"When Water Floods Home, 119 Dispatch"...Jongno-gu Launches 'Jongno Emergency Bell' Pilot Project

Fire Agency Collaborates with Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Center
Focuses on Securing Golden Time for Life Rescue

Jongno-gu is launching the nation’s first “Jongno Emergency Bell (linked to 119)” project to eliminate safety blind spots in underground housing. Provided by Jongno-gu.

Jongno-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) is launching the nation’s first pilot project of the ‘Jongno Emergency Bell’ linked to 119 to establish a safety system for disaster-vulnerable groups and prevent flooding in underground housing.

The Jongno Emergency Bell project ensures that when a disaster safety accident occurs in underground housing, 119 immediately responds to secure the golden time and prevent casualties. It is significant in that the district independently supplements existing simple flood prevention facilities and the companion partner support project.

The core components of the Jongno Emergency Bell are the ‘flood sensor’ and the ‘emergency bell.’ The flood sensor is installed on the front door or window and detects when water rises above the alert level (2cm), sending notification messages to the district office, residents, guardians, and companion partners. If flooding progresses beyond the danger level (15cm), it automatically reports the incident, prompting the fire station to dispatch emergency responders.

Residents can also report emergencies directly. In urgent situations, pressing the bell allows 119 to receive the report and check the resident’s condition through a two-way communication device, enabling rapid on-site response.

Jongno-gu plans to pilot operate the Jongno Emergency Bell (linked to 119) starting this month, monitor and analyze its effectiveness, and gradually expand the system from next year. The district will also continuously collaborate with the Fire Agency, Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Center, and various public institutions to build a safety system that leverages mutual expertise.

While flood prevention facilities are suitable for initial response, they have weaknesses in emergency escape and life rescue during critical situations. Additionally, installing water barriers on housing windows or front doors is often rejected due to aesthetic concerns and the perception of residents as disaster-vulnerable. When flood warnings are issued, companion partners?composed of community leaders, public officials, and nearby residents?assist underground housing residents in evacuation, but their limited professional rescue capabilities pose a risk of secondary accidents.

Through repeated policy meetings and on-site verification, Jongno-gu concluded that collaboration with fire agencies is the only way to secure the golden time for life rescue and accident response, and concretized this project together with the Fire Agency and Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Center.

At the demonstration event held the day before, District Mayor Jeong Munheon said, “I hope the Jongno Emergency Bell (linked to 119), introduced for the first time nationwide, will contribute to preventing safety accidents in underground housing,” and added, “We will continue to pursue effective policies that prioritize the protection of residents’ lives and property.”