Chungnam to Implement 'Comprehensive Heatwave Response Plan' Until the End of September

Citizens are taking shelter from the sun under a shade tent. The photo is unrelated to the article. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy (Naepo) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province announced on the 19th that it will implement a 'Comprehensive Measures to Prepare for Summer Heatwaves' until the end of September.

According to the comprehensive measures, the province plans to form a joint special task force (TF) and operate a step-by-step response system by activating a comprehensive situation room and disaster safety countermeasures headquarters during heatwave warnings.

In addition, the province will designate and operate 5,508 indoor cooling shelters and 133 outdoor cooling shelters, while utilizing 30,211 disaster helpers such as life support workers, elderly caregivers, and social workers within the region to support vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, homeless people, and those with mobility difficulties during the summer.

The province also plans to strengthen street broadcasting and surveillance activities to prevent heat-related illnesses among workers in agricultural and fishing villages, focusing on rice paddies and fields, in preparation for heat-related illnesses caused by outdoor activities under scorching heat.

For outdoor construction workers, the province will distribute 'self-diagnosis checklists' and check whether preventive measures such as providing rest breaks and informing about the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act are being implemented.

Additionally, the province operates 830 shade shelters throughout the region to help people avoid the heat while waiting at crosswalks, and promotes the operation of water spraying vehicles and the use of brine spraying devices to lower road surface temperatures.

Lee Jeong-gu, Director of the Disaster Safety Office of the province, said, "The number of hot days and tropical nights caused by abnormal weather is increasing year by year," and added, "We will prepare proactive and detailed comprehensive measures to protect the safety of residents from the scorching heat this summer."