The importance of being prepared for disasters was highlighted through disaster awareness training
As part of the Earthquake Week observed between March 1-7, Üsküdar University’s Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Emergency and Disaster Management Program organized a “Disaster Awareness Training.” The event featured Melike Karadağ from Üsküdar Municipality’s Disaster Department and Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat, Head of the Disaster Preparedness Department at the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), as speakers. During the training, participants received detailed information on necessary precautions and preparations regarding disaster education and search and rescue processes.
The training took place at the Emir Nebi 1 Conference Hall of Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus. Among the attendees were Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Deputy Director of VSHS Dr. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Üsküdar Municipality’s Director of Disaster Affairs Özer Aydınlı and his team, as well as academics and students.
Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “Every precaution taken today can save lives in the future”
The opening speech of the program was delivered by Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program at VSHS. Emphasizing the importance of disaster awareness, Demirtaş stated: “Being conscious of disasters not only ensures our individual safety but also strengthens our community’s resilience against them. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires can cause significant loss of life and property if precautions are not taken. However, with the help of science and technology, we can be better prepared and minimize risks. Through this training, we aim to raise awareness about preparedness before disasters, correct behaviors during disasters, and recovery processes afterward. Let us not forget that every precaution taken today can save lives in the future.”
Melike Karadağ: “A good plan and preparation can save lives”
Melike Karadağ from Üsküdar Municipality’s Disaster Affairs Department discussed disaster awareness and the precautions that should be taken before a disaster occurs. She stated:
“We emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of natural disasters on our lives and drawing lessons from our experiences to raise social awareness. Disaster preparedness is not only the responsibility of the government or municipalities but a duty of every individual. In this regard, we aim to raise awareness by providing training to families, schools, and workplaces. Every individual must be educated on how to respond to earthquakes, fires, or other disasters. We should all have disaster plans at home, school, and workplaces. Additionally, we must regularly review our emergency kits and household arrangements. Because in the moment of disaster, a good plan and preparation can save lives.”
Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat: “We must foster a desire to live in disaster-resilient cities”
Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat, Head of the Disaster Preparedness Department at AKOM, emphasized the importance of search and rescue training. He stated that “A search and rescue team operates in five different areas: management, search, rescue, medical, and logistics. In Turkey, the accreditation of urban search and rescue teams is carried out by AFAD. Search and rescue is a highly responsible task carried out during the country’s most difficult moments. Going to a disaster-stricken area where thousands have lost their lives and rescuing just a few people can instantly make someone a hero. However, while photos of those rescued gain public attention, the number of those who perished is often forgotten. This is why training and preparedness efforts are of great importance. It is crucial for universities and student clubs to focus on these issues. If appropriate regulations are not made and necessary precautions are not taken against natural disasters, such efforts become mere publicity stunts and fail to benefit anyone. To create real change, we must encourage our communities, families, and policymakers to foster a desire to live in disaster-resilient cities.”
The event, which emphasized the importance of disaster awareness training, concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers and a group photo session.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜHA)