What to do before, during and after an earthquake

As we all know, on Monday, February 6, at 04:17 am, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Kahramanmarash. With the earthquake that affected at least 10 provinces, we painfully remembered that the lands we live in are actually in the earthquake zone… We are very sad, very anxious. But, unfortunately, do not forget that we are still living in the country of earthquakes, in order to be more aware of earthquakes; We need to take more precautions.

Your past experience with earthquakes can give you a false sense of security. At that moment, perhaps you did nothing, ran outside, or waited in a doorway for the earthquake to end, surviving unscathed. Maybe you crawled under the table; others thought you were overreacting…

Another possibility; Perhaps you have never experienced the strong shaking that is typical of large earthquakes. Whatever your experience; You should get expert advice on how to protect yourself after a possible first concussion.

We have put together what needs to be done before, during and after an earthquake, based on the AFAD guidelines. All experts agree that the following personal precautions will reduce potential injury and death during earthquakes.

But before that, let’s look at how we can support earthquake-affected areas to heal our wounds together.

How can we support areas affected by the earthquake?

Keeping in mind that we live in an earthquake-prone country, each of us should take into account the above AFAD recommendations. In addition to this, there is something we can do to support earthquake-affected areas during difficult times like today.

1. Safe Earthquake Resources

For now, first of all, we would like to share safe resources with you.

Important warning: Even if you want to volunteer to help earthquake victims, remember that you cannot do so without planning and training. Otherwise, you will do more harm than good to workers and earthquake victims in the region. Instead of; You can make donations using the accounts of official relief organizations, and you can help earthquake victims by reviewing the lists of needs in your area.

In order not to be exposed to information pollution on social networks, follow the statements of the authorities and their accounts on social networks.

2. Wreckage Information and Notices

Citizens under the rubble can be reported through AFAD, AKUT and AHBAP.

3. Donations

also above Important warning As we stated in the note, instead of acting individually in a panic; the statements of official institutions on this issue should be taken into account; We must support the relevant organizations in accordance with their instructions.

• AFAD launched a relief campaign after the earthquake. To support, you can donate 20 TL by writing EARTHQUAKE to 1866. If you want to help more, you can use the IBAN addresses here.
• Clothing, etc. For your needs, you can contact your regional mukhtars who work in coordination with AFAD.
• You can get more information by calling 153 to support the list of needs prepared by IMM.
• You can donate to the AHBAP ASSOCIATION using the IBAN here.
• You can donate 15 TL by dialing DEPREM and sending an SMS to 2868 to support the Red Crescent’s relief campaign.
• You can donate 10 TL by typing “AKUT” and texting 2930. Those who want to help more can use the relevant IBAN addresses by clicking here.

4. Field Volunteer Call

• The Needs Map called for volunteers on the ground to work in areas affected by the earthquake. You can apply for the disaster relief program at afetharitasi.org.
• In addition, Disaster Platform shared a form for volunteers who want to participate in field work after the earthquake. You can find the form here.

5. Donate blood

The Red Crescent called on citizens to donate blood for possible needs in the area of ​​the earthquake. You can find out about the nearest centers where you can donate blood at kanver.org.

Beware of information pollution on the Internet!

• Above, we have shared safe resources that you can subscribe to. Even though we want to help each other in these difficult days, we must be careful not to interfere with healthy communication – unintentionally – by spreading false information in a panic.
• We should not share any information that we are unsure of. Instead, we should follow official and reliable sources.

Earthquake Precautions

Of course, residential areas must be carefully identified in areas at risk from earthquakes. For example, do not populate slippery and flat areas. The durability of existing buildings should be improved. This, etc. Even if you can’t take precautions individually, you should check the earthquake resistance of your current building, and you should definitely have earthquake insurance for your home.

