All-Out Response Including Cooling Facilities, Meal Services, and Academic Adjustments
With forecasts predicting that this summer's heatwave will be stronger and longer than in previous years, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Seokjun) has activated a comprehensive response system to ensure the safety of students and staff.
On July 8, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education held a joint inspection meeting among departments to review and discuss measures to strengthen the on-site response system at schools in light of the summer heatwave. The purpose of this meeting was to ensure both smooth academic operations and health protection through practical preventive actions and the implementation of behavioral manuals.
Completion of School-Specific Manuals and Full Inspection of Cooling Facilities
The office first provided all schools with behavioral guidelines and action items based on the "School Disaster Type Education and Training Manual," encouraging students and staff to strengthen their response capabilities.
From July 1 to 4, inspections of air conditioning and meal service facilities were completed at 665 schools in the region, with thorough checks for cleaning, disinfection, and malfunction of outdated cooling devices and electrical equipment.
As temperatures rise, detailed guidelines have also been communicated to schools, including maintaining the indoor-outdoor temperature difference within 5 degrees Celsius and flexibly adjusting the operation of cooling systems during heatwave advisories.
Flexible Adjustment of School Hours and Remote Classes
Depending on weather conditions, contingency plans have been put in place to allow for immediate decisions on adjusting school start and end times, implementing remote classes, or closing schools. In the event of such situations, the office plans to promptly inform students and parents to minimize confusion.
In addition, safety inspections are being conducted for school facilities currently under construction during the summer. The office is strictly enforcing the "five basic rules"?water, wind, shade, rest, and emergency measures?and is guiding schools to suspend work and secure rest areas during peak heat hours.
The office will operate a "Heatwave Response Task Force" until September 30, maintaining a comprehensive management system that links emergency contact networks and response manuals so that all schools can respond to situations in real time.
Superintendent Kim Seokjun stated, "Protecting the health of students and staff is our top priority," and added, "We will work closely with all schools to thoroughly respond to this summer's heatwave."
The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education plans to quickly communicate the results of this inspection meeting to all schools and will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure that heatwave response measures are not limited to simple guidelines but are effectively applied in the field.
Busan Metropolitan Office of Education is holding a joint inspection meeting to respond to the heatwave.
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