability to respond calmly in a time of emergency are the result of learned and practiced behaviors. She traces their roots to the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, which killed over 100,000 people when it struck the Tokyo region. Beyond providing new perspectives on Japan’s seismic past, the history of childhood, and everyday life in interwar Japan, Borland challenges the popular idea that Japanese people owe their resilience to some innate sense of calm under pressure. Tokyo’s traumatic experiences in 1923 convinced government officials, seismologists, teachers, physicians, and architects that Japan must better prepare for future disasters. Earthquake Children documents how children, schools, and education became the primary tools through which experts sought to build a disaster-prepared society and nation that would withstand nature’s furies.

The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens claimed many lives and damaged properties. It took everyone by surprise, especially since it was mostly unobserved. But with all tragedies, lessons can be learned and that’s why this Volcano Book Age 12 exists. What interesting facts can you learn from this book that will help you become more prepared for disasters? Grab a copy now!

Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence. Disasters are an increasingly common and complex combination of environmental, social and cultural factors. Yet existing response frameworks and emergency plans tend to homogenise affected populations as ‘victims’, overlooking the distinctive experience, capacities and skills of children and young people. Drawing on participatory research with more than 550 children internationally, this book argues for a radical transformation in children’s roles and voices in disasters. It shows practitioners, policy-makers and researchers how more child-centred disaster management, that recognises children’s capacity to enhance disaster resilience, actually benefits at-risk communities as a whole.

The time to prepare is now – before the earthquake strikes. Once the “Big One” hits, it’s too late. I wish I had a crystal ball to predict when the next earthquake will strike. I wish I could tell you what damage your home might sustain or how the earthquake will impact you, your family and your pets. But I can’t give you these answers – nobody can. What I can tell you is this: if you are prepared, you will get through the disaster far better than those who are not. Following the steps outlined in this guidebook will ensure that you have a Family Emergency Plan in place and that you have purchased and stored necessary supplies to survive the aftermath of a disaster. Most importantly you will know what to do when the earth starts moving. These are just a few of the valuable tips covered in the pages of this guidebook. Best of all, if you are prepared for an earthquake, you will be prepared for any emergency or disaster that comes your way!

A fictional story based on a real-life event, Pandas' earthquake escape describes the adventures of a mother panda, LiLing, and her one-year old cub, Tengfei, as they escape a panda reserve following an earthquake. Can be used to teach children about earthquakes, animal survival, and a mother's instinct to protect her child. Includes "For Creative Minds" section.

This book explores the events of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Readers will learn about the issues surrounding U.S. aid and military efforts, and the inconsistencies of the death tolls. They will learn about the controversies surrounding the adoptions of Haitian orphans. Compelling, unforgettable personal narratives from people who experienced the earthquake are also included.