Uljin-gun establishes a water supply facility inspection and response plan for cold waves. Uljin-gun (Governor Son Byeong-bok) establishes and operates a cold wave response plan to prevent inconvenience in the use of water supply by residents in preparation for the cold wave predicted by rapidly changing climate change.
Uljin-gun will inspect the operation status of water supply facilities such as water intake plants, water purification plants, pressurization plants, drainage basins, highlands, and vulnerable facilities in November. In preparation for the cold wave, facility materials will be purchased and placed in advance to maintain constant water supply to prevent inconveniences to residents due to water leaks. We operate a 24-hour emergency response team to protect water sources, including improving the water flow rate.
For water supply support, 8 tons and 3 tons of emergency water supply vehicles are on standby in preparation for various emergencies, and related organizations within the jurisdiction[울진소방서(비상급수지원), 한국전력공사(가압권역 단전 감시)등]We are continuously working to ensure a stable water supply in consultation with
As part of its freeze prevention activities, the Clear Water Office insulates household facilities such as meter protection boxes and indoor ignition boxes with vinyl and old clothes, and thoroughly prevents freezes and bursts (insulation) to prevent freezing within the building when leaving the house for a long period of time. We are promoting it through town offices and village head councils to encourage residents’ interest in preventing freezes.
Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok said, “There may be a temporary water outage due to frozen pipes, etc., but we are operating to minimize inconvenience to residents through rapid restoration measures, so we will actively report and cooperate in cases such as unavoidable water outages and emergency situations (water leaks, etc.). “I ask you to do so,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uljin-gun has established the ‘2024 Winter Snow Removal Comprehensive Measures’ in preparation for heavy snowfall in winter and is making every effort to manage road safety and prepare for snow removal.
As heavy snowfall and cold waves are predicted due to recent abnormal weather, for safe road management, a total of 971km of roads, including 141km of national roads, 134km of local roads, and county roads, of 696km, are fully prepared for preemptive snow removal in collaboration with the road management office. are preparing for.
For National Routes 7 and 36, the Uljin Branch of the Pohang Land Management Office has deployed 7 dumpers and 1 excavator, and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Northern Construction Office is responsible for snow removal work on National Route 88 with 2 dumpers and 1 excavator.
In addition, Uljin-gun plans to deploy 4 dumpers, 2 backhoes, and 207 tractors in collaboration with local residents for snow removal work in areas where traffic disruption is expected and major routes.
As of last October, Uljin-gun had inspected and repaired snow removal equipment and automatic salt water spraying devices (2 locations), 205 wet sand sites in areas expected to freeze, and 78 snow removal boxes, purchased approximately 200 tons of additional snow removal materials, and provided snow removal services such as 6,000 sandbags. We are preparing for snow removal by stockpiling materials.
In particular, in order to prevent casualties in isolated mountainous areas such as Wangpi-ri, Geumgangsong-myeon, etc., we are making every effort to ensure safety in various ways, such as removing trees at risk from snow damage in a 10km section of mountainous roads to prevent damage from electricity and communication interruptions.
Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok said, “In preparation for heavy snowfall in the winter, we will share real-time situations through the disaster communication room depending on the weather situation and prepare thoroughly to ensure that residents can travel on safe roads without inconvenience through quick and safe road snow removal work.” “I will do it,” he urged.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Uljin-gun
What are some effective strategies for community engagement in water management during climate emergencies?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Water Management Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on climate preparedness, where we dive into the strategies being implemented to safeguard water resources during extreme weather events. Today, we have Dr. Hana Lee, a renowned water management expert with years of experience in climate resilience strategies. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Hana Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent developments in Uljin-gun, where a cold wave response plan has been established to maintain water supply for residents. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Dr. Lee: I think it’s a commendable step by Uljin-gun. As we’ve seen with climate change, the unpredictability of weather events has increased significantly. Establishing a cold wave response plan is essential for ensuring that residents have a reliable water supply during extreme conditions.
Editor: Uljin-gun plans to conduct comprehensive inspections of water supply facilities. How critical is such a proactive measure?
Dr. Lee: Inspecting water supply facilities—and making necessary improvements—is crucial. A thorough check of facilities like water intake and purification plants can reveal vulnerabilities that may not be apparent until a crisis hits. By addressing these issues ahead of time, they can mitigate the risk of service interruptions due to freezing temperatures.
Editor: What other preventive measures, like those mentioned in Uljin, do you suggest for communities facing similar cold wave threats?
Dr. Lee: In addition to facility inspections, community awareness campaigns are vital. The initiative to insulate household facilities is excellent, as it empowers residents to take preventive actions themselves. Providing resources like vinyl and old clothes for insulation needs encourages community engagement. It would also be beneficial to conduct workshops demonstrating how to protect plumbing and heating systems.
Editor: Uljin’s emergency response team operates 24/7 to address water source protection and improve water flow. How does a rapid response capacity influence overall water management?
Dr. Lee: A well-coordinated emergency response team can make all the difference. During extreme weather, the ability to quickly address leaks, prevent damage, and restore services can prevent cascading failures within the water supply system. It shows a commitment not only to infrastructure but also to the communities that rely on these services.
Editor: The Mayor of Uljin-gun emphasized communication during water outages and emergencies. How important is community communication in crisis management?
Dr. Lee: Communication is key in crisis management. It builds trust between local governments and residents, making them more likely to report issues and follow emergency guidelines. Regular updates about potential outages, as well as clear channels for reporting problems, can significantly reduce panic and uncertainty in the community.
Editor: With the predictions of heavy snowfall, Uljin-gun is also preparing for snow removal. What other aspects should communities consider in their winter preparedness plans?
Dr. Lee: Besides snow removal, communities should consider comprehensive road safety measures and ensure accessibility for emergency services. Planning routes for emergency responders can prevent delay during snow events. Additionally, ensuring that critical facilities, like hospitals and shelters, have contingency plans in place is important for community resilience.
Editor: As we wrap up, Dr. Lee, what overarching lessons can we take from Uljin-gun’s approach to climate resilience and water management?
Dr. Lee: The primary lesson is the importance of proactive and integrated planning. Engaging communities, preparing infrastructure, and ensuring effective communication can significantly enhance resilience against extreme weather. It’s a model that other regions facing similar risks should consider adopting as climate change continues to challenge our systems.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights today. It’s clear that proactive measures like those taken by Uljin-gun serve as critical steps in building resilient communities.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for hosting this important discussion.
Editor: Until next time, stay informed and prepared!
—
This interview format encapsulates the necessary details from the Uljin-gun article while promoting an engaging dialog about climate preparedness in water management.