"Strengthening Resident Safety Systems in the Midst of Summer"
Seo-gu in Gwangju is taking comprehensive measures to protect residents' health and safety by implementing various countermeasures against the ongoing heatwave, with perceived temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius daily. These measures include expanding shade canopies, increasing the operation of water-spraying vehicles, and running patrol teams in agricultural villages.
Seo-gu announced on the 7th that it has currently installed 149 fixed shade canopies in the downtown area and plans to add 18 more within this month.
In addition, the district is proactively preventing heatwave-related damage by operating various heat mitigation facilities such as smart shade canopies, cooling fog systems, smart shelters, and cool roofs. The number of water-spraying vehicles has increased from three to five, and watering operations are being conducted at least twice daily along a 75-kilometer section within the district.
To improve convenience for bus passengers, Seo-gu is further enhancing the public transportation environment by installing heated and cooled benches and air curtains at 13 bus stops. The installation sites include locations such as Budleujugong 1 Complex in Yuchon-dong, as well as Nongseong-dong, Yang-dong, Chipyeong-dong, Kumho-dong, and Pungam-dong.
Efforts to support farmers are also being strengthened. In agricultural areas such as Seochang-dong, the district has deployed a "Heatwave Patrol Team for Agricultural Villages" to conduct regular patrols and promote heatwave response guidelines. Field inspections are also being carried out in areas with high concentrations of homeless individuals, alongside the operation of cooling shelters and the provision of summer supplies and safety management for vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, during the summer vacation period, Seo-gu will operate water play facilities for nearby residents at four locations: Sangmu Citizen Park, Ssanghak Children's Park, Uncheon Lake Park, and Yeomju Children's Park. These facilities will be open from the 22nd to August 17, with safety personnel stationed on-site to ensure a safe environment for water activities.
Kang Woojin, head of the Safety Management Division, stated, "This summer's heatwave started earlier than in previous years and is expected to last longer, so we are further strengthening our diverse heatwave response systems," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that all residents can enjoy a healthy and safe summer."
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