The United States Army
09/24/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2026 03:45
Camp Zama community tackles disaster simulators for National Preparedness Month
Members of the Camp Zama community experience simulated typhoon winds up to 67 mph during a staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Preparedness Center Sept. 23 in support of National Preparedness Month. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original
CAMP ZAMA, Japan - "Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and Soldiers, civilians, contractors and families all play a role in strengthening community resilience."
Ronnie Collado, assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Japan Engineer District, participates in fire extinguisher training during a staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Preparedness Center Sept. 23 in support of National Preparedness Month. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original
Robert Trau-Massey, U.S. Army Garrison Japan emergency manager, reiterated that message following a community staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefecture General Disaster Prevention Center Sept. 23.
Recent regional events, including Typhoon Dujuan and the Kumamoto earthquake, serve as stark reminders that emergencies can occur with little warning, Trau-Massey said.
Members of the Camp Zama community experience a simulated magnitude-7 earthquake during a staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Preparedness Center Sept. 23 in support of National Preparedness Month. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original
During the visit, participants faced 67 mph winds, experienced a simulated magnitude-7 earthquake, navigated a smoke-filled room to find an exit in darkness, and practiced using fire extinguishers to put out a virtual blaze.
Members of the Camp Zama community participate in fire extinguisher training during a staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Preparedness Center Sept. 23 in support of National Preparedness Month. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original
Trau-Massey emphasized that if community members take proactive measures now, such as updating recall rosters, creating family communication plans and assembling 72-hour emergency kits, it helps keep them and their loved ones safe, sustains critical operations, and speeds up recovery.
Members of the Camp Zama community pose for a group photo during a staff ride to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disaster Preparedness Center Sept. 23 in support of National Preparedness Month. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original
Trau-Massey said he hopes the participants gained a better understanding of local hazards and practical steps to prepare their households.
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