Gwanak-gu Strengthens Snow Removal Response Capability by Overhauling Equipment-Centered System

Winter Snow Removal Measures for 2023/24 to be Implemented by March 15 Next Year... Accelerating Snow Removal Capability with Expanded Installation of Smart Road Heating Systems, Additional Small Spreaders and Snow Removal Vehicles

Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) is launching the '23/24 Winter Snow Removal Measures' until March 15 next year to prepare for heavy snowfall and snowstorms during the winter season.

The district office operates a disaster safety control room 24 hours a day, monitoring road conditions in real-time through CCTV (closed-circuit television) to ensure prompt response to any dangerous situations.

The district has also formed task forces by department, including the Situation Management General Team, Disaster Site Environment Maintenance Team, Traffic Countermeasures Team, and Search, Rescue, and First Aid Team. Each team will carry out their assigned duties during disaster situations, focusing on protecting residents' property and lives.

In particular, this year the district has improved the snow removal system from a manpower-centered approach to an equipment-centered system.

This is expected to compensate for the shortage of manpower for snow removal on sidewalks and side streets, which were previously handled mainly by personnel, enabling more effective snow removal operations. The district has additionally secured five small spreaders (1-ton trucks) for side streets and 14 snow removal vehicles for sidewalks.

Furthermore, the district is accelerating efforts to strengthen snow removal capabilities through automatic snow removal facilities.

Due to the district's topographical characteristics, there are many vulnerable sections such as steep side streets where snow removal is difficult with the existing system. To overcome this, the district plans to expand the installation of smart road heating cables from the current 13 locations (2,570m) to 28 locations (6,390m) by the end of this year.

Along with this, the district has prepared various and effective snow removal measures through meetings.

The district will install 'shared snow removal toolboxes' at locations with heavy pedestrian traffic, operate 'private manpower snow removal task forces' tailored to each community service center to supplement snow removal personnel and conduct initial snow removal at vulnerable points, and implement 'designated snow removal responsibility sections' in cooperation with professional organizations.

In emergencies caused by heavy snowfall, the district will make every effort to create a safe winter environment in Gwanak-gu through joint snow removal operations involving private construction equipment, military personnel, and the Gwanak Police Station, among others.

The district plans to systematically implement snow removal measures with directions including ▲establishing thorough pre-preparation postures ▲building a snow removal response system for initial response during snowfall ▲strengthening snow removal capabilities through a snow removal task-sharing system.

District Mayor Park Jun-hee said, "Above all, we prioritize the safety of our residents and will prepare a flawless readiness posture," adding, "We also ask residents to actively participate in 'clearing snow in front of their homes and stores.'"