Seongbuk-gu's Full Effort in Heatwave Preparedness and Response Activities

Operation of 264 Heat Relief Centers Across Seongbuk-gu, Expansion of 151 Shade Shelters
Designation of 2 Local Hotels as Safe Accommodations and 3 Saunas as Safe Shelters for Nighttime Heatwave Preparedness
Designation of Elderly Vulnerable to Heatwaves as Recipients of Elderly Customized Care Services

Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) is implementing a comprehensive heatwave response plan for residents by focusing on five major heatwave countermeasures: ▲strengthening daily life-oriented heatwave reduction activities ▲protecting heatwave-vulnerable groups ▲managing worker safety and health ▲ensuring facility safety ▲establishing a heatwave response system to minimize damage to residents caused by summer heatwaves.

Seongbuk-gu operates 264 cooling shelters and 151 shade structures. Especially this year, four additional smart shade structures that operate automatically according to the weather have been installed to prepare more effective heatwave reduction facilities. This year, cooling shelters have been equipped with ‘Cooling Shelter Information Boards’ indicating operating hours and resting spaces within the facilities to allow residents to use the shelters without hesitation.

In addition, to mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon, periodic road sprinkling operations are conducted to protect residents. During heatwave warnings, the amount of sprinkling is increased to protect residents from heat-related illnesses.

Nighttime heatwaves have also been prepared for. Three sauna facilities in Seongbuk-gu have been designated as safe resting shelters, and two hotels as safe accommodations. The main users are low-income vulnerable residents aged 65 and older who are at risk of heat cramps, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. These facilities can be used during heatwave warnings, and those wishing to use them can apply at their local community service center.

Support for low-income elderly living alone, a representative heatwave-vulnerable group, has also been significantly strengthened. These seniors are designated as recipients of the Elderly Customized Care Service, receiving guidance on summer health management, cooling shelter information, and heatwave precautionary measures. When a heatwave warning is issued, care workers check on the safety of the elderly to prevent casualties.

At the same time, non-face-to-face real-time safety monitoring is conducted through Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Indoor temperature and humidity are monitored, and if necessary, residents are guided to evacuate to cooling shelters or other safe places.

Efforts are also focused on strengthening the safety and health of outdoor workers during heatwaves. Promotion of the three major heatstroke prevention rules and heat-related illness prevention education are conducted to create a safe working environment.

Furthermore, to ensure rapid heatwave situation management, a ‘Mobile Heatwave Comprehensive Support Situation Room’ is operated. Through real-time situation sharing and thorough response, every effort is made to protect residents from heatwaves.

Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, “With unprecedented heatwaves expected this year, we are prioritizing the safety of residents by conducting various field-oriented projects such as elderly customized care services, expanding heatwave reduction facilities like shade structures, and operating cooling shelters.” He added, “When a heatwave warning is issued, we ask all residents to refrain from outdoor activities and take rest to ensure a healthy and safe summer.”