Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, has prioritized citizen safety by implementing a field-centered response to the ongoing record heatwave.
Mayor Shin emphasized, "Heatwaves are a significant natural disaster that threaten the lives and safety of citizens, making preparedness and on-site responses crucial."
To address this, he has designated the period until August 30 as the heatwave response period, launching a comprehensive plan for the summer of 2026 that includes expanding cooling centers, enhancing heat reduction facilities, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring safety for outdoor workers.
Specifically, Mayor Shin has classified the heatwave not merely as a seasonal phenomenon but as a disaster that endangers citizens' lives and safety, focusing administrative efforts on protecting vulnerable groups and on-site responses.
To ensure that all citizens can escape the heat, 48 cooling centers are currently in operation, with extended hours for eight of them and one center open on weekends for added convenience.
Efforts to improve pedestrian environments are also underway. A total of 138 shade structures have been established at crosswalks and sidewalks, with 15 new installations this year and 11 old structures replaced to enhance safety for citizens.
Protection for vulnerable populations has been further strengthened.
Mayor Shin has prepared 1,800 heat prevention kits for the elderly living alone and low-income individuals, distributing them through welfare agencies. The kits include essential items such as umbrellas, hats, and cooling towels to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Additionally, safety inspections for fire prevention in areas densely populated with greenhouses, such as Beekeeper Village, are being conducted alongside promoting five key actions for heat prevention to strengthen the safety net for citizens.
Citizens have responded positively to the heatwave response efforts, stating, "The extended hours for cooling centers allow the elderly to use them more safely," and "The heat prevention kits provided to vulnerable groups are a much-needed practical help." Others noted, "The increase in shade structures has made it much easier for children and the elderly to cross the street."
Furthermore, comments praising the meticulous policies that support construction workers and the elderly living alone have emerged, with one citizen stating, "The recognition that heatwaves are a disaster and the on-site response approach instills trust in the community."
Meanwhile, Mayor Shin Gye-yong added, "We will thoroughly implement the expansion of heat reduction facilities, operation of cooling centers, tailored support for vulnerable groups, and safety inspections and prevention promotions to ensure that all citizens can enjoy a safe summer."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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