Experts state that incidents like terrorist acts create panic and are considered emergencies, and that society behaves abnormally in such situations. Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl emphasizes that with 2-3 training sessions and drills annually, a level can be reached where emergency situations can be managed, and draws attention to the need for society to support the assigned fire and similar professional teams and comply with their directions.
2-3 Drills should be conducted annually for emergency situations
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Vice Dean, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl shared important information and advice on what society should do in situations such as terrorist acts and natural disasters.
2-3 Drills should be conducted every year!
Stating that incidents like terrorist acts create panic and are considered emergencies, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl continued his words as follows:
“In such situations, everyone will inevitably behave abnormally. However, if our habits are developed through continuous training and drills to take action in such emergencies, a level can be reached where these emergencies can be managed more calmly. Therefore, the frequency of drills, which should be conducted at least once a year, should be increased to 2 or even 3 times a year. It should also be supported by continuous training. Emergency response teams are established within the scope of legislation. These emergency support teams must also be specially trained and equipped (protective clothing against fire and breathing apparatus). Their swift action will both reduce panic and perhaps minimize casualties. It should not be forgotten that the time elapsed until fire brigades and similar professional teams arrive is vital. The preparedness of emergency teams and their quick on-site interventions both save time and enable safe evacuation. Thus, the atmosphere of panic may also be somewhat reduced.”
It is necessary to comply with the directions of officials
Stating that in similar situations, evacuation should first be started quickly but calmly, using habits acquired from previous drills, and the location should be vacated, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “In the second step, safe assembly points should be headed for. During this time, those on duty must have been identified beforehand and specially trained. The directions of the officials should be followed, and what is said should be done precisely. Evacuation and, if necessary, assistance under certain conditions should be provided with the support of the fire department and AFAD. It is essential to stay away from buildings due to the risk of collapse and/or explosion and to act calmly in accordance with instructions at safe assembly points. The most important event after evacuation is to determine if anyone is left inside by taking a headcount. For this, planning should be done in groups of 20 people through previously conducted drills. These groups should know each other, have a group leader, be able to locate a missing person immediately, and in case of absence, the scene commander or other officials should be informed immediately.”
Crowding should not be caused…
Stating that there will be those trying to reach their relatives in extraordinary situations, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “Under no circumstances should assembly points be left without a headcount. It is very important for officials to determine if anyone is left inside by taking a headcount. The location of parked vehicles and assembly points should be determined in advance by examining the building's surroundings and location. A safe distance should be reached against the risk of building collapse. Parking should absolutely not be done at assembly centers. Exit points should also be kept continuously open to prevent stampedes at exits.”
Intervention of authorities should not be hampered
Emphasizing the need to wait in an orderly manner at assembly points and avoid behaviors that create additional risk, so as not to hinder the intervention of authorities and officials in terms of incident response, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “When requested, it may be necessary to perform required duties. The entry and exit of emergency vehicles are also important. These should not be obstructed either. If there is a suspicion that someone might be left inside, officials should be notified with their location if possible. When emergency support teams and professional teams like the fire department arrive, it is mandatory to follow their instructions.”