Yangcheon-gu Appoints 860 Disaster Helpers... Why?

Yangcheon-gu Appoints 860 Disaster Helpers… Implements ‘2023 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures’

Heatwave Situation Management TF and Countermeasures Headquarters Operate Until 9/30, Implementing Sector-Specific Measures to Fully Protect Heatwave-Vulnerable Groups

Operating 860 Disaster Helpers, 200 Cooling Centers, 3 Senior Safety Lodgings, and 88 Cooling Shade Spots

Mist in the Stream at Yangcheon Park Operating During Heatwave Hours

Yangcheon-gu (District Mayor Lee Gijae) announced that, with an unprecedented heatwave forecasted this summer, it has designated the heatwave countermeasure period until September 30 and will fully implement the ‘2023 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures’ to prevent casualties among vulnerable groups and facility accidents caused by the heatwave.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this summer is expected to have higher temperatures than average, with record-breaking heat anticipated in July and August due to the influence of the North Pacific High and atmospheric instability.

Accordingly, during the countermeasure period, the district will establish and operate a dedicated Heatwave Situation Management Task Force (TF team) on a regular basis and activate the Heatwave Countermeasures Headquarters upon issuance of heatwave warnings.

The district prioritizes protecting heatwave-vulnerable groups and will operate 860 disaster helpers composed of elderly caregivers, welfare workers, and community leaders to thoroughly manage vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, chronic patients, and persons with disabilities.

A total of 200 cooling centers will be operated. These centers include 156 senior centers, 9 welfare centers, 18 community service centers, and 9 district libraries, all accessible to anyone. Large ice makers that have undergone filter replacement and cleaning will be installed at community service centers.

Notably, this year, through agreements with three lodging businesses, the district will operate senior safety lodgings during July and August. The district plans to support room fees (from city funds) so that low-income elderly residents living in rooms without air conditioning, rooftop rooms, or goshiwon (small dormitory-style rooms) can use these lodgings from 8 PM on the day a heatwave warning is issued until 8 AM the following day.

Additionally, the district will organize patrol teams for homeless people exposed directly to the heatwave on the streets. When a heatwave warning is issued, patrols will be conducted in their usual areas, linking them to facilities, emergency welfare, and basic livelihood security programs.

During the countermeasure period, about 30 dedicated health management personnel from public health centers will provide enhanced health care services to approximately 3,000 health-vulnerable individuals, including those with chronic diseases, elderly living alone, and persons with disabilities. Upon heatwave warnings, they will disseminate information to target households, conduct emergency action education for heat-related illnesses, and focus on managing chronic patients by measuring blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, 88 cooling shade spots will be operated at busy pedestrian crossings and other locations, with plans to install additional smart shade shelters at about 10 more locations for residents’ convenience. Two bus stops near Omokgyo Station and Sinjeong Intersection will offer rest areas equipped with the state-of-the-art ‘Smart Maru,’ providing cooling, public Wi-Fi, and mobile phone charging.

To mitigate urban heat island effects, when a heatwave warning is issued, five water spraying trucks will be deployed along 14 major arterial roads covering 44.2 km.

To prevent heatstroke among outdoor workers at workplaces, heat illness prevention education will be provided, ice boxes and drinking fountains will be installed, and rest times will be designated during heatwave warnings. These heat safety rules will be communicated and recommended at each construction site to create a safe working environment.

Also, 19 parks including Paris Park will open water facilities such as ground fountains and water play areas during July and August. Along the Anyangcheon Stream walking trail, a cooling fog system using purified water will be operated to maintain comfortable air quality during heatwave hours.

Moreover, preemptive safety inspections will be conducted at 92 gas and fuel facilities, and cooperation systems with related agencies will be maintained to prepare for power outages, making every effort to minimize heatwave damage.

Last year, as a result of protective activities for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled against heatwaves, the district conducted 6,027 visits, 27,346 phone calls, and sent 2,467 text messages to disseminate health management and heatwave preparedness guidelines.

Lee Gijae, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, stated, “As record-breaking heat is expected again this summer due to climate change, we will spare no effort to implement sector-specific heatwave countermeasures flawlessly to ensure the safety of our residents.”

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