Record-breaking 'heavy rain'… Increased risk of safety accidents such as electrocution and falls

 

Increase in electric shock accidents, prioritize cutting off the residual current device

 

In the event of home flooding, primary response is very important. When flooding occurs, the risk of electric shock accidents increases, so the circuit breaker must be turned off as a top priority. At this time, rubber gloves must be removed. Afterwards, unplug the appliances connected to the household outlets. Also, do not attempt to pump out water forcefully from flooded areas.

 

Be careful when resetting the circuit breaker immediately after water has drained. If the moisture has not dried, there is a risk of secondary accidents. Especially in the case of faulty wiring or partially damaged products, do not use them recklessly.

 

Caution is also necessary when moving. When there is a heavy rain forecast or when roads are flooded, it is best to stay away from facilities where electricity flows, such as streetlights, traffic signals, and manhole covers. This is because in humid weather, rain or water touching the body can conduct electricity about 20 times more easily than usual, increasing the risk of electric shock accidents.

 

It is also good to know emergency procedures for electric shock accidents. Electric shock causes current to flow immediately through the body, leading to arrhythmia, respiratory arrest, convulsions, and other issues.

 

In the event of an electric shock accident, do not directly touch the victim's body to rescue them. First, turn off the circuit breaker, then call 119, and use insulating materials such as rubber gloves, dry boots, thick cotton socks, or dry wood to separate the victim from the wire or conductor.

 

In the event of an emergency, move the injured person to a safe location, check their consciousness, breathing, and pulse, and perform emergency measures such as CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive. If the person is conscious, they should be made to rest in a comfortable position.

 

Even if no serious symptoms are apparent immediately after the accident, there are cases where burns occur deep inside the body, so a medical examination must be conducted. Additionally, do not give water or drinks carelessly until the ambulance arrives.

 

Do not approach nearby during road flooding

 

Never approach flooded areas. The water is often murky, making it difficult to assess the depth or condition of the road. There is also a risk of injury from sharp objects or heavy items.

 

If you are trapped on a flooded road, you should hold onto the building's exterior wall and move slowly. Also, if bubbles are coming out of a manhole cover, it is a sign that the cover may suddenly open, so you should keep at least 2 to 3 meters away while walking.

 

If water slightly rises on the floors of underground houses (semi-basement), subways, commercial spaces, or if there is backflow from the sewer, evacuate immediately. Underground stairs are difficult for adults to climb if water reaches just above the shins (30-40cm). Even if the water is only ankle-deep, children and the elderly cannot climb, so evacuate immediately if any water enters.

 

The Fire Department has established summer fire safety measures to proactively respond to increasingly extreme weather conditions and has entered the measure period starting May 15. In case of simultaneous disasters caused by heavy rain and other factors, to prepare for a surge in 119 emergency calls, 508 auxiliary call reception units have been added upon weather warnings, operating a total of 844 119 emergency call reception units.

 

Fire Chief Nam Hwa-young stated, "To proactively respond to the normalization of extreme weather conditions, we will establish the principles of swift, top, and maximum response to thoroughly prepare for natural disasters during the summer." He also said, "We will do our best to promote summer fire safety measures in collaboration with relevant agencies for the safe daily lives of citizens."