Operation of Field-Centered, Life-Oriented Comprehensive Summer Measures

Geumcheon-gu Establishes and Implements 2021 Summer Comprehensive Measures... May 15 to October 15, Sector-Specific Comprehensive Measures Promoted... Prepared Measures Comprising Four Areas: Health, Heatwave, Flood Control, and Safety

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this year's temperature is expected to be higher than the average (23.3~23.9℃), and precipitation is expected to be similar to the average (678.2~751.9mm) but with significant regional variations and periods of heavy rainfall.

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) has established comprehensive summer measures across four sectors and will operate a field-centered, community-based safety system for five months from May 15 to October 15.

Looking at the detailed measures by sector, first, under the ‘Flood Control Measures,’ a Flood and Wind Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will be operated, consisting of 13 teams and 108 members, with the mayor as the head.

They will establish a close cooperation system with related organizations such as fire stations and military units, maintaining a four-level emergency duty system?‘Normal,’ ‘Caution,’ ‘Alert,’ and ‘Severe’?according to rainfall levels to respond promptly to flood and wind disasters.

Additionally, projects to expand flood prevention infrastructure in vulnerable areas will be promoted, including the expansion of rainwater inlets (33 locations) and relocation (1 location), sewer dredging (1157㎥), and installation of 555 flood prevention facilities (water barriers and backflow prevention devices).

Other measures include phased traffic control plans for flood and wind disasters, support for disaster victims, landslide preparedness, and waste management strategies.

For ‘Heatwave Measures,’ the district operates a ‘Heatwave Countermeasure Promotion Team’ consisting of 62 members across four teams?‘Situation Management Team,’ ‘Health Management Support Team,’ and ‘Facility Management Team’?led by the head of the Safety City Division, monitoring situations in real time. When a heatwave advisory is issued or damage is expected due to high temperatures, a ‘Heatwave Countermeasure Headquarters’ composed of 11 members in three teams, led by the deputy mayor, will be formed. In emergencies such as large-scale casualties, a ‘Disaster Safety Countermeasure Headquarters’ consisting of 13 working teams led by the mayor will be activated.

Moreover, the number of heatwave prevention shade shelters will be expanded from 58 to 75 locations, and 89 multi-use facilities frequently used by residents, including senior centers, welfare facilities, and public facilities, will be designated and operated as cooling shelters.

For ‘Health Measures,’ building on last year’s efforts, strengthened health management measures will be implemented, including customized joint public-private disinfection for different target groups to prevent and manage COVID-19, joint public-private disinfection on ‘COVID-19 Clean Days,’ and operation of resident autonomous disinfection teams.

Furthermore, under ‘Safety Measures,’ safety inspections will be conducted for vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and homeless people, as well as large construction sites and multi-use facilities. A 24-hour emergency contact system and situation room operation with related organizations for energy facilities such as city gas will be maintained to prepare for any accidents.

Notably, this year, ozone forecast levels of ‘Bad’ or higher will be communicated not only to related organizations but also to the general public. Additionally, the number of households equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) devices will increase from 267 to 335 to remotely monitor the safety of vulnerable households.

Yu Seong-hoon, mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “This year, we have prepared comprehensive summer measures across sectors, including strengthened health measures in response to the spread of COVID-19. We will mobilize all the district’s capabilities to ensure the safety and comfort of our residents during the summer.”