An Industry R&D Consultancy Service Agreement was signed between Istanbul Kültür University (IKU) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and Güneş Ra Enerji Sistemleri A.Ş. on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Under the contract signed by our Assignee Rector Prof. Dr. Fadime Üney Yüksektepe, consultancy services to Solarra will be provided by our Department of Civil Engineering Vice President Assist. Prof. Edip Seçkin.

Mother Child Education Foundation (AÇEV) published a guide for adults in to help minimize the negative effects of natural disasters on children.

1) Talk to the child about natural disasters and give them information taking into account the age and the level of development of the child. It is important that you speak clearly and provide accurate and age-appropriate information. Instead of inaccurate explanations as such "There will be no more earthquakes." You can say that an earthquake is a natural phenomenon such as a thunder or storm, and you can also explain that the ground above the ground moves and that's why there are tremors.

2) Allow the child to express their own feelings and thoughts. Encourage them to describe the state in their own words. It may take time for children to express their feelings but do not force them. Playing games with children according to their level of development, drawing pictures, telling stories and fairy tales can relax them and help them to express their feelings. Such activities may help you understand them, too. Explain that it is normal for children to feel the emotions they embody, without judging or undermining them.

3) Listen to the child's questions about natural disasters and the general situation. Be sure to give correct, age-appropriate answers that they can understand. If they ask questions that you do not know the answer to, you can say that you do not know about the subject. You can research together the answers to the various questions they ask from reliable sources.

4) Show your love and affection to your child by hugging, spending time and talking with them. While doing this, make sure to not approach to the child beyond their limits and needs. This makes the child feel safe and comfortable.

5) In order to support children better, adults first need to take care of their own well-being. Children imitate the adults around them. That's why it's important to be aware of your own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. You may have fear and anxiety during and after a natural disaster. It is very normal to feel these feelings, especially for the first time. Be honest with the child and calmly share your feelings. Since children imitate the adults around them, be careful to stay calm while expressing your own feelings and thoughts, and to deal with the challenging emotions you experience.

6) The children's access to media should be limited so that they are not exposed to images, information and news that may exacerbate their anxiety and worry. Avoid repeated exposure to them. Be careful about what you say when you are around them.

7) Get back to your family's daily routine as much as you can and try to maintain your routines such as sleep schedule and meal times. Continuing a regular and preplanned daily life as soon as possible makes children feel safe. While family members make an effort, give children age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities. This reinforces the sense of solidarity within the family.

8) After a disaster, if you haven't made a plan for disasters or emergencies, or if you haven't reviewed your plan for a possible situation, plan together. For example, you can take precautions together with your child, such as determining what to do at home in case of an earthquake, the places of protection and the gathering area, and preparing the bags that you will take when going out. Let them know that you are making these plans as a precaution for your safety. Making a plan builds children's confidence, makes them feel in control, and helps to reduce anxiety.

9) It is normal for both adults and children to experience anxiety and stress after an earthquake. The important thing is not allowing these initial reactions to become permanent. Watch for these behavior in both adults and children around you.

10) It is important for adults to be careful about the following situations that children may experience after an earthquake. Naturally these changes may be seen for a short time after the earthquake. If these changes continue for a long time, professional help should be sought.

- Worrying about the person or things they have lost
- Not wanting to leave the parent or caregiver and insisting not to go to school
- Physical complaints such as abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fever, vomiting Irritability, hyperactivity, aggression
- Becoming shy and fearful, withdrawn
- Recurring fears and questions about earthquake
- Showing the behaviors of children younger than themselves (such as thumb sucking, seeking more attention)
- Sleep disturbance, nightmares, screaming in sleep, bed wetting
- Distraction and restlessness
- Easily getting upset or startled
- The emerge of behavioral problems that have not been encountered before in school
- Blaming themselves or adults for the situation
- Excessive attachment to or avoidance of family members or friends

Resource: Mother Child Education Foundation (AÇEV)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evren Burak Enginöz from the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, will be the guest of our corporate seminar series with his presentation titled “How Should We Be Prepared for Earthquakes and Aftermath?”. The event will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 15.00, at Önder Öztunalı Conference Hall in our Ataköy campus.