Panic and Fear Cause Injuries During Earthquake!

Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Deputy Dean OHS expert Dr. Instructor Member Nuri Bingöl made an assessment about what should be done and the precautions to be taken during the earthquake.

Noting that the pre-earthquake preparation is important in order not to be damaged in the event of an earthquake, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “Large items that can be knocked over due to earthquakes should be fixed to the wall, and if possible, items that can damage the wall, such as a frame shelf, should not be kept. If this is not possible, it should be ensured that these are also well fixed.”

Pointing to the importance of pre-earthquake drills, OHS expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “As is known, the earthquake is a moment of panic. Earthquake drills are very important in order to survive this moment without panic or to panic less. "Like the exercise we have done across Turkey recently, many more tests will be carried out on the country, in the institution, and in the family, which will ensure the calm behavior at the time of the earthquake and will create an important factor for our survival by automating the actions we need to do," he said.

Stating that the "collapse - grab - hold" movements in the exercises are also important, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “More importantly is where we will hold on by collapsing and closing. For this, it is necessary to choose the side of durable large items where gaps can occur, which we call the triangle of life. Washing machines or dishwashers can be suitable durable goods for this," he said.

Mentioning the precautions to be taken in rooms where children sleep, OHS expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “All of these measures should be applied more sensitively in rooms where children are present. As much as possible, care should be taken to keep solid large items that can form a life triangle in these rooms by fixing them to the wall. Behavior change and awareness should be created for our children about what to do in case of an earthquake through continuous training and trials.” gave advice.

Emphasizing the importance of not panicking in the event of an earthquake, OHS expert Dr. Nuri Bingöl stated that it is very dangerous to try to escape from the place, especially, and said:

“Panic makes people do things they shouldn't. Jumping out of the window or balcony is much more dangerous than staying at home in the event of an earthquake and holding a squat next to a safe large item. One of the behaviors that should not be done is jumping from windows or balconies. Likewise, the most vulnerable parts of buildings to earthquakes are stairs, and these are the places where the risk of collapse is highest. Therefore, heading for the stairs, wanting to go out as soon as possible, or even attempting to use the elevators are among the most wrong behaviors. We increase our chances of surviving by being calm in an earthquake, by being prepared for earthquakes, and by the knowledge we have obtained in our previous drills.”