Measuring disaster awareness: the case of Erzurum Kurtuluş Neighborhood

This research aims to investigate the disaster awareness levels of individuals living in the Kurtuluş neighborhood of the Yakutiye district of Erzurum province using a qualitative method. Türkiye's exposure to numerous natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, increases the importance of individual and social awareness in disaster management processes. Erzurum province carries a high seismic risk due to its proximity to the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault, and is also exposed to other types of disasters such as landslides, avalanches, and fires. A phenomenological method, a qualitative research design, was chosen for the study. A semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection tool, and fieldwork was conducted in the Kurtuluş neighborhood of Erzurum. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from individuals living in the neighborhood who could share their knowledge, experiences, and thoughts about disasters. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis, and it was determined that the residents' disaster awareness levels were generally low. In particular, knowledge gaps regarding pre-disaster preparedness, disaster education, and risk reduction strategies were observed. It was determined that most participants lacked sufficient knowledge about disaster management processes and shared the consensus that local governments should conduct more informative studies on this issue. As a result of the research, recommendations were developed to increase disaster awareness in the Kurtuluş neighborhood of Erzurum, emphasizing the need for increased neighborhood-wide awareness-raising activities. The study revealed that disaster awareness is a key element in individuals' development of precautions against disaster risks.