Six Additional Chemical Accident Evacuation Sites Designated
Citywide Expansion for Rapid and Safe Evacuation
Step-by-Step Training and Joint Drills to Strengthen Initial Response Capabilities
Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) announced on August 22 that it will designate and operate six additional chemical accident evacuation sites, expanding the current number from 14 to 20, in order to protect citizens from chemical accidents that may occur at hazardous chemical handling businesses.
The new sites were selected based on several criteria: maintaining a distance of at least 500 meters from hazardous chemical handling businesses, ensuring appropriate scale, and providing facility accessibility. The city also prioritized joint use of existing temporary housing facilities when designating the new evacuation sites.
In particular, two new sites were designated each in Ilsandong-gu, Ilsanseo-gu, and Deogyang-gu, enabling rapid and safe evacuation across the entire city.
The city is also making various efforts to strengthen its initial response capabilities to chemical accidents, alongside expanding evacuation sites.
In July, the city conducted a "Step-by-Step Education and Training Program for Strengthening Initial Response to Chemical Accidents," providing theoretical education and discussion-based training for hazardous chemical handling businesses and related agencies within the city. Through this program, the city was able to review and improve initial response procedures and cooperation systems to better fit real-life situations in the event of a chemical accident.
Additionally, in October, the city will conduct a "Joint Hazardous Chemical Accident Drill" with the primary goal of enhancing initial response capabilities to chemical accidents.
This drill will simulate an actual leak accident, with participation from businesses, fire departments, police, and other relevant agencies, in order to review and improve rapid and accurate response procedures immediately following an incident.
A city official stated, "We will continue our efforts to protect the lives and safety of citizens from chemical accidents through activities such as designating additional evacuation sites and strengthening training and response systems."
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