Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) organized a Disaster Awareness Training. The training aimed to increase awareness of disaster preparedness, proper risk management, and correct intervention during crises. The event highlighted the vital importance of pre-disaster preparation, individual intervention in the first 72 hours, and correct emergency call communication, emphasizing that disaster awareness is a societal responsibility.
Ziya Gökalp Şahin, President of TULPARS Civil Defense Search and Rescue Association, attended the event held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emirnebi Conference Hall as a guest speaker.
Şahin, addressing the importance of pre-disaster preparedness, correct behavior during a disaster, and individual awareness, emphasized the vital importance of being prepared for disasters, especially in large cities. Şahin also underlined that disaster awareness is not just an individual but a societal responsibility.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Karasakal: “With accurate information and preparation, we can minimize losses”
SHMYO Director Asst. Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, who delivered the opening speech of the training, stated that universities undertake responsibilities not only through educational and research activities but also through works contributing to society. Karasakal, emphasizing that disaster awareness trainings are critically important for public health and safety, said; “Thanks to accurate information and preparation, we can minimize potential losses.”
Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “We need to increase societal awareness”
Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Head of SHMYO Emergency and Disaster Management Program, drew attention to the importance of taking measures before a disaster occurs, rather than just intervening after. Demirtaş said; “Earthquakes, fires, floods, and similar disasters can be unavoidable. We must be conscious of these situations. We need to share the information we acquire with our surroundings and increase societal awareness.”
Ziya Gökalp Şahin: “In a disaster, you are your first rescuer”
Ziya Gökalp Şahin, President of TULPARS Civil Defense Search and Rescue Association, who conducted the Disaster Awareness Training, emphasized that in a potential major disaster, professional search and rescue teams might not be able to reach every location within the first 72 hours. Therefore, Şahin stated that it is vitally important for individuals to be prepared to sustain their own lives during a disaster; "In a disaster, you are your first rescuer," he said, underlining individual preparedness.
Şahin stated that disasters should not be regarded solely as natural events, adding that they are largely a result of lack of preparedness and improper risk management. He also emphasized that simple yet effective measures taken before a disaster play a decisive role in reducing loss of life.
Şahin drew attention to correct emergency call communication
Within the scope of the training, Şahin also addressed the topic of correct emergency call communication, highlighting the importance of providing clear guidance during panic, such as "Dial 1-1-2 and call" instead of just "Call 112." Şahin also stated that in cases where the 112 line cannot be reached, the 911 line is also actively operating in Turkey, and knowing the 114 Alo Zehir (Poison) line for poisoning cases could be vital.
A small survival kit should be available…
Şahin also touched upon the topic of disaster kits, stating that a disaster kit should not be considered merely as equipment to be taken when leaving the house. He emphasized that having a small survival kit containing basic necessities next to the bed, in case of being trapped under rubble in a potential collapse, could extend one's lifespan. He noted that water and basic foodstuffs play a critical role during this process.
“Disaster awareness is everyone’s responsibility”
Şahin stated that societal resilience is only possible with conscious individuals, emphasizing that the acquired knowledge should not remain at an individual level alone. Calling on participants to share disaster awareness with their families and surroundings, Şahin stated that the spread of this awareness would create a multiplier effect.
Şahin emphasized that being prepared for disasters is not only a professional but also a humanitarian responsibility, stating that losses can be minimized with accurate information and preparation.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and a group photo session.
