Developing a skill-based framework for disaster literacy: insights from the 2023 Turkey earthquake and cross-cultural validation

This study aims to develop and validate a skill-based framework for disaster literacy by integrating field insights from disaster-affected populations with expert feedback from international disaster professionals. In the first phase, a set of 33 core disaster literacy skills was identified through qualitative interviews with 20 earthquake survivors and 19 firefighters who participated in search and rescue operations following the 2023 Turkey earthquakes. The skills were thematically categorized into three disaster phases: pre-disaster, during-disaster, and post-disaster. In the second phase, this framework was shared with 20 experts in the broad disaster field in the United States through a written consultation process inspired by the Delphi technique. Based on structured feedback from 12 experts, the skill set was revised for clarity, feasibility, universality, and community alignment—resulting in a final list of 35 disaster literacy skills. The revised framework emphasizes not only physical preparedness and emergency response but also digital information literacy, psychosocial resilience, and community coordination. This research contributes to the literature by offering a culturally informed, cross-contextual, and pedagogically actionable model for integrating disaster literacy into education and training programs. The findings highlight the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and the integration of technological tools to enhance public disaster competence across diverse societies.