Jongno-gu's Summer Heatwave Measures Focus on 'Preventing COVID-19 Spread'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is implementing the '2020 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures' to protect residents from summer heatwaves and safely manage vulnerable facilities.

The implementation period is about four months, from May 20 to September 30, with July and August designated as intensive promotion periods to minimize casualties and facility damage.

In particular, with a focus on preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), proactive measures will be taken by preparing various support measures for low-income households with poor living conditions and establishing a detailed response system for real-time heatwave management.

To establish a three-stage heatwave response system, a T/F team, a comprehensive situation room, and a disaster safety countermeasure headquarters will be operated at each stage. Under normal circumstances, the heatwave situation management T/F team monitors weather conditions and inspects facilities. When a heatwave advisory is issued, a comprehensive situation room composed of the person in charge and five working groups is formed to receive damage reports and measures taken, and provide rapid disaster text services and behavioral guidelines.

If large-scale damage such as casualties occurs due to the heatwave, a joint situation room will be set up in the main building of the district office to operate the disaster safety countermeasure headquarters and respond fully to the heatwave.

To specially protect vulnerable groups such as elderly people with mobility difficulties, disabled persons, and single-parent families, air conditioners will be provided. Recipients will be selected through recommendations from case managers and residents in welfare blind spots at community service centers, with distribution starting from May 25 and installation completed for all target households by mid-June.

Additionally, Internet of Things (IoT) devices that detect living data such as temperature, humidity, and movement will be installed in the homes of elderly people living alone to monitor their situation. When a heatwave advisory is issued, their safety will be checked daily by phone or direct visits.

For special protection of children, ice packs, fans, and handheld fans will be distributed to local children's centers and small libraries. At 17 community service centers, water play equipment rental services such as small pools and air pumps will be provided to help children enjoy a fun and cool summer at home. To prevent heat-related illnesses and improve working conditions for participants in public job projects, outdoor work during high-temperature hours is prohibited, and vests with attached ice packs must be worn during long working hours.

To reduce heatwaves and alleviate urban heat island effects, 40 shade shelters will be installed throughout the area. To mitigate urban heat islands, road cleaning will be conducted on major arterial roads and bus central lanes between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., the time of highest daily temperature, and rapid watering support will be provided to prevent tree withering.

Joint inspections will be conducted on 50 gas and oil facilities in the area by Jongno-gu, Jongno Fire Station, and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, focusing on gas leak detection, compliance with statutory inspections, and operation of safety devices.

Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “We plan to thoroughly inspect and establish a response system in advance for all potential risks such as accidents caused by heatwaves. In particular, we will pay special attention to the health management of heatwave-vulnerable groups and do our best to ensure that all residents can stay healthy this summer, which combines prolonged COVID-19 and heatwaves.”

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