Many of our citizens lost their lives in the earthquake disaster that occured in Kahramanmaraş and caused great destruction in 10 provinces. This disaster which affected each of us deeply, unfortunately showed very painfully how close we are to the reality of the earthquake and how serious losses it can cause. First of all, we must accept the fact that the geography we are in is an earthquake geography. We, as human beings cannot prevent an earthquake, but we can take the necessary precautions to prevent such a disaster from happening. For this reason, the precautions to be taken for us are not an option but a necessity.
The first step in being prepared for an earthquake, both individually and structurally is to have earthquake awareness. Therefore, we should be conscious of the actions to be taken before, during and after the earthquake and we should encourage the people around us to become conscious.
What to Do Before an Earthquake;
Structural Precautions;
Residential areas should be determined meticulously. Slippery and bottom lands should not be opened to settlement. Housing should not be built on sloping lands.
Structures should be built to be resistant to earthquake effects. Houses and buildings should not be built in places other than the places reserved for housing in the zoning plan.
Buildings should not be built near steep cliffs, in steep gorges and valleys. Buildings should not be built on slopes with heavy snowfall and avalanche.
The durability of existing buildings should be increased. Houses should be insured against earthquakes.
Individual Precautions;
Living Spaces Should Be Made Safe: Cabinets and similar items that can tip over should be fixed to the wall or floor with solid materials. Electrical and gas installations that may cause fire should be repaired, and professional support should be sought.
Emergency Plan Should Be Made: A preparation plan should be made with the participation of everyone at home, at work, in an apartment, at school and how to communicate in an emergency should be decided.
Earthquake Emergency Kit Should Be Prepared: An earthquake emergency kit should be prepared to be kept at home, at work and in the vehicle which includes 3 days of food, water and medicine, as well as tools such as phone chargers, flashlights and radios.
Important Documents Should Be Copied: Copies of important documents such as identity cards, title deeds, insurance documents, diplomas, passports, bankbooks should be prepared.
Drill Should Be Practiced: In order to reduce the risks that may occur during an earthquake, the Drop-Cover-Hold On movements should be practiced at certain time intervals before the earthquake.
What to Do During an Earthquake;
Make Sure You Choose the Safe Area: Do not panic. If you are inside the building; stay away from glass, windows, outward-facing walls and doors and any objects that might fall on you such as lighting installation and fixtures. Do not run towards stairs or exits. Do not use the elevator. Do not try to leave the building during the quake. Do not light matches and lighters. Do not touch electrical switches. If you are in an open area outside the building; move away from power lines, other buildings, poles, trees, and under walls.
Drop-Cover-Hold On: Protect the head and neck area with the Drop-Cover-Hold On movement to form a life triangle next to the furniture that can provide protection such as a table, armchair, sofa or next to the wall in the corridor during an earthquake.
What to Do After an Earthquake;
If You're Stuck in a Debris Area, Control Your Energy : If your mobility is restricted, do not attempt movements that will risk your life for exit. If you can use your voice, try to hear the voices of the rescuers and call out to them. However, control your energy. If you can use your hands and feet instead of shouting all the time, try to make your presence heard by hitting water, heating, gas installations and the floor.
Leaving the Building: When the quake stops, look around and make sure of your surroundings and your own safety, then leave the building. If you smell gas, turn off the gas valve, open the windows and doors, and leave the building immediately. After the quake has stopped, turn off the electricity, gas and water valves; turn off stoves and heaters. Take your disaster and emergency kit with you and go to the assembly area. Also, if you are by the sea get away from the beach and go as high as possible against the danger of tsunami.
Meet the Needs: After making sure of your own safety, you should help people around you. Spilled hazardous materials should be cleaned up and damaged buildings should not be entered until aftershocks have stopped. As financial and moral support to disaster victims, their return to normal life should be facilitated, damaged buildings should be repaired and disaster victims in need of special attention such as the elderly, babies, pregnant women and the disabled should be assisted.
*All the information given in this article has been compiled from the articles on the official website of AFAD. Click for detailed information.