In addition to this, you should take the following precautions in your home to protect yourself from damage that may result from property, not the building:

• Fix with plastic holders or glue to prevent items placed on the cabinet from falling.
• stove, etc. Attach the heaters to the wall or floor with strong materials.
• Attach items that can tip over, such as cabinets, to each other and to the wall.
• Ceiling and wall chandeliers, air conditioners, etc. Hang devices with hooks to support their weight, at a sufficient distance from walls and windows.
• Make sure that the doors of the cabinet with heavy objects are closed with mechanical locks.
• Place a metal profile under the household appliances on the counter so that it does not slip.
• Secure toxic, explosive and flammable materials in places where they will not fall and store them so that they do not break. Apply phosphorescent, identifying labels to these items.
• Consider adding rubber bands or wire to the front of the shelves. Place small items and bottles in the boxes so that they do not hit each other or topple over.
• Automate the gas valve and electrical fuses against gas leakage and fire.
• Eliminate hazards on roads that will be used to exit the building immediately. Remove objects from the roadway that may block the exit.
• Do not place beds near a window or heavy cabinets that could topple over, and do not place heavy objects or shelves on top of them.
• Prepare an earthquake kit for all the places you spend time. Such a bag is necessary to have not only at home, at work, but also at school and in the classroom.
• Create a “disaster preparedness plan” with the people you live with, review and apply this plan every 6 months.
• In the event of an emergency, determine how to contact family members, alternative meeting places, and a point of contact outside of the area that anyone can contact.
• Make copies of your important documents and keep them waterproof, and keep copies of these documents with an external contact person.
• Have a fire extinguisher that is the right size for your home and make sure it is serviced regularly.

What to do during an earthquake

So far, we have listed the precautions you can take against a possible earthquake. So, do you know what to do during an earthquake? First of all, if you are inside a building during an earthquake, don’t panic.

• Loose cabinet, shelf, window, etc. keep away from things.
• Create a triangle of life by crouching under a table supported by sturdy chairs, if available, or next to an object that can provide protection, such as a bulky chair, sofa, or chest.
• Protect your head by holding it with your hands or with protective material (pillow, book, etc.). Hold this position until the shaking subsides.
• When you find a safe place “On the knees A LOT OFfor head and neck protection SHUT UPon a stable place so as not to fall TOBACCO!” stay connected to the system.
• Never run for stairs or exits.
• Do not go out onto the balcony or out the window.
• Never use the elevator.
• Do not use your phone except to report emergencies and fires.
• Do not light matches or lighters; Do not touch electrical switches.
• In places where there are working tools, such as kitchen, workshop, laboratory; stove, oven, etc. turn off appliances, keep away from materials and substances that may spill.
• After the shaking has passed, turn off the electricity, gas and water fittings, turn off the stove and heaters.
• After taking security measures, take your earthquake bag and leave the building from the previously defined road and go to the collection area.

Moreover, What to do if you are outside during an earthquake in that:

• Move away from power lines and poles, trees, other buildings and wall bases. Be prepared for danger by crouching on the emptyest open space.
• Do not stay under slopes where landslides, rocks, or rocks can fall. If you are in such an environment, quickly move to a safe place.
• Beware of chimneys, broken glass, and plaster that can fall from buildings.
• Beware of dangers from underground sewers, power lines and gas pipelines.
• Get away from the sea.

What to do after an earthquake

For your safety in case of a possible earthquake, you should definitely take into account these recommendations, determined by experts. Once you have safely left your building, consider the following suggestions; At work What to do after an earthquake.

• First of all, make sure you are safe.
• Then check to see if there is anyone near you that you can help.
• Fires are secondary disasters following earthquakes and are quite common. Therefore, if you smell gas, turn off the gas valve. Open windows and doors. Leave the building immediately.
• Cleaning up spills of hazardous materials.
• Take an earthquake bag with you, proceed towards the meeting point in your area.
• Heed the warnings given to you by the media, such as radio and television.
• Leave avenues and streets empty for emergency vehicles.
• There are always aftershocks after every major earthquake. Aftershocks become rare and decrease in size over time. Aftershocks can damage damaged buildings. Therefore, do not enter damaged buildings until the tremors are completely gone.
• During aftershocks, consider what to do during the main earthquake.

If you are caught in the wreckage;

• Check your status without panic.
• If your mobility is limited, stay away from movements that could put your life at risk when exiting. Remember that lifeguards will make every effort to get to you as soon as possible.
• Keep your movements under control in order to use your energy in the most efficient way.
• If you can use your arms and legs, try to make your presence audible by hitting water, heating, gas installations, and the floor.
• If you can use your voice, try to hear the voices of the rescuers and call them. However, continue to use your energy in a controlled way.

This might interest you: How does earthquake trauma affect our psychology?