Seoul Gangseo-gu Protects Residents' Health with Heatwave Shelters and Other Heat Preparedness Measures

Gangseo-gu Forms and Operates Heatwave Situation Management T/F for Proactive Response... Designates 175 Cooling Centers, Adds 8 Shade Shelters for a Total of 80 Locations

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) is establishing heatwave safety management measures and taking proactive steps to protect residents' health during the heatwave.

Due to recent climate changes, this summer is expected to be the hottest on record, with a total of 32 days of heatwave warnings issued last year.

Accordingly, the district has formed a heatwave situation management T/F team until October 15 and is strengthening cooperation with related organizations and residents to fully prevent heatwave damage.

First, heatwave shelters and shade structures will be expanded and operated to provide resting places for residents.

Heatwave shelters have been designated at 175 locations including senior citizen centers and community service centers, and 8 additional shade structures have been installed, operating a total of 80 locations to actively support residents in enduring the heatwave.

Along with this, focused care will be provided for vulnerable groups with mobility difficulties such as elderly living alone and chronic patients.

Disaster helpers, consisting of 1,181 members including health professionals, senior caregivers, community leaders, voluntary disaster prevention teams, and public officials, will visit vulnerable groups directly or check on their health via phone calls, and will also quickly relay information when heatwave warnings are issued.

Furthermore, safety measures for workplaces for construction and industrial workers have been prepared.

The district operates a ‘Heatwave Rest Time’ from 2 PM to 5 PM for workers exhausted from hot outdoor work and recommends installing rest facilities at work sites.

In severe crisis situations causing multiple casualties, a Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters led by the district mayor will be formed and operated to mobilize all available local resources to minimize heatwave-related damage to residents.

The Heatwave Casualty Review Committee will be operated flexibly to determine responsibility and assess heatwave damage; in cases where judgment is difficult, disaster relief funds will be provided first.

Mayor Noh Hyun-song said, “We have taken proactive measures to protect residents exhausted from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic from the unprecedented heatwave,” and added, “We hope all residents check the national heatwave response guidelines in advance and stay healthy throughout the summer.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.