Guro-gu Flexibly Operates Heat Relief Centers According to COVID-19 Response

Comprehensive Measures for Heatwave Preparedness... Full Closure During 'Severe' Alerts, Partial Opening During 'Warning' and 'Caution'... Night Shelters Set Up in Senior Association Halls During Heatwave Alerts... Total of 127 Shade Shelters Installed

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Seong) has prepared a comprehensive heatwave response plan to support residents in having a healthy and safe summer.

First, Guro-gu formed a ‘Heatwave Situation Management Task Force’ to establish a systematic response system. The task force monitors weather conditions in real time and promptly disseminates related information to local institutions and residents.

When a heatwave advisory is issued, the response level is raised by operating the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Led by Mayor Lee Seong as the head, the headquarters is organized into the Situation General Team, Welfare Measures Team, Health Management Team, and Facilities Measures Team to comprehensively manage the protection of vulnerable groups, emergency patient care, and prevention of safety accidents.

A total of 254 cooling shelters have been designated, including senior centers, welfare centers, and community service centers. This year, operation will be flexible according to the COVID-19 response level. At the severe stage, all cooling shelters will be closed; at the caution stage, cooling shelters in public offices such as community service centers and designated post offices will be opened.

At the warning stage, additional shelters set up in welfare centers will be opened, and private facilities such as banks and religious institutions will be encouraged to participate voluntarily. Senior centers may operate only if a separate quarantine manager is assigned, and indoor cooking or eating is not allowed. However, when a heatwave advisory is issued, a nighttime cooling shelter will be operated in the auditorium of the Korean Senior Citizens Association Guro-gu Branch. The nighttime shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day.

Shade structures will also be additionally installed at crosswalks and traffic islands. Seven new ones will be installed this year, bringing the total to 127.

Guro-gu is also focusing on health management for heat-vulnerable groups. They regularly check on elderly living alone, people with disabilities, and chronic patients, and provide education on preventive actions against heat-related illnesses.

In addition, activities of senior caregivers and welfare planners are being strengthened, and cooperation with related organizations such as welfare centers is maintained to continuously monitor the health of the elderly.

Furthermore, education and inspections are conducted to prevent safety accidents at construction sites, traditional markets, and hazardous material handling facilities, and a blackout response manual is activated in preparation for power surges. To reduce urban heat island effects, street cleaning with water will be carried out on major roads within the district.

A Guro-gu official said, “This summer is expected to be even more challenging due to the heatwave combined with COVID-19 prevention measures,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure residents can spend a healthy summer through thorough preparation.”

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