Planning a strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the Faculty of Architecture of Kurdistan University against earthquakes

Background and objective: Educational areas, due to their high number of users, obsolescence and structural instabilities have a high vulnerability to earthquake and fire. Among educational centers, universities are more vulnerable when encountered hazards because of the high number of users as well as unique documents and studies. Non-structural disorders and also lack of awareness of university professors, students and staffs about disaster situation and their functions are among the others causes that prove the importance of this issue. In the present research, Faculty of Law at Shahid Beheshti University has been chosen as a case to investigate and provide strategies to reduce vulnerability against earthquakes. Method: The research method used is a descriptive-analytical survey method. In this regard, statistical, descriptive and inferential methods have been used. In order to achieve and identify executive solutions and pathological planning to collect library and internet information and to collect data, field observation and imaging and review of maps and distribution of questionnaires among students, professors and staff of the faculty have been used. In order to identify the level of awareness of officials and managers regarding crisis management in the faculty and collect information from them, an interview was conducted. Findings: Based on the findings of library information, observations, questionnaires and interviews, the potential risks in organizational and non-structural dimensions were identified and predicted. Therefore, the disaster command system has been designed and measures have been taken to reduce the risk, as well as suggestions for preparedness for the accident. Conclusion: According to the studies, to reduce the vulnerability of the faculty, measures such as holding maneuvers and training classes, preparing brochures, preparing and installing emergency exit plans to increase the readability of the plan, as well as Incident Command System Proper arrangement of furniture, use of Window Film on the glass and moving the buffet near the exit are proposed.