Ganghwa County Prepares Comprehensive Heatwave Prevention Plan for 2022

[Suwon Ilbo=Choi Ki-ho] Ganghwa County has proactively prepared and announced plans to implement a "2022 Comprehensive Heatwave Prevention Plan" to ensure residents can spend a safe and healthy summer.

According to the county on the 20th, the Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted that this summer's temperatures will be higher than average, and from June onwards, high temperatures will be more frequent than normal due to the influence of migratory high-pressure systems. For coastal and island areas with high humidity, heat wave special alerts are predicted to be issued frequently.

In response, the county plans to establish a proactive comprehensive heatwave prevention plan and take full measures in safety management, including preventing facility damage and protecting vulnerable groups.

The county will organize and operate a heatwave countermeasure task force comprising ▲Overall situation management team ▲Vulnerable group protection team ▲Health management support team, and plans to immediately transition to a heatwave countermeasure headquarters when a heat wave alert is issued.

As heatwave countermeasures, the county will conduct regular inspections of operating conditions and cooling systems at senior centers being used as summer heat relief shelters for elderly residents' health. For vulnerable groups, the county will operate disaster relief assistant support programs and visiting health programs.

Additionally, the county will operate 85 crosswalk shade canopies, 5 cooling fog systems, and 239 heat relief shelters. The county plans to newly install 3 smart shade canopies that automatically fold and unfold according to weather conditions this year.

In particular, in connection with the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, the county plans to implement strengthened safety measures to prevent heat stroke among workers at worksites during summer and create a safe work environment.

Furthermore, to prevent urban heat island effects, the county will conduct road cleaning using water spray trucks, and plans to establish a strengthened cooperation system with relevant agencies to prepare for power outages and other incidents.

The county will hold a safety inspection day campaign to promote heatwave action guidelines in daily life and distribute promotional items (umbrellas, mini fans, cool towels, fans, etc.) to vulnerable groups to prevent heat-related illnesses.

A county official stated, "This summer is expected to be hotter than last year," and added, "We will concentrate our administrative efforts and do our best to ensure there is no heat-related damage."