Establishing a Comprehensive Response System for Five Key Areas:
Heat Waves, Flood Control, Safety, Public Health, and Resolving Daily Inconveniences
With another summer of unusual heat waves and increasingly severe localized torrential downpours expected due to abnormal weather patterns, Gwanak District (District Mayor Park Junhee) has established a comprehensive response system to protect the health and safety of residents during the summer.
The district has prepared a comprehensive plan covering five key areas: heat waves, flood control, safety, public health, and resolving daily inconveniences. The district will officially launch its summer response system from May 15 to October 15.
When a heat wave advisory is issued, the district will operate the "Heat Wave Response Support Situation Room" 24 hours a day to prepare for emergencies. The situation room will maintain a response system according to the heat wave level, provide continuous guidance on heat wave safety protocols, and disseminate real-time updates to help prevent heat-related damage among residents.
The district plans to proactively identify vulnerable groups at risk from heat waves, such as elderly people living alone, children lacking adequate meals, and homeless individuals, and provide tailored welfare services including welfare checks and meal support. To prevent heat-related harm among homeless people, day and night patrol teams will be deployed to intensively patrol areas where homeless people are concentrated.
The district will also expand the operation of heat mitigation facilities. Gwanak 50 Plus Center and Gwanak Senior Club have been newly designated as cooling centers, bringing the total number of "Senior Cooling Centers" to 139. In particular, low-income elderly households living in poor housing conditions such as single rooms or rooftop rooms without air conditioning, and who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, can use "Safe Accommodations" by consulting with their local community center.
In areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as crosswalks and traffic islands, 136 "smart shade canopies" and benches will be provided. Additionally, 53 city bus stops with high usage will be equipped with "smart air coolers" to prevent heat-related illnesses and create a comfortable walking environment during the summer.
To prepare for natural disasters caused by heavy rain and wind, the district will operate the "Flood and Storm Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters," composed of 13 working groups. This headquarters will implement emergency operations in six stages, depending on the expected rainfall and weather conditions.
During torrential downpours, the "Flood Disaster Vulnerable Household Partner Program," comprised of public officials and residents, will communicate with pre-matched vulnerable households, respond directly to the scene, and assist with evacuation if signs of flooding are detected. The "Star Light Stream Patrol Team" will also operate to guide the evacuation of residents who are isolated or in vulnerable sections along the stream.
In addition to heat waves and flood disasters, the district will thoroughly prepare for other summer safety accidents. To prevent resident harm caused by defects in public facilities, 54 facilities subject to major civil disaster regulations will be inspected intensively. Safety-vulnerable facilities such as aging apartment complexes and construction sites will also be checked in advance to eliminate risk factors.
To address the increased risk of diverse infectious diseases and summer food poisoning due to climate change, the district will strengthen disinfection activities in infection-prone facilities such as multi-use facilities, implement food poisoning prevention measures at group meal sites, and conduct regular water quality safety management at mineral springs and water play areas.
Additionally, the district will operate a civil complaint response team to ensure timely waste collection and increase the number of cleaning staff in public restrooms with high usage, thereby resolving daily inconveniences for residents and working to create a pleasant living environment.
District Mayor Park Junhee said, "I am deeply concerned as the average summer temperature continues to rise each year due to abnormal weather, and the risk of damage from heat waves and flood disasters is increasing. We will establish an effective safety net so that all Gwanak residents, including vulnerable households, can have a safe summer."
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