Manage Heatwave Situations by Forming a TF Team
Seoul Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Su-hee) announced the '2024 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures' on the 28th, taking steps to protect residents.
The district has designated the heatwave countermeasure period until the end of September this year and formed a task force (TF) team. The TF team consists of three divisions and six departments, including the Situation Management Division, Welfare Measures Division, and Facilities & Crops Measures Division, to support the protection of vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone during heatwave situations and ensure the safety of workers.
When a heatwave advisory is issued, the response level will be elevated to the 'Comprehensive Heatwave Support Situation Room,' maintaining a constant response system with five divisions, 13 departments, and 18 neighborhoods to comprehensively manage the heatwave situation and respond promptly to emergencies.
Furthermore, if multiple casualties occur due to the heatwave, the response will be upgraded to the 'Heatwave Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters,' where 13 divisions, six institutions, and 24 departments will thoroughly monitor residents' safety until the situation is resolved to prevent any heatwave damage.
The district also announced the establishment of a systematic protection system for heatwave-vulnerable groups. It identifies the status and residential facilities of target individuals, assigns visiting nurses to respond quickly in emergencies, and carefully monitors safety during heatwave advisories, linking necessary health care services immediately when needed.
Safety checks are conducted by 161 disaster helpers composed of visiting nurses, social workers, and medical professionals, who visit or call vulnerable individuals such as elderly living alone, persons with disabilities, and chronic patients to confirm their safety.
To escape the heat during the day, 218 cooling shelters are available, and for vulnerable residents living in poor housing conditions, the district operates safe accommodations through agreements with two local lodging facilities.
The installation of shade shelters, which are easily accessible to all residents and highly effective in reducing heat, is also being expanded at crosswalks throughout the district. A total of 53 new locations, including three smart shade shelters that automatically open and close in response to temperature and wind, have been installed to help residents avoid direct sunlight while walking and prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, the district plans to respond through various methods, such as intensively promoting heatwave preparedness guidelines via the district website and social networking services (SNS) to prevent heatwave-related safety accidents.
District Mayor Lee Su-hee stated, "We have worked hard to prepare heatwave countermeasures that can provide practical help to residents so they can spend the summer healthily," and added, "When a heatwave advisory is issued, please refrain from outdoor activities as much as possible and make frequent use of nearby cooling shelters."
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