Early warning systems should be widespread, vertical construction should be abandoned!
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, evaluated earthquake preparations on the 27th anniversary of the August 17, 1999 Marmara Earthquake, drawing attention to the importance of early warning systems in disaster management.
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that national or regional earthquake early warning systems are used in high-earthquake-risk countries such as Japan, Mexico, China, the USA (West Coast), Taiwan, South Korea, and Turkey. “In the Marmara region, EDİS company has established centers with sensitive devices at various points near the fault line. Here, the first preceding P-wave of the earthquake is measured and evaluated, detecting the earthquake 5 to 60 seconds in advance based on its location, and sending its magnitude and epicenter information to the companies it serves. Companies receiving this information process it with artificial intelligence applications to minimize potential damage.”
“Even 5 seconds can be critical if used correctly”
Dr. Uçan stated, “Earthquake warning devices should be placed in fault line regions throughout Turkey, whether by this company or another organization. Thus, people will be informed about the earthquake 5-60 seconds in advance. During this time, electricity can be cut, and natural gas systems can be shut down. In factories, hundreds of safety actions can be activated with artificial intelligence and automation systems. This way, in addition to potential loss of life after an earthquake, economic and environmental damage can also be reduced.”
“Vertical construction should be abandoned”
Pointing out that high-rise construction continues in Turkey despite the reality of earthquakes, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said, “Vertical construction continues unabated in our country. Despite 27 years passing since the 1999 earthquake and 3 years since the 2023 earthquake, incorrect construction practices persist. This is true not only in Istanbul but also in cities with 50,000 inhabitants. In Germany, even though it is not an earthquake zone, buildings are generally 3 stories high. They do not disrupt this system. Here, some of these high-rise buildings were constructed in emergency earthquake assembly areas. Vertical construction must be abandoned immediately. Existing earthquake assembly areas must be protected.”
Determine where your family will meet after an earthquake
Emphasizing that individuals and families should also create their own emergency plans for earthquake preparedness, Dr. Uçan said, “Preparations such as where our family will gather after an earthquake and a common contact phone number for outside the city should be made now.”
Be prepared for the first 72 hours
Noting that a disaster and emergency kit is one of the fundamental elements of earthquake preparedness, Dr. Uçan said, “Even if you survive a major earthquake, it might not be possible for aid teams to reach you within the first 72 hours. Therefore, we must keep a disaster and emergency kit that can meet our basic needs readily available in an easily accessible place.”
Stating that the disaster kit should not only be considered for earthquakes, Dr. Uçan said, “For disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and fires, an easily portable and, if possible, waterproof bag should be prepared, containing products that can meet people’s basic living needs and first aid supplies. The ability to carry the bag on the shoulder or back is important for mobility during a disaster.”
What should be in an earthquake kit?
Stating that the bag should be prepared according to personal and family needs, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan listed the essential materials that should be included as follows:
“Flashlight, multi-purpose folding fork-spoon set, radio, batteries, plastic whistle, work gloves, raincoat, water, protective blanket, mask, bandages, instant cold compress, warning vest, fleece blanket, spare keys (home, workplace, vehicle), thermos or water bottle, dry food (such as nuts, chocolate, fruit leather), canned food, and some cash.”
Noting that important documents should not be forgotten, Dr. Uçan said, “Photocopies of important documents such as ID, driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration, title deed, and insurance policies can be included in the bag. It would also be beneficial to store digital copies of these documents in a secure cloud environment.”
Include a medication list and family photos in the kit
Uçan stated that some items in the disaster kit are of particular importance during a crisis: “Current photos of family members, a list of regularly used medications, and important medical information must be considered. A local map showing the family’s meeting point can also be included in the bag.”
Dr. Uçan also underlined the importance of checking the expiration dates of materials inside the bag, stating, "Materials should be determined according to the characteristics of the users (such as babies, children, elderly, disabled, pregnant, sick, pets), easily usable, and placed in a way that they do not negatively affect each other. The earthquake kit should be kept in the area we consider as a shelter at home."
Stating that hygiene materials should not be neglected, Dr. Uçan said that basic products such as soap or disinfectant, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, toilet paper, and sanitary pads can be added to the bag according to needs.
“Not every earthquake kit should be the same”
Emphasizing that it is not enough to leave the disaster kit in a corner after preparation, Uçan pointed out that its contents should be checked regularly.
“The expiration dates of the materials must be followed,” said Uçan, adding, “The kit should be prepared according to the characteristics of the people who will use it. If there is a baby, child, elderly, disabled, pregnant, or chronically ill person at home, their special needs must be taken into account. Families with pets should also plan for their animals’ water, food, and other basic needs.”
Dr. Uçan added that the disaster kit should be kept at an easily accessible and safe point at home, and similar preparations are important in workplaces and schools as well.
