Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Emergency and Disaster Management Program organized a “Disaster Awareness Training” within the scope of March 1-7 Earthquake Week. Melike Karadağ from Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Management Department and Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat, Head of Disaster Preparedness Branch at the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), participated as speakers in the training. During the training, detailed information was provided to participants regarding the precautions and preparations to be taken concerning disaster education and search and rescue processes.
Academics and students, including Dr. Lecturer Nuri Bingöl, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Lecturer Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Deputy Director of SHMYO; Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of the Emergency and Disaster Management Program; and Özer Aydınlı, Director of Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs, along with his team, attended the training held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi 1 Conference Hall.
Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “Every precaution taken can save lives in the future”
The opening speech of the program was delivered by Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of the SHMYO Emergency and Disaster Management Program. Demirtaş drew attention to the importance of disaster awareness, stating; “Being aware of disasters not only enhances our individual safety but also increases our societal resilience to disasters. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires can lead to significant loss of life and property if precautions are not taken. However, thanks to science and technology, we can be better prepared and minimize risks. In this training, we will gain awareness about pre-disaster preparation, correct behavior during a disaster, and post-disaster recovery processes. Let's not forget that every precaution taken can save lives in the future,” he said.
Melike Karadağ: “A good plan and preparation can save lives”
Melike Karadağ from the Üsküdar Municipality Disaster Affairs Department addressed disaster awareness and the precautions to be taken before a disaster. Karadağ stated; “We emphasize the importance of understanding the effects of natural disasters on our lives and creating social awareness by learning from our experiences in this regard. Being prepared for disasters is not only the responsibility of the state or municipality but also a responsibility that every individual must fulfill. In this context, we aim to raise awareness by providing training to families, schools, and workplaces. Every individual needs to be trained on how to respond to earthquakes, fires, or other disasters. We all should have disaster plans in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Furthermore, we should regularly review our emergency kits and household arrangements. Because in times of disaster, a good plan and preparation can save lives,” she said.
Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat: “We must create a desire to live in disaster-resilient cities”
Dr. Emir Fatih Akbulat, Head of AKOM Disaster Preparedness Branch, emphasized the importance of search and rescue training. Akbulat stated; “A search and rescue team operates in five different areas: Management, search, rescue, medical, and logistics. In Turkey, urban search and rescue teams are accredited by AFAD. Search and rescue is a highly responsible task performed during the country's most challenging moments. Going to a region where thousands have lost their lives and rescuing only a few people can instantly make you a hero, but with a few photos of those rescued, a populist platform is created, and the number of deceased is forgotten. Therefore, the importance of the training provided and the work carried out is significant. It is especially important for universities and student clubs to focus on this issue. If appropriate regulations are not made and necessary precautions are not taken against natural disasters, such efforts will only turn into populist gestures and benefit no one. To provide real benefit, we must pressure our environment, our families, and politicians to create a desire to live in earthquake and disaster-resilient cities,” he said.
The event, which emphasized the importance of disaster awareness training, concluded after thank-you certificates were presented to the speakers and a group photo was taken.
