Seoul Gangseo-gu Operates 111 Shade Shelters for Heat Relief

Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Launches Comprehensive Heatwave Measures... Ensuring a Safe Summer

Protection for Vulnerable Groups and Facility Safety Measures in Place Until September 30

Proactive Response Including 111 Heatwave Shade Shelters and 224 Cooling Centers

Measures Established to Protect Heatwave-Vulnerable Groups Such as Elderly Living Alone

Gangseo-gu, Seoul announced that it has established the '2023 Comprehensive Heatwave Measures' and is taking proactive steps to protect residents' health from this summer's heatwave.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, hot weather is expected frequently in July and August due to the influence of the North Pacific High pressure system.

Additionally, the early heatwave has already begun, with daytime temperatures in Seoul recently reaching as high as 31.2 degrees Celsius.

In response, the district has begun full-scale preparations to protect vulnerable groups from the summer heat and help residents have a safe summer.

First, the Heatwave Situation Management T/F team, composed of three units?the Situation Management General Team, Emergency Living Support Team, and Facility Countermeasures Team?will operate continuously until September 30, the end of the heatwave countermeasure period.

The T/F team oversees all aspects of heatwave management, including situation monitoring, establishing emergency contact networks and communication systems, and checking on vulnerable groups by phone to prepare for the heatwave.

When a heatwave warning is issued, a comprehensive heatwave countermeasure support situation room, consisting of five teams, will operate 24 hours a day, working closely with related organizations to respond immediately and prevent damage to residents.

To protect heatwave-vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, 1,681 disaster helpers have been designated to check on their health status and wellbeing.

A total of 224 cooling centers, including welfare centers, community service centers, and senior citizen lounges, have been designated and will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays when a heatwave warning is issued.

Heatwave shade shelters are installed and operated at 111 locations, with plans to add 10 more this year.

In addition, the district will conduct joint inspections of energy supply facilities vulnerable to heatwaves, such as petroleum and gas facilities, in cooperation with related organizations like the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and Seoul City Gas. During heatwave warnings, water spraying trucks will be operated to mitigate urban heat islands, focusing all efforts on summer safety management.

Park Hyun-gyu, Director of the Safety Management Division, stated, “We will do our best to ensure residents can safely endure the hot summer through proactive and immediate responses to heatwaves. We also ask residents to familiarize themselves with national heatwave response guidelines and to check in advance for any potential hazards around them to prevent heatwave-related damage.”