General Information

 

DISASTER

Disaster is defined as the consequences of natural, technological, or man-made events that cause physical, economic, social, and environmental losses for people, disrupt normal life and human activities, and affect communities in a way that they cannot cope with by using their local resources and capabilities.
 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster management is a form of administration that identifies and implements administrative, legal, and technical activities that need to be carried out before, during, and after a disaster to prevent disasters and reduce their damage. It enables the implementation of activities during an event and improves the existing system based on lessons learned from each event.
 

EMERGENCY

An unexpected and sudden event that requires immediate measures to minimize its adverse effects. An emergency is a situation that occurs after disasters when immediate response is needed and local capacity is insufficient to determine and manage the events.

Emergencies may include deaths, injuries, displacement of people, diseases, disabilities, food risks, damage to or loss of infrastructure, weakened or damaged public administration, decreased public safety and security, and often occur simultaneously in disaster-affected countries, straining local capacity and disrupting economic and social activities.
 

FIRST AID

Definition
First aid is the assistance given with available materials on hand to save a person's life who has suddenly become ill or injured and to prevent their condition from worsening until they reach a doctor. It should be noted that no matter how knowledgeable the person giving the first aid is, they cannot replace a doctor.
 

Importance
Throughout one's life, a person may always encounter situations that require first aid. Timely and effective first aid can save the life of the sick or injured person.
 

Basic Principles

• Diagnosis: First, the history of the patient or injured person is taken for diagnosis. Then, symptoms and signs are identified.
• Treatment: The most appropriate first aid for the patient is applied promptly and without causing harm.
• Transportation: After diagnosis and treatment, the patient is transported to the nearest healthcare facility under appropriate conditions.
   

Basic Rules of First Aid

• Ensure the safety of the patient or accident victim.
• Lay them down and provide rest.
• Mark the accident site.
• Prevent panic and disperse the crowd.
• Provide clean air, keep the patient warm, and loosen tight clothing.
• Thoroughly examine the patient or accident victim.
• Perform the response quickly, calmly, and as needed.
• Ensure regular breathing.
• Stop bleeding.
• Prevent shock.
• Do not give food and drink to those who are unconscious.
• If necessary, provide medical treatment by a doctor.
• If you encounter an unfamiliar situation, do not insist on providing first aid.

 

FIRE

Definition
Burning is a chemical event that occurs when a substance combines with heat and oxygen. For burning to occur, substance, heat, and oxygen (air) must be present.
 

Types of Fire

• Class A Fires: These are solid material fires and can be extinguished by cooling and removing the flammable material.
• Class B Fires: These involve flammable liquids. They can be extinguished by cooling (using water mist) and smothering (using carbon dioxide, foam, or dry chemical powder).
• Class C Fires: These are fires involving flammable gases such as liquid oil gas, air gas, or hydrogen. 
• Class D Fires: These involve burning metals and alloys (e.g., magnesium, lithium, sodium, cerium). Dry chemical powders are used to extinguish them. Electrical fires should be considered separately and can be included in Class C fires. They must be responded by cutting off the electrical current, and dry chemical powder must be used.
   

Causes of Fire

Lack of Preventive Measures
One of the primary causes of fires is the failure to take preventive measures against fires. Fires can result from inadequate protection of electrical contacts, heating systems, and improper storage of explosive or flammable materials. Many fires in residential and commercial areas are caused by misuse of electricity and improper handling of LPG cylinders (household gas cylinders). Failure to meet technical conditions for electrical power distribution also contributes to fires. Additionally, proper maintenance and cleaning of chimneys and precautions for flammable materials can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by heating appliances and stoves.
 

Lack of Knowledge
Not knowing how to take preventive measures against fires and lacking proper training in this regard are significant factors leading to fires. Ignorance of how to use electrical appliances correctly, improper installation of stoves and heating systems, and placing easily ignitable items in attics and roofs can invite fires. Learning how to prevent fires and how to extinguish fires is crucial, as is knowledge about fire prevention.
 

Negligence
Having knowledge of fires is not sufficient. Negligence, such as throwing away a match or cigarette butt without extinguishing it, forgetting to turn off the gas cylinder (household gas), leaving a stove or iron unattended, can lead to major fires.
 

Accidents
Some unintentional incidents, such as boiler explosions or electrical faults, can also cause fires. However, many such incidents could be prevented through adequate precautions and knowledge. In essence, these incidents, without the above-mentioned causes, may be linked to ignorance. Indeed, fires caused by accidents can also occur without these basic factors.
 

Sabotage
Despite taking necessary precautions against fires, some individuals may intentionally set buildings and facilities belonging to individuals and the community on fire for various purposes and gains, causing loss of lives and property.
 

Spreading
Controlled or uncontrolled, a fire can spread, grow, or ignite larger fires due to negligence or lack of knowledge. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious about such events.
 

Natural Events
Fires can occur due to natural events such as dry branches rubbing together on windy days or lightning strikes and similar nature events. Failure to take preventive measures is also a factor in these cases.