Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) organized an “Earthquake Week Awareness Training” within the scope of March 1-7 Earthquake Week. In the training given by Asst. Prof. Ayşe Yıldırım from the VSHS Emergency and Disaster Management Program, the vital importance of precautions to be taken before an earthquake was emphasized. Yıldırım stressed that Türkiye is covered like a spiderweb with fault lines and that earthquakes are an unavoidable natural phenomenon, stating that the main priority should be a ‘risk-focused’ preparation process, not crisis management. Yıldırım said, “No matter how solid your building is, a structure without a ground survey always carries risk; therefore, we must complete the preparation phase as soon as possible and make our living spaces safe with NNHR (Non-Structural Hazards Reduction) efforts.”
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Risk-focused approach, not crisis-focused, is essential!
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The training, held in the Emirnebi-1 Conference Hall at Çarşı Campus, was moderated by VSHS Deputy Director and Emergency and Disaster Management Program Head Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş. VSHS academics and students attended the training, which attracted significant interest.
Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş: “Türkiye faces the reality of earthquakes at all times”
The opening speech of the training was delivered by VSHS Deputy Director and Emergency and Disaster Management Program Head Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş. Demirtaş reminded that due to its geographical location, Türkiye constantly faces the reality of earthquakes and emphasized the vital importance of individual preparedness. Demirtaş also stated that the time it takes for professional teams to arrive after a disaster can be prolonged; “From the moment a major disaster occurs, our survival within what we call the first 72 hours will be possible with the preparations we make individually, as it may take longer for professional teams to reach us.” He stressed that while it is not possible to stop an earthquake, its effects can be mitigated through awareness.
Risk-focused approach, not crisis-focused, is essential!
Asst. Prof. Ayşe Yıldırım from the VSHS Emergency and Disaster Management Program explained the four-stage cycle of disaster management, stating that the general approach in Türkiye is “crisis-focused” but the real priority should be “risk-focused.” Yıldırım emphasized the importance of damage reduction efforts before a disaster; “Our main priority must be risk-focused. In other words, we need to give due importance to the preparation phase, with pre-disaster risk and damage reduction. The most critical stage of disaster management is the first stage, where hazards are analyzed and risks are reduced.” she said.
Preparation phase must be carried out as soon as possible
Asst. Prof. Ayşe Yıldırım stated that Türkiye is covered like a spiderweb with fault lines and shared Kandilli Observatory’s scenarios for the expected major Istanbul earthquake. Yıldırım reminded that in a potential 7.5 magnitude earthquake, tens of thousands of buildings could be severely damaged; “An earthquake is inevitable, we need to complete the preparation phase as soon as possible. No matter how solid your building is, if it’s on poor ground, your building will still be damaged due to soil liquefaction; therefore, a ground survey must definitely be done.” she said, drawing attention to safe construction.
Living spaces can become safe with NNHR
Yıldırım stated that non-structural elements and objects cause injuries during an earthquake and explained the importance of “NNHR” (Non-Structural Hazards Reduction) efforts. Yıldırım emphasized that items inside the house should be secured; “There are simple but life-saving efforts we can make, such as securing cabinets inside the house and placing furniture away from windows. Against risks from windows, you can use thick curtains and secure heavy furniture with L-shaped metal profiles.” she said.
The first 72 hours are highly critical!
Yıldırım stated that preparing a disaster kit is the most critical part of the preparation process, adding that everyone should be self-sufficient for the first three days, referred to as “golden hours.” Yıldırım noted that the kit should contain many items, from seasonal clothing to first aid supplies; “Everyone should be able to survive these three days. It is extremely important to put enough water, food, and spare copies of your regularly used medications for 72 hours in your disaster kit.” she warned.
“Drop, Cover, Hold On” must be applied until the shaking stops
Yıldırım stated that the biggest mistake made during an earthquake is to panic and run to stairs or balconies, emphasizing that the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” action should be applied until the shaking stops. After an earthquake, Yıldırım reminded that phones should not be busy to keep communication channels open; “We must avoid voice calls; it is essential to communicate via WhatsApp or SMS. Because we are making the job of search and rescue personnel difficult with phone traffic there.” she said, pointing to social responsibility.
Light search and rescue efforts are vitally important
Asst. Prof. Ayşe Yıldırım stated that in the post-disaster period, significant responsibilities fall to local disaster volunteers until professional teams reach the area, specifically pointing out the vital importance of “light search and rescue” efforts that do not require expertise. Yıldırım said; “What we call light search and rescue are actually simple search and rescue activities that do not require any expertise. Helping to find a missing disaster victim, providing first aid to the injured, and offering psychological support to disaster victims are the most basic tasks expected from local volunteers.”
Yıldırım reminded that Türkiye faces many disaster risks, from earthquakes to fires, gas leaks to cyberattacks, and underlined that because earthquakes are unavoidable natural phenomena, all segments of society must prioritize risk-focused preparation efforts.