Free Distribution to First and Second Graders in May
Support Expanded to All 360,000 Students Next Year
Additional Portable Safety Bells to Be Provided
In response to a recent series of attempted kidnappings and other crimes targeting children, Seoul City has decided to provide the "Elementary Safety Bell" to all grades in elementary schools.
According to Seoul City on September 11, the city previously distributed 113,000 Elementary Safety Bells to first and second graders at all 606 elementary schools in Seoul after receiving applications in May. With this new measure, the distribution will be expanded to all elementary school grades, providing an additional 247,000 students with the device. As a result, all 360,000 elementary school students in Seoul will be equipped with the Elementary Safety Bell.
The "Elementary Safety Bell" can be attached to a bag like a keyring, and in an emergency, pressing the black button on the back immediately emits a sharp warning sound exceeding 100 decibels. Seoul City
The Elementary Safety Bell is a safety device designed to help children protect themselves in emergencies. It can be attached to a school bag like a keyring, and when the black button on the back is pressed in an emergency, it immediately emits a sharp warning sound exceeding 100 dB.
This year, the city will also provide an additional 100,000 "Safety Help Me" devices in the second half of the year. Safety Help Me is also designed in the form of a keyring, and when the button is pressed in a dangerous situation, it functions as a portable safety bell that emits a warning sound and sends an emergency alert. When a report is received, the district control center checks the situation using the location and nearby CCTV footage, and dispatches nearby police officers. Up to five guardians are notified of the current location and rescue request via text message.
In addition, the city will accept additional applications for the "Safety Beacon to Protect My Store," intended for business owners who often work alone and may be vulnerable to dangerous situations. This is the second round of applications, following the first round in May, and the city plans to supply a total of 10,000 sets this year. The second application period begins at 10 a.m. on September 11. The Safety Beacon is a device that, when the emergency button is pressed during a crisis, activates a flashing light and siren outside the store. The report is sent to the district control center, and police stationed at the center can request nearby patrol cars to respond.
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon stated, "There is growing concern over the recent series of crimes targeting children," adding, "I hope that by utilizing Seoul City's alert system, vulnerable individuals can protect themselves and receive immediate help from those nearby to prevent harm."
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