Don't Be Caught Unprepared for an Earthquake!

Don't Get Caught Unprepared for an Earthquake! The losses we suffered in the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş and occurring in Hatay, Kilis, Osmaniye, Adana, Gaziantep, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Adıyaman in recent days plunged the entire country into deep mourning… The period ahead encompasses the rapid healing of our wounds and the time to take precautions against possible future earthquakes. Our country, as is well known, is earthquake-prone. We cannot predict exactly when an earthquake will occur. However, it is within our power to take measures against a possible earthquake. The first thing we need to do is secure furniture such as cabinets to the walls. When securing our furniture, we must never neglect to secure the items on or inside them in place. This is because items can cause us serious harm when an earthquake occurs. Chandeliers, air conditioning units and similar devices hanging from ceilings and walls should be hung with hooks in a way that can support their weight, at a sufficient distance from walls and windows. Especially breakable items on sideboards and kitchen countertops should be secured in place with elastic bands or wires so they do not break during an earthquake and cause us harm. Gas valves and electrical circuit breakers should be automated against gas leaks and fire. When we need to quickly escape from the building we are in, we must eliminate all hazards that will obstruct our exit routes. Wide exit routes should be created. Outward-opening doors should be used, and emergency exit doors should not be locked. Emergency exits should be illuminated. Beds should not be placed near windows or next to heavy cabinets that could tip over, and heavy shelves should not be stored above beds. Earthquake preparedness plans should be developed with the participation of all individuals (workplaces, families, apartment buildings, schools, etc.); how coordination should be maintained during a possible earthquake should be planned, and this information should be updated from time to time through drills. Fire extinguishers with verified functionality must be present in all buildings we occupy. Copies of official documents such as identification cards, passports, property deeds, insurance documents, health cards and diplomas should be stored in a waterproof manner, and a copy of these documents should also be kept with a relative outside the region. Having our phone fully charged at night and always keeping it with us is vital. Indeed, we clearly saw this in the earthquake we recently experienced… This enabled many earthquake victims to make contact and be rescued from under the rubble. Keeping a whistle under our pillow or in a place we can reach near our bed is among the most important elements… During an earthquake, wrapping the whistle in an absolutely dust- and water-proof packaging to protect it from dust is also very important. A flashlight is among the essentials for being able to see our surroundings in the dark and signal to the outside…

An earthquake bag should be prepared for use after the earthquake

An earthquake bag is a very important matter that should absolutely not be postponed. Keeping our earthquake bag in a place we can easily access makes us better prepared for the conditions of the outside world after an earthquake.

So what should be in an earthquake bag?

Medications we use regularly, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, wrappings; Canned food, biscuits, bread and water, pet food, Some money, Underwear, blankets and a few items of clothing, Charger, flashlight, battery-powered radio and spare batteries, Identity cards (we also should not forget to keep identification cards for our pets), property deeds, diplomas, licenses, etc., Soap and disinfectants, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Wet wipes and toilet paper, Sanitary pads, Diapers and baby formula. *Make sure the expiration dates of medications and food items you put in your earthquake bag have not passed and that clothing is suitable for the climate. Source