Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan, an Occupational Health and Safety Expert, drew attention to the fire hazard that can occur immediately after an earthquake and the precautions that should be taken, explaining that the risk of fire after an earthquake can mostly arise from natural gas leaks and explosions, electrical short circuits, chemical substance leaks, vehicle fires, and heating systems.
Dr. Uçan stated that the early warning system, which is currently used in 6 countries around the world, should be widespread in our country, including in residences. He said, “In the time gained this way; gas can be shut off from the natural gas valve in homes, main entrance doors and doors leading to fire escapes can be opened, shoes can be put on, and an earthquake kit can be grabbed.”
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, drew attention to the fire hazard that can occur immediately after an earthquake and listed the precautions that should be taken.
The Importance of Early Warning Systems…
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan stated that the early warning system, which is currently used in 6 countries around the world, should be widespread in our country, including in residences. He said, “In the time gained this way; gas can be shut off from the natural gas valve in homes, main entrance doors and doors leading to fire escapes can be opened, shoes can be put on, and an earthquake kit can be grabbed.”
Where can fires occur after an earthquake?
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan explained that the risk of fire after an earthquake can mostly arise from natural gas leaks and explosions, electrical short circuits, chemical substance leaks, vehicle fires, and heating systems. He noted that gas leaks can occur due to pipeline ruptures during an earthquake, and although institutions like İGDAŞ are known to shut off main valves with earthquake detection systems, systems that can automatically cut off gas flow inside buildings should be installed. Otherwise, gas leaking inside the building could cause an explosion and fire with a single spark.
Extinguishing Electric Vehicle Fires is Extremely Difficult
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan continued as follows:
“Electrical short circuits; damage to buildings and transformers can lead to short circuits, which in turn can cause fires. Chemical substance leaks; overturning or leaking flammable and explosive materials in industrial zones pose serious fire risks. Vehicle fires; colliding vehicles or overturned electric vehicles during an earthquake can cause fires. Extinguishing electric vehicle fires is extremely difficult. Heating systems; systems such as water heaters, combi boilers, stoves, or LPG cylinders can overturn and cause fires.”
What kind of scenario might we face?
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan noted that gas leaks can occur in many places in the first hours after an earthquake, and generators that become active when electricity is cut off increase the risk of creating sparks.
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan stated, “The explosion of natural gas leaking from gas lines under the rubble with a spark can cause fires in large areas. In densely built-up areas, multiple fires breaking out simultaneously can make it difficult for firefighters to reach the scene. Teams that can respond within 7 minutes under normal circumstances may not be able to access due to destruction after an earthquake. This can lead to fires growing and turning into a disaster.”
Precautions to be taken against fire risk
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan also listed the precautions that should be taken against fire risk before an earthquake as follows:
“Automatic gas shut-off valves should be installed in homes and workplaces.
Electrical and natural gas installations should be regularly inspected.
Detailed emergency plans should be prepared for industrial facilities.
Rapid gas shut-off systems of institutions like Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) and İGDAŞ should be regularly tested and expanded.
Fire extinguishing equipment should be kept in neighborhood-based assembly areas.
The public should be informed through fire drills.”
What to do in case of fire:
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan also listed what should be done in case of fire after an earthquake as follows:
“If gas smell is detected, actions that could create sparks should be avoided (such as turning on switches, using a phone...).
The building should be evacuated quickly and orderly.
The natural gas valve and electrical fuse should be shut off.
Small fires should be dealt with a fire extinguisher, for large fires, the fire department should be notified and one should move away.
An assembly area should be reached, and information shared with authorities.”
Recommendations against fire risk
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Rüştü Uçan also made recommendations against fire risk, concluding his remarks by saying, “Every home should have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, and how to use them should be learned. An earthquake kit should include a flashlight, whistle, lighter, and a small fire blanket. Emergency actions within the family should be planned. Volunteer disaster teams should be formed in neighborhoods.”