For the Public

5.1

Before an event

Preparing does not increase anxiety, it reduces it: a family that knows what to do panics less when it happens.

Template Family disaster plan Meeting point, contact person, medicines and documents. Checklist Emergency kit Separate sections for households with babies, older or disabled members. Guide Non-structural risks at home Securing furniture, escape routes, solutions for tenants.

5.2

During and right after an event

During an earthquake: Drop, cover, hold on. Do not run outside; keep away from windows and heavy furniture.
On a fire or flood warning: follow official evacuation instructions without delay; do not cross flooded roads.
Right after: check for injuries, call 112, let your loved ones know. Do not share unverified information.
In the first days: keep up sleep and meals, keep children close, limit the news.

Guide Talking to your child Example phrases by age and answers to hard questions. Leaflet Sleep, startle and anxiety Which reactions are normal and which need support. Leaflet After a loss: on grief The grieving process and explaining loss to a child. Guide Misinformation and verification A four-step check before you share.

5.3

Who it is for

Parents, teachers, workplaces and young people.

Parents

Children draw strength from adults’ calm. Short, honest, age-appropriate explanations; routine and plenty of closeness.

Talking to your child

Teachers

After a crisis, school is the first normal setting for children. Opening a safe space to talk in class and noticing the pupil who needs support.

School preparedness curriculum

Workplaces

When staff return to work after an event, productivity may drop; flexibility, open communication and a named contact person speed recovery.

Psychological first aid

Young people

Friends and social media can be both support and burden. Sharing feelings, stepping away from the screen when needed, and telling false information apart.

Misinformation and verification

5.4

Frequently asked questions

Are my feelings normal?

After an abnormal event, sleep problems, startling, restlessness and absent-mindedness are very common and ease for most people within a few weeks. Which reactions are normal?

When should I see a professional?

If reactions last longer than four weeks, if you cannot manage daily tasks, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself. In the last case call 112 without waiting.

Is TAK-DER a crisis line?

No. TAK-DER is a professional association; in an emergency call 112, for violence call 155. Where to turn

Should I tell my child what happened?

Yes — briefly, honestly and in a way that suits their age. Children often fill silence with scenarios that are scarier than the truth. Example phrases

Can I use these materials in my organisation?

Yes. All TAK-DER publications may be copied and adapted for non-commercial purposes with attribution (CC BY-NC 4.0).

How can I trust what I see on social media?

Before sharing, check the source, the date and statements from official institutions. Four-step verification

All frequently asked questions

Are you a professional?

The same topics, for professionals

For protocols, the training calendar and ethical principles, go to For professionals.

References

Where the information on this page comes from

Normal reactions and the first days: WHO, War Trauma Foundation and World Vision International (2011). Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers. who.int; World Health Organization (2020). Doing What Matters in Times of Stress. who.int
During an earthquake: TRNC Civil Defence Organisation (Sivil Savunma Teşkilatı). sivilsavunma.gov.ct.tr
Separate doors for the public and professionals: American Psychological Association. Disasters and response. apa.org