Yeongdeungpo-gu, Full-Scale Implementation of Winter Season Comprehensive Measures

Operation of the '2020-2021 Cold Wave Comprehensive Measures'... Continuous operation for 4 months until March 15 next year... 24-hour situation management system, cold wave shelters, emergency relief rooms to support vulnerable groups, full efforts on facility safety inspections... Establishing a safety network using disaster helpers, disaster relief funds provided in case of casualties

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chae Hyun-il) announced that it has been actively implementing the ‘2020~21 Comprehensive Cold Wave Countermeasures’ from November 15th to March 15th next year to prevent damage to residents caused by the winter cold wave and to establish a rapid response system.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this winter’s temperature and snowfall are expected to be similar to the average year, but due to the influence of the continental high pressure, there may be cases where temperatures drop sharply or heavy snowfalls occur.

Accordingly, the district guarantees residents’ safety by preventing cold wave damage to socially vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and homeless people, and preparing an emergency relief system. It also conducts thorough inspections of cold wave vulnerable facilities such as gas and electricity to ensure a safe and warm winter.

The key initiatives include ▲maintaining a 24-hour monitoring and response system throughout the cold wave period ▲operating cold wave shelters (at community service centers and emergency relief rooms) ▲establishing a cold wave information delivery system using disaster helpers ▲IoT smart safety checks for elderly living alone and seniors ▲operating emergency relief rooms and emergency small rooms for homeless people and residents of jjokbangchon (small rooms) ▲strengthening home health care activities for health-vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and disabled persons ▲conducting safety inspections of electricity, gas supply facilities, and cutoff devices.

The district has established cold wave countermeasures by department and will fully activate the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in emergencies, entering a systematic cold wave response system.

Also, 18 community service centers and four emergency relief rooms under the Social Welfare Division’s jurisdiction will be operated as cold wave shelters to protect homeless people and jjokbangchon residents suffering from the severe cold.

About 1,400 disaster helpers composed of voluntary disaster prevention groups, safety security officers, and elderly counselors will be utilized to promptly disseminate information when cold wave warnings are issued, continuously monitor vulnerable groups, and build a dense safety net to prepare for emergencies.

Furthermore, protection measures for cold wave vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, low-income households, and disabled persons are also prepared. These include health monitoring and welfare checks of elderly living alone through IoT smart devices, safety confirmation through free meal delivery personnel providing lunch boxes and side dishes, health checks via visiting nurse regional assignments, and intensive case management to thoroughly strengthen safety management support.

Safety management measures for disaster-vulnerable facilities are also indispensable. The district will inspect the operation status of gas leak detectors and emergency cutoff devices, conduct safety inspections of gas transport vehicles, and also check the facility safety management and quarantine status of the university entrance exam sites scheduled for December, focusing on proactive and thorough safety measures.

In addition, in the event of cold-related illnesses or deaths, disaster relief funds will be provided considering the extent of damage and responsibility according to the Natural Disaster Countermeasures Act and the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, aiming to stabilize residents’ lives.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, said, “We aim to establish thorough preparedness to respond quickly to disasters such as heavy snow and cold waves and minimize physical and economic damage,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure that all residents can spend a safe and warm winter through thorough comprehensive measures including support for vulnerable groups and facility safety management.”

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