Prepared, not paranoid: Earthquake safety guide for expats in Türkiye

During the earthquakes off the coast of Fukushima, Japan, in the last months of 2013, a Turkish citizen, overwhelmed by panic at the moment, jumped out of a window.

A teenager in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul was injured for the same reason in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in the Marmara Sea on April 23, 12 years after the Japan incident hit the news. What saved him was the car he landed on as he jumped.

The takeaway? Even Turks, who grow up hearing stories and warnings about earthquakes, can still lose their composure during the shock of the moment. For foreigners, who may not have the same level of preparedness, proper training and preparation are essential to avoid such dangerous reactions.

During an earthquake, taking the time to think can cost you precious seconds. It’s crucial to rely on the instincts and habits you’ve developed through practice drills to protect yourself.

Why expats in Türkiye must take earthquake risk seriously

Living in Türkiye offers many rewards—from rich cultural heritage to breathtaking landscapes—but it also comes with a geophysical reality: not rare, and sometimes deadly, earthquakes. As an expat or long-term resident, you cannot afford to treat these events as anomalies. Türkiye sits on the collision zone of multiple tectonic plates, and this geographical tension translates into a persistent risk of seismic activity, especially in regions like Istanbul, Izmir, and the eastern provinces.

Awareness alone isn’t enough. Long-term safety depends on strategic preparedness, not passive optimism. From structural risks in your building to the emergency protocols in your neighborhood, the decisions you make before an earthquake can determine your survival and recovery. That’s why building a clear plan, preparing your living space, and knowing how to respond are all essential parts of adapting to life in Türkiye.

Choosing the right home in Türkiye: Structure, earthquake safety and location

The most critical decision you’ll make as a resident is where—and in what—you live. Not all buildings in Türkiye are constructed to modern seismic standards, especially in older urban neighborhoods. When renting or buying a home, inquire about the building’s earthquake resistance. Ask if it complies with post-1999 or post-2018 regulations, which include stricter structural guidelines. Buildings with reinforced concrete frames, solid foundations, and shear walls offer better protection during strong quakes.

Equally important is the building’s location. Avoid soft soil areas and hillsides where landslides are a risk. Be cautious of apartments above commercial spaces with large, open ground floors supported by a few columns—a structure type known to collapse under lateral stress. 

Don’t let sea views or affordable rent distract you from the first rule of long-term residence in Türkiye: your home must be earthquake-safe.

Earthquake-proofing your daily life at home

Once you’ve chosen a solid home, the next step is to turn it into a safe zone. Begin by anchoring large furniture like bookshelves and wardrobes to the wall. Secure TVs, glass fixtures, and appliances that could fall or shatter. Place heavier items on lower shelves and move breakable objects away from beds and seating areas. Ceiling panels and hanging lights should be checked and, if necessary, reinforced.

Emergency kits should be a permanent feature in your home. Store water, canned food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and a portable power bank in an accessible spot. Keep your passport, residence permit, health insurance details, and other critical documents nearby, and if possible, in a waterproof pouch. Create a go-bag with essentials in case you need to evacuate quickly. 

What to do during an earthquake: Indoor, outdoor, and on the move

When a quake hits, your immediate response can save your life. If you’re indoors, do not rush for the door. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or bed, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture. Doorways are no longer considered safe unless reinforced—focus on shielding yourself from falling debris.

If you’re outside, stay clear of buildings, electric poles, and trees. Move to an open area where nothing can fall on you. If you’re in a car, pull over safely but avoid bridges, tunnels, and overpasses. Stay inside the vehicle until the quake ends. Panic kills more than the earthquake itself, so grounding your instincts with these steps beforehand will help you act fast and calmly.

After the quake: Assess, respond, and stay informed

Once the initial tremor ends, expect aftershocks—they’re common and can be almost as dangerous as the main quake. Before doing anything else, check yourself and others for injuries. If you’re in a compromised building—cracks, leaning walls, exposed wires—evacuate immediately. Do so carefully; debris may still fall from rooftops, and staircases could be unstable.

Use your phone only for emergencies to avoid overloading the network. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, as roads are crucial for emergency crews. Keep calm, stay put if you’re in a safe place, and follow guidance from local authorities or your embassy.

It will be important not only to get out of the building intact, but also to be ready for the aftermath. So take what you have prepared in advance with you.

Living by the coast? Here’s what you should know about tsunami risk

If your long-term residence is near the coast—like in Izmir, Antalya, or the Aegean towns, small or larger-scale tsunamis become a potential danger following major offshore quakes. These waves may not come immediately, and they can strike in multiple surges. If you feel strong ground movement near a beach, don’t wait. Move inland and seek higher ground. 

Learn about the local tsunami warning systems and evacuation routes before it comes. Some areas may have sirens and marked signs, while others depend on SMS or app-based alerts. And yes, sometimes there will be none of them, but you have to study and investigate. Check these in advance, especially if you’re living near flat, low-lying shorelines. As a rule of thumb, if the sea suddenly withdraws or behaves abnormally after a tremor, do not wait for confirmation.

Create a network: Community and embassy preparedness

Surviving an earthquake also means being part of a responsive community. Know your neighbors. Share plans and safety procedures. Being part of a WhatsApp group or building committee that discusses safety protocols can be a lifesaver. In emergencies, it’s often your immediate circle, not official services, that will get to you first.

Registering with your embassy is another step often overlooked by long-term expats. Doing so ensures that they can assist or locate you during a disaster. Keep embassy contact numbers on your phone and printed out somewhere accessible. If you lose your documents or need emergency help, you’ll be grateful for the head start. 

Being proactive could mean the difference between order and chaos. For example, U.S. citizens can make use of the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Here you can enter information about an upcoming trip so that officials can locate and assist you in the event of an emergency. It also ensures that you’ll receive crucial updates from local embassies. The U.K.’s Foreign & Commonwealth office and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offer similar programs.

Living confidently in a seismically active country

Earthquakes may be part of life in Türkiye, but panic doesn’t have to be. In fact, the more prepared you are, the more confident and at ease you’ll feel. 

Building resilience isn’t about living in fear; it’s about taking small, consistent steps that give you control even in uncontrollable moments. Preparing, practicing, and managing the aftermath process.