The 5.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Düzce at 04.08 was felt in many cities and caused panic. Experts emphasize the importance of remaining calm during an earthquake and point out that large items should be secured. Stating that potential panic can lead to inappropriate behaviors, Dr. Nuri Bingöl reminds that instead of jumping from windows or balconies, one should perform the ‘drop, cover, hold on’ action next to a safe and large item during an earthquake. Highlighting the necessity of securing large items and keeping sharp and pointed tools in enclosed places, Dr. Nuri Bingöl also emphasizes the importance of conducting earthquake drills with children.
Panic and fear lead to injuries during an earthquake!
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Vice Dean, OHS specialist Assistant Professor Dr. Nuri Bingöl made evaluations regarding what should be done and the precautions to be taken during an earthquake, following the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Düzce.
Large items must be secured!
Noting that pre-earthquake preparation is crucial to avoid damage during an earthquake, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “Large items that could topple over due to shaking during an earthquake should be secured to the wall, and additionally, items like picture frames or shelves on the wall that could cause harm if they fall should ideally not be present. If this is not possible, it must be ensured that these are also securely fastened.”
Earthquake drills ensure calm behavior
Pointing out the importance of pre-earthquake drills, OHS specialist Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “An earthquake, as is known, is a moment of panic. To overcome this moment without panicking or to panic less, earthquake drills are very important. Like the nationwide drill we conducted recently, many more practices, whether at a country level, institutional level, or within the family, will ensure calm behavior during an earthquake and make the necessary actions automatic, thus forming an important factor for our survival.”
Durable item sides should be preferred for “Drop-Cover-Hold On”…
Stating that the “drop - cover - hold on” movements performed in drills are also important, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “More importantly, where we will drop, cover, and hold on. For this, it is necessary to prefer the sides of durable large items where gaps, which we call the triangle of life, can form. Washing machines or dishwashers can be suitable durable items for this.”
Sharp and pointed tools should be kept in enclosed places
OHS specialist Dr. Nuri Bingöl stated that keeping sharp and pointed tools in closed drawers, not only to prevent damage during an earthquake but also to prevent injuries in general, also emerges as safe behavior during an earthquake.
Items that create a triangle of life are important!
Referring to the precautions to be taken in rooms where children sleep, OHS specialist Dr. Nuri Bingöl advised, “All these precautions should be applied more sensitively in rooms where children are present. As much as possible, care should be taken to keep sturdy large items that can form a triangle of life in these rooms, secured to the wall. Through continuous training and drills, a change in behavior and awareness should be created in our children regarding what they should do during an earthquake.”
Trying to escape is very dangerous!
Emphasizing the importance of not panicking during an earthquake, OHS specialist Dr. Nuri Bingöl stated that trying to escape from one's current location is particularly dangerous, adding:
“Panic leads people to engage in behaviors they should not. Jumping from windows or balconies is much, much more dangerous than staying home and performing the drop-cover-hold on action next to a safe large item during an earthquake. Jumping from windows or balconies is among the behaviors that should not be done. Similarly, the most earthquake-vulnerable parts of buildings are generally staircases; these are the places with the highest risk of collapse. Therefore, heading towards the stairs, desiring to go outside as quickly as possible, or even attempting to use elevators are also among the most incorrect behaviors. By remaining calm during an earthquake, utilizing the information we gained from previous drills, and being prepared for earthquakes, we increase our chances of survival.”