What is a Disaster?
A disaster is generally defined as an unexpected and uncontrollable event that adversely affects human life, property, the environment, and the functioning of society. Disasters can be natural or human-induced (technological) and typically result in significant damage and loss.
Characteristics of a Disaster
Sudden and unexpected occurrence: Disasters usually happen suddenly and are difficult to predict in advance.
Destructive effects: They cause serious damage to human life, health, economic assets, and the environment.
Societal impacts: Disasters negatively affect the social structure, economic order, and daily life of a community.
Need for assistance and intervention: Rapid and effective intervention, rescue, and recovery efforts are required following a disaster.
Basic AFAD Volunteering
How to Become a Basic AFAD Volunteer?The application process to become a Basic AFAD Volunteer is open to individuals aged 15 and over and is carried out via e-Government. Following the application, six online training courses provided through the AFAD Volunteering System must be successfully completed. Citizens who complete these courses qualify for the title of Basic AFAD Volunteer.
Basic AFAD Volunteers contribute to raising disaster awareness, fostering a culture of preparedness, and increasing public consciousness regarding disasters.
Support AFAD Volunteering
How to Become a Support AFAD Volunteer?Individuals aged 18 and over who qualify as Basic AFAD Volunteers by successfully completing six online training courses become Support AFAD Volunteers upon successfully completing the five-day theoretical and practical field training organized by AFAD Provincial Directorates.
Support AFAD Volunteers provide assistance during disasters and emergencies by being called to duty through volunteer groups in their respective districts when the need arises.
Expert AFAD Volunteering
It is the highest and most equipped level of the AFAD Volunteering System run by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
Volunteers at this level consist of individuals who possess the technical knowledge, skills, physical conditioning, and certification to directly support professional teams in field operations during a potential disaster or emergency.
Core Tasks and Roles
Expert AFAD Volunteers are individuals trained in specific areas beyond that of an ordinary volunteer. During a disaster, they undertake the following tasks:
Search and Rescue: Participating in physical search and rescue operations shoulder-to-shoulder with professional teams in debris areas.
Logistics and Deployment: Managing the setup of tent cities, aid distribution, and field organization.
Technical Support: Serving in their own professional fields of expertise, such as healthcare, communications, first aid, psychosocial support, or heavy machinery operation.
Crisis Management: Providing data and status reporting to AFAD coordination centers in the disaster zone.
Disaster Awareness Training
Local Disaster Management
By visiting the Sarıyer Municipality Disaster Information System, where I take part in corporate coordination, you can easily access assembly areas in our district, disaster preparedness information, and emergency guides.
In addition, by joining the volunteering system carried out with the support of the Sarıyer District Governorate Volunteer Coordination and Sarıyer Municipality, you can take an active role in disaster preparedness activities, participate in training and awareness activities, and contribute to strengthening social resilience.
To build a more prepared, conscious, and resilient society against disasters, you can also join the volunteer network and be a part of solidarity and coordination efforts in your neighborhood.