Seoul Facilities Corporation Launches "Comprehensive Summer Citizen Safety Measures" Against Heat Waves and Heavy Rain

Full-scale Efforts for Road Water Spraying, Flood Response, and Worker Protection

On July 4, the Seoul Facilities Corporation announced that it will fully implement its "Comprehensive Summer Citizen Safety Measures" to prepare for heat waves and sudden heavy rainfall caused by climate change. This comprehensive plan will be carried out in four key areas: heavy rainfall, heat waves, safety, and health.

The corporation has designated sections of highways that are prone to frequent flooding and underpasses as priority management areas, ensuring that recovery personnel and equipment can be immediately deployed in the event of road flooding. In addition, it has completed a full inspection and flood response training for facilities vulnerable to flooding, such as parking lots near Cheonggyecheon and rivers, as well as underground shopping centers.

Spraying work on the highway. Provided by Seoul Facilities Corporation.

Starting this year, the corporation has subdivided its disaster safety response system into six stages and introduced a new "preliminary reinforcement" stage to prepare for sudden downpours. It has also significantly expanded its stock of flood control equipment, including submersible pumps and engine pumps.

To address heat waves, the corporation will deploy eight water-spraying vehicles to clean major roads and prevent the heat island effect on highways. It will also provide real-time heat wave information through highway variable message signs (VMS) and its official website.

Measures to protect workers from extreme heat will also be implemented. The corporation will operate the "Heat Break" system, shorten outdoor working hours, and provide shaded rest areas to ensure worker safety. When a heat wave advisory is issued, construction sites and areas with frequent outdoor work, such as landscaping, will suspend operations during the high-temperature period from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cooling devices and saline glucose will be provided in rest facilities to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The corporation will also carry out maintenance to ensure pedestrian safety on Cheonggyecheon walkways, stairs, and bicycle paths, and conduct regular inspections of multi-use facilities such as Seoul Children's Grand Park and Seoul World Cup Stadium. Advanced systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) video recognition and driving habit analysis, will be introduced to call taxis for people with disabilities to prevent traffic accidents. Indoor air quality management, disinfection, and sterilization will be conducted in underground shopping centers and domed stadiums, alongside efforts to improve water quality in Cheonggyecheon.

Kim Youngyeong, CEO of Seoul Facilities Corporation, stated, "As unpredictable disasters caused by climate change are increasing, preemptive response is more important than ever," adding, "We will put the lives and safety of citizens first and mobilize all staff for a comprehensive response."