Today’s High 33℃... What Are Dongdaemun-gu’s Measures for Heatwave Safety?

Comprehensive Heatwave Measures Implemented for About 4 Months Until September with Thorough Response
Establishment of 'Disaster Helper' Delivery System, Operation of Cooling Centers, Safety Training at Construction Sites, etc.

Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) announced that it will thoroughly implement the '2024 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures' for about four months until September 30.

With the number of heatwave days this summer predicted to be higher than average, the district has established a response system according to crisis levels to protect residents, especially vulnerable groups, from heatwaves. Through cooperation with relevant departments, practical measures will be prepared to ensure a flawless response.

Under normal circumstances, the 'Heatwave TF Team' operates; when a heatwave advisory is issued, the 'Heatwave Comprehensive Support Situation Room' is activated; and in case of large-scale damage, the 'Heatwave Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' will be run to protect residents' safety.

To quickly deliver heatwave information, the district has established a 'Disaster Helper' communication system in cooperation with local residents such as community leaders and voluntary disaster prevention groups, strengthening visits and phone check-ins for vulnerable groups and promoting behavioral guidelines.

Additionally, this year, 83 cooling shelters for vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, homeless people, and residents of small rooms will be designated and operated at 14 community service centers, 59 senior centers, 4 welfare centers, and 4 safe accommodations.

The district also operates facilities to reduce heat, including fixed shade shelters (169 units), smart shade shelters (22 units), cooling fog systems (12 locations), and smart rest areas (13 locations). During heatwave advisories, road water cleaning will be conducted during heatwave hours to alleviate the heat island effect.

Compared to last year, the district plans to strengthen measures by expanding 14 smart shade shelters, adding 4 attached-type and 3 pole-type shade shelters, cooling fog systems linked with Cheongnyangni Station’s Charm Garden and traditional markets (3 locations), 15 pergolas, 9 smart rest areas, and 4 safe accommodations to ensure thorough heatwave response.

Furthermore, safety education will be provided to outdoor workers such as those at construction sites, with efforts to supervise and manage them. Safety inspections will be conducted at construction sites and gas supply facilities within the district to fully manage vulnerable facilities.

In addition, special protection measures for vulnerable groups during heatwaves include ▲ installation and operation of outdoor shelter water refrigerators ▲ operation of heat-related illness monitoring systems ▲ support projects for cooling supplies ▲ provision of beverages and bath vouchers to vulnerable groups through the district’s Hope Welfare Committee ▲ special patrols to protect homeless people on the streets.

Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “We prioritize the safety of our residents and will do our best to thoroughly prepare for safety accidents caused by heatwaves so that Dongdaemun-gu can have a safe summer.”