To mark Taiwan’s annual National Disaster Prevention Day on Sept. 21, the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (Taiwan) not only joined government-led earthquake and tsunami alert drills but also took disaster preparedness directly to the public. Over the weekend, volunteers and staff fanned out across Taipei, staging interactive activities at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the National Taiwan Science Education Center to highlight practical skills—from emergency kits and knot-tying to first aid demonstrations.

The message was clear: disaster preparedness is not an occasional exercise, but a way of life.

Because the observance fell on a weekend this year, the government held its nationwide drill on Friday, Sept. 19. At precisely 9:21 a.m., as sirens blared, the Taiwan Red Cross personnel dropped, covered, and held on—the three basic yet crucial steps for surviving an earthquake. Later that morning, the organization’s humanitarian campus in Tamsui tested the tsunami alert system, confirming both the issuance and reception of warnings in coordination with government protocols.

But the Taiwan Red Cross did not stop at internal drills. On Sept. 20, relief and disaster response volunteers joined a public education event hosted by the Taipei City Government. Under the theme “Act Now: Preparedness Starts Today,” volunteers guided children through games introducing the contents of an emergency kit, and shared Red Cross–designed picture books on disaster readiness—encouraging families to talk openly about preparedness. Disaster relief volunteers also led hands-on knot-tying sessions, showing how a simple rope can become a vital tool for securing, lifting, or rescuing in emergencies. The lively, interactive booth drew many families eager to learn practical skills in a playful setting.

At the National Taiwan Science Education Center, Red Cross trainers ran a parallel two-day program called “Big Questions on Disasters—Science Carnival for Preparedness.” Children and parents practiced CPR compressions on mannequins, learned how to operate an AED, and were taught how to respond to choking. The lessons, presented in a light and engaging way, ensured that children not only absorbed the techniques but could recall them with confidence. Parents, watching their children focus intently and participate bravely, expressed how valuable the experience was.

Taiwan, perched at the junction of tectonic plates, lives with the constant threat of earthquakes. While no one can predict when disaster will strike, preparedness is within reach. Through drills, education, and public engagement, the Taiwan Red Cross underscored a simple truth: disaster prevention is not a slogan but a habit. With every household and every community taking one step more in readiness, the nation as a whole becomes safer.