Seongnam City Mobilizes Full Response to Heatwave: Operating 314 Cooling Centers and 894 Shade Structures

Seongnam City Strengthens Protection for Vulnerable Groups During Heatwave
314 Cooling Centers and 894 Shade Structures in Operation
Mayor Shin Sangjin: "Heatwave is a Disaster"... Administrative Efforts Focused on Citizen Safety

Amid continuous heatwaves, Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province is focusing its administrative efforts on ensuring citizen safety by prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups and expanding heatwave mitigation facilities in residential areas.

A water spraying truck operated by Seongnam City to respond to the heatwave is watering the road surface on Seongnam-daero. Provided by Seongnam City

On July 29, Seongnam City (Mayor Shin Sang-jin) announced that immediately upon issuance of a heatwave advisory, the city activates a heatwave response task force, monitors response statuses for each department daily, and intensively manages the operation status of cooling centers and shade structures, as well as protection measures for vulnerable groups. If a tropical night persists, a separate response system is implemented, and situations involving heat-related illnesses are constantly monitored to enable a swift response.

Protection for vulnerable groups has also been strengthened. The Department of Senior Welfare checks the health status of approximately 4,000 elderly residents and high-risk individuals daily by phone and in-person visits during a heatwave advisory. The public health centers send over 3,000 heatwave warning text messages and provide health management through visits and calls, while the Department of Welfare Policy patrols areas with high concentrations of homeless individuals three times a day to prepare for emergencies.

For more than 33,000 people categorized as vulnerable to heatwaves, the city is providing supplies to help them cope, such as handheld fans, bottled water, fans, cooling sleeves, neck scarves, and cooling blankets, while also conducting on-site inspections.

In order to offer residents relief from the heat, the city is operating a total of 314 cooling centers, 104 of which are open at night. Facilities include 88 smart bus shelters, the central underground shopping mall, district offices, libraries, and rest centers for mobile workers.

There are 894 shade structures installed and operated at crosswalks and intersections with high pedestrian traffic, with 74 added this year. Of these, 236 smart shade structures automatically operate by detecting temperature and wind speed. Additionally, 15 cooling fog installations are being operated, further improving the walking environment and reducing perceived temperatures.

Through September 30, a free parasol rental program is also being operated, allowing any citizen to borrow one at designated locations such as administrative welfare centers. A total of 1,424 parasols are available for loan, and must be returned within seven days. These parasols block up to 99% of ultraviolet rays and are effective at lowering perceived temperatures by about 10°C, helping prevent heat-related illnesses during outdoor activities in the heatwave season.

Cooling kits provided by Seongnam City to vulnerable groups to prepare for heatwaves. Provided by Seongnam City

Water spraying operations have also been expanded to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Fourteen water-spraying trucks have been deployed, spraying the road surfaces along 49 routes covering 248.9 kilometers. If the heatwave warning continues for an extended period, the operation could be expanded to up to 22 vehicles. Additionally, during a heatwave advisory, construction sites for 35 city-commissioned projects are required to either suspend work or adjust working hours to ensure the safety of outdoor workers.

Mayor Shin Sang-jin of Seongnam City stated, "Heatwaves are disasters that threaten the lives and health of citizens, so we will concentrate all administrative resources to ensure there are no gaps in protecting vulnerable groups and in on-site responses. I also urge citizens to refrain from outdoor activities during the midday heat, stay well-hydrated, and make active use of nearby cooling centers and shade structures to stay healthy this summer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.