The Evaluation of The Readiness Of Fire Departments For Disasters And Emergencies: The Case Of Niksar Fire Department In Tokat, Turkey

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the readiness of fire departments in Turkey for disasters and emergencies, with a particular emphasis on the Fire Department ofNiksar Municipality. In the study, survey method was used, and fire department was evaluated in terms of its staff, vehicles, equipment, and compliance with legal regulations. In terms of the number of vehicles, Niksar Fire Department complies with the relevant regulation. A large part of its staff members knows with which institutions they are supposed to collaborate in the case of a disaster or an emergency. Among results obtained is the finding that the presence of certain provisions likely to lead to subjective interpretations of relevant regulations creates differences between fire departments.