Bucheon City Steps Up Heatwave Response... Expands Cooling Shelters and Strengthens Protection for Vulnerable Groups

Extension of Free Bottled Water Distribution Hours and Locations

Bucheon City in Gyeonggi Province is ramping up its heatwave response by expanding the number of cooling shelters, providing more free bottled water services, and strengthening protection for vulnerable groups and safety management for outdoor workers following the issuance of a heatwave warning.

According to the city on August 4, the local government will expand the operation of cooling shelters so that citizens can escape the heat nearby, and from August 5, in the event of a weather alert, the weekday operating hours of the administrative welfare centers in all 37 districts will be extended until 9:00 PM.

The free bottled water distribution, which has been well received by citizens, will also see its operation hours extended from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; in case of a heatwave alert, the program will run until 9:00 PM. Additionally, Bucheon plans to expand the initiative to seven locations by adding one venue each in the Wonmi-gu, Sosa-gu, and Ojeong-gu districts, in addition to the previously designated sites such as Maru Square at Bucheon Station, Jungang Park, Sosa Juvenile Police School, and Wonjong intersection at Bucheon Livestock Cooperative.

Bucheon City Hall

Protection measures for groups vulnerable to heatwaves will also be reinforced. The city will enhance welfare checks and monitoring for those who are of very advanced age, people with mobility difficulties, dementia patients, and the homeless, and will establish on-site response systems to ensure swift support whenever necessary.

At construction sites, authorities will closely inspect compliance with work stoppage guidelines and heat illness prevention measures according to perceived temperature levels. Elderly farmers will be continually advised to refrain from outdoor activities during the peak heat and to take sufficient breaks in order to prevent heat-related illnesses.

In connection with these efforts, Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-ik plans to visit senior centers and aging homes in vulnerable areas of the city's old town areas this week to check on cooling facility operations and the health and living conditions of seniors.

Mayor Cho stated, "As heatwaves are disasters that threaten the health and daily lives of citizens, it is important to respond proactively," adding, "We will pay close attention to the on-site situation to ensure everyone can spend the summer safely."

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