Before the Earthquake, Memorial, and After

An earthquake is a natural disaster whose timing cannot be precisely predicted in advance and can cause significant loss of life and property. Measures taken before, during, and after an earthquake are vital to mitigate its effects. In this context, conscious action at both individual and societal levels is necessary.

Measures That Can Be Taken Before an Earthquake

1. Ensuring Structural Safety

The compliance of buildings with seismic regulations must be verified by qualified professionals.

Strengthening work should be carried out, and avoidance of structurally weak buildings is essential.

2. Securing Furniture and Organizing Risky Areas

Heavy items such as cabinets, bookshelves, and shelves must be anchored to walls.

Resting areas such as beds and sofas should be kept away from windows and heavy furniture.

Objects that could fall (frames, chandeliers, televisions, etc.) must be securely positioned.

3. Preparing an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit containing water, durable food, a flashlight, batteries, basic first aid supplies, a blanket, personal hygiene items, essential medications, and copies of important documents should be readily available.

4. Creating a Family Disaster and Evacuation Plan

Safe meeting locations before and after an earthquake must be predetermined.

Drills should be conducted to practice how and through which routes to evacuate the home.

Family members, especially children, must be taught what to do during an earthquake.

5. Preparing an Emergency Contact Card

Cards containing identification details and contact information for emergency contacts should be prepared and carried by everyone.

6. Ensuring the Safety of Gas, Water, and Electrical Installations

The integrity of installations must be inspected, and precautions taken against leaks and short-circuit risks.

The locations of main shut-off valves for gas, water, and electricity should be known, and emergency shut-off procedures should be practiced.

7. Conducting Education and Drills

Regular drills should be held to learn appropriate behavior during an earthquake, and disaster awareness training should be undertaken.

Measures That Can Be Taken During an Earthquake

1. Apply the Drop-Cover-Hold On Technique

When shaking begins, drop to the ground, take cover under or beside a sturdy object, and protect your head and neck.

Hold on and remain still without attempting to move.

2. Choose Safe Locations

Avoid areas near windows, glass, exterior walls, and furniture or shelves that could topple.

If no table, sturdy sofa, or desk is available, assume a fetal position against an interior wall.

3. Avoid Panic

Avoid running or shouting. Remain still during the shaking.

4. Keep Doors Open

Where possible, keep exit doors open to prevent them from jamming during the earthquake.

5. Actions to Take While in a Vehicle

Stop the vehicle safely, turn off the engine, and remain inside.

Avoid areas near bridges, tunnels, overpasses, and other hazardous zones.

6. Actions to Take in Open Areas

Stay away from buildings, trees, power lines, and other hazardous structures.

Assume a protective position in an open area following the drop-cover-hold on principle.

Measures That Can Be Taken After an Earthquake

1. Ensure Your Own Safety and Assess the Surroundings

First, ensure your own safety, then check for injured people nearby.

Apply basic first aid for life-threatening injuries and call for professional assistance.

2. Inspect Gas, Water, and Electrical Installations

If a gas smell is detected, immediately shut off the main valve, leave the building, and notify authorities.

Do not turn on electrical switches and avoid any movements that could produce sparks.

3. Be Alert for Aftershocks

It must not be forgotten that aftershocks can occur after a major earthquake.

The same drop-cover-hold on technique should be applied during aftershocks.

4. Do Not Enter Buildings Until Structural Safety Is Confirmed

Do not enter any building until its structural safety has been verified.

Do not re-enter homes or buildings without official clearance declaring them safe.

5. Move to Designated Gathering Areas

Proceed to gathering areas designated by official authorities and follow their announcements.

6. Use Communication Devices Responsibly

Keep phone calls brief and essential to keep lines open for emergency use.

Obtain reliable information through FM radio or official internet sources.

7. Avoid Information Pollution

Only official statements from authorized institutions should be trusted; unverified information must not be spread.