Daejeon Metropolitan City is overhauling its disaster response manual to establish a more agile and practical system for managing emergencies. The city held a key review meeting on April 3rd, presided over by Administrative Vice Mayor You Deuk-won, to discuss measures for a swift and systematic response to disasters. The meeting brought together directors from the city's disaster management, relevant operational departments, and 15 collaborative functional units.
This initiative comes in the wake of widespread large-scale wildfires across the nation, which resulted in unprecedented casualties and extensive forest damage. Recognizing the urgency, Daejeon City aims to thoroughly examine its current disaster response framework and enhance its operational readiness in real-world scenarios.
Since January, the city has been actively working on revising its "Disaster Response Manual" to better prepare for the increasing threats posed by rapid climate change and large-scale disasters. The newly revamped manual prioritizes an action-oriented system that can be immediately implemented in the field. It clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each department across the timeline of a disaster, from initial occurrence to recovery and rehabilitation, thereby ensuring continuity and effectiveness in the response efforts.
Key improvements in the revised manual include:
Strengthened Control Tower Function: The manual enhances the capabilities of the central disaster response control tower and bolsters its support functions for the local disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters in each autonomous district.
Clearer Roles and Responsibilities: The Fire Headquarters and disaster-managing departments will concentrate on on-site response, while the command headquarters will be streamlined under the Citizen Safety Office, Administrative Affairs Bureau, and Welfare Bureau. This division of labor aims to reduce confusion and unify the command structure.
Integrated Support System: A unified support system will be established through the operation of an integrated support center for victims, headed by the Director-General of the Welfare Bureau. This center will provide a one-stop service for handling grievances and providing necessary assistance to those affected by disasters.
During the review meeting, Vice Mayor You Deuk-won emphasized the critical importance of a rapid and systematic response in minimizing damage during disasters. He urged all departments to clearly understand their assigned duties and roles and to prepare as if it were an actual event, stressing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens.
Moving forward, Daejeon City is expected to conduct drills and simulations based on the new manual to ensure its effective implementation and identify any areas for further improvement. This proactive approach underscores the city's commitment to building a robust and reliable disaster response system capable of safeguarding its residents in the face of future challenges.
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