Examination of Continuation Factors of Regional Disaster Prevention Activities

As disasters become increasingly frequent and severe, sustaining community-based disaster prevention faces challenges such as personnel shortages and an aging population. This study examined disaster prevention activities in the Tsuruuchi Community of Takamatsu City, Japan, where such efforts have been maintained for over 10 years. Nine members of the Disaster Prevention Committee were interviewed using a semi-structured approach, and the data were analyzed with the steps for coding and theorization (SCAT) to explore participants’ thoughts, behaviors, and influencing factors utilizing a novel approach integrating both individual and community perspectives. At the individual level, positive reinterpretation of challenges and intrinsic redefinition of the meaning of activities were found to support ongoing engagement in disaster prevention. At the community level, the open structure of the Disaster Prevention Committee led to collaboration among diverse stakeholders and feedback on activities, while psychological safety allowed for the free expression of opinions and trial-and-error, contributing to the formation of participants’ intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, factors including the involvement of local government and social momentum influenced participation. These findings suggest that sustaining community-based disaster prevention activities may require fostering meaning-making, facilitating participants’ internal reinterpretation of motivations, and developing supportive policies that consider both individual and community dynamics.