Locating safe points in dealing with earthquakes with a non-active defense approach in line with sustainable social development of Babol

Human settlements have suffered significant human and financial losses due to natural disasters. Most of the urban and non-urban parts of the country are located in areas with a high relative risk of earthquakes. In recent years, the vulnerability of the northern cities of Iran, especially Babol, to unexpected incidents and accidents has increased. The purpose of this research is to locate safe points in dealing with earthquakes and non-active defenses in line with the sustainable social development of Babol. This research is descriptive-analytical and field based. The method of data analysis in this research is by using AHP hierarchical evaluation model and ARCGIS software. Therefore, in order to choose suitable places for locating safe points, the necessary criteria for this location are prepared. After the preparation of these criteria, in the positioning stage, according to the opinion of experts involved in reconstruction management, scoring frameworks are determined based on these criteria. The results of the research showed that among the accessibility indicators, fields and terminals with an average of 3.91 have the greatest effect on locating safe points. According to the spatial distribution in Babol and their relationship with other access indicators, the most optimal places were determined: Haft Velayat Square, Basij Square, Kishori Square, Awqaf Square, 17 Shahrivar Square, Moziraj Square, and Shahid Bazaz Square. The safety status of the safe places of Babol city against risks is more favorable from the aspect of urban land use and more vulnerable from the aspect of city construction.