The dates March 1-7 are recognized as "Earthquake Week" to raise awareness about earthquakes and preparedness in our country. Given the high earthquake risk in our country, raising earthquake awareness is of top priority. Within this scope, on March 3, 2025, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Office of Disaster Management Coordination, Kırşehir Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate, and the Young Office Organization collaborated to provide training at our university stadium for students from the Nursing Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences and AFAD volunteers. The training session was attended by Kırşehir Provincial Disaster and Emergency Director Uğur Olgun, instructors, many AFAD volunteers, and students.

Only Knowledge can Reduce the Impact of Earthquakes and Disasters

It was emphasized that improper interventions during and after an earthquake often lead to more loss rather than saving lives, highlighting the importance of proper training. Participants were informed that anyone can become an AFAD volunteer and that such training programs contribute to raising awareness within society. As part of the training, tents were set up and tools used during earthquakes were introduced. An exhibition featuring past earthquake photos was visited. Students received various training sessions on necessary individual precautions and effective collective response strategies. With this initiative, Kırşehir Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate successfully conducted one of its planned training and drill sessions at our university, aiming to foster behavioral change in disaster risk reduction and preparedness across the region.