Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters Launches Full-Scale Summer Fire Safety Measures

Inspection of Underpasses and Operation of Citizen Water Rescue Teams
Expansion of Emergency Response and Reporting Systems for Heat Waves and Heavy Rain

The Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters held a summer disaster response strategy meeting on the 17th in the headquarters conference room, attended by Director Go Youngguk and fire chiefs from five autonomous districts. Photo by Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters

The Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters is set to fully implement its "Summer Fire Safety Measures" to proactively respond to natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rain, and heat waves, as well as water-related safety accidents during the summer season.

On June 17, the Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters held a summer disaster response strategy meeting in the headquarters conference room, attended by Director Go Youngguk and fire chiefs from the five autonomous districts. At the meeting, they began establishing a thorough emergency response posture to protect the lives and property of citizens.

First, Gwangju Fire Safety will conduct preliminary inspections of 26 underpasses at high risk of flooding in preparation for weather advisories, carry out on-site adaptation drills, and strengthen preventive patrols in vulnerable areas.

In addition, to prepare for heat-related illnesses caused by heat waves, emergency supplies such as ice vests and saline solution will be kept on hand at all times. Twenty-seven pump ambulances will be designated as standby units to minimize any gaps in emergency medical response.

In particular, to prevent water-related safety accidents during the summer, a "Citizen Water Rescue Team" will be operated at five major water recreation sites for two months in July and August. The rescue team will focus on preventive patrols, eliminating risk factors, and conducting rescue operations for drowning incidents.

Furthermore, in anticipation of an increase in 119 emergency calls during the summer, the number of emergency reception stations in the situation room will be expanded from 13 to 35. Public awareness campaigns will be conducted to discourage non-emergency calls, and cooperation with related agencies will be strengthened through checks of emergency contact networks for emergency rescue support organizations.

Go Youngguk, Director of the Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters, stated, "Since various disasters can occur simultaneously during the summer, we will make every effort to ensure thorough preventive activities and establish a rapid response system to secure the safety of our citizens."