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Overview of Natural Disasters in Daejeon

Daejeon, located in central South Korea, is less prone to severe natural disasters compared to coastal or mountainous regions. However, the city is not immune to risks such as earthquakes, flooding, and typhoons. South Korea has been experiencing an increase in seismic activity in recent years, and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September) can lead to localized flooding.

1. Earthquake Preparedness

While South Korea is not as seismically active as countries like Japan, earthquakes have occurred, and preparedness is essential.

Steps to Prepare for Earthquakes

Secure Your Home:
- Anchor heavy furniture (e.g., bookshelves, cabinets) to walls.
- Use earthquake-resistant hooks for hanging items.
- Store breakable items in low, secure cabinets.
Emergency Kit:
- Prepare a kit with essentials for at least 72 hours. Items include:
  - Bottled water (3 liters per person per day)
  - Non-perishable food
  - Flashlight and extra batteries
  - First aid kit
  - Portable phone charger
  - Whistle (to signal for help)
  - Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, etc.)
  - Face masks (to protect from dust/debris)
- Estimated Cost: ₩50,000–₩100,000 ($40–$80 USD), depending on the quality and quantity of items.
Know Safe Spots:
- Identify sturdy furniture (e.g., tables) to take cover under during an earthquake.
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall.
Practice Drills:
- Familiarize yourself with the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique.
- Participate in earthquake drills organized by local authorities.

During an Earthquake:

Indoors: Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops.
Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
In a vehicle: Stop in a safe location and stay inside until the shaking stops.

Local Resources for Earthquake Preparedness:

Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA): Provides real-time earthquake alerts via their website and mobile app.
Daejeon Disaster and Safety Management Office: Offers guidance and resources for earthquake preparedness. Contact them at 042-120 for assistance.

2. Flood and Typhoon Preparedness

Daejeon can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season and typhoons, which may lead to localized flooding.

Steps to Prepare for Floods and Typhoons

Flood-Proof Your Home:
- Elevate electrical appliances and valuables.
- Seal basement windows and doors with waterproof materials.
- Install a sump pump if you live in a flood-prone area.
Emergency Kit:
- Include waterproof bags for important documents and electronics.
- Add rain gear (ponchos, waterproof boots) to your kit.
- Stock up on sandbags if flooding is expected.
Monitor Weather Alerts:
- Use the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) app or website for real-time weather updates.
- Sign up for emergency alerts via your mobile carrier (enabled automatically for most residents).
Evacuation Plan:
- Identify the nearest evacuation shelters (see below for Daejeon-specific locations).
- Plan multiple routes to higher ground in case of flooding.

During a Flood or Typhoon:

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as even 15 cm of water can knock you off your feet.
Turn off electricity and gas if flooding is imminent.
Move to higher ground immediately if water levels rise.

Local Resources for Flood Preparedness:

Daejeon City Hall Disaster Management Division: Provides flood warnings and evacuation information. Contact them at 042-270-2114.
Emergency Shelters: Public schools, community centers, and government buildings often serve as shelters during floods. Check with your local district office for the nearest shelter.

3. General Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a natural disaster, follow these steps:

Stay Informed:
- Listen to emergency broadcasts on TV, radio, or mobile apps (e.g., Naver Weather, KakaoTalk alerts).
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
Evacuate Early:
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately to avoid being trapped by rising water or debris.
- Bring your emergency kit and essential items.
Use Designated Shelters:
- Daejeon has designated evacuation shelters in each district. These include schools, community centers, and sports facilities.
- Examples of shelters in Daejeon:
  - Seo-gu District: Dunsan Elementary School
  - Yuseong-gu District: Yuseong Sports Complex
  - Dong-gu District: Dong-gu Community Center
- Check with your local district office for a full list of shelters.
Emergency Contact Numbers:
- 119 (Fire and Medical Emergencies): For immediate assistance.
- 112 (Police): For security-related emergencies.
- Daejeon Disaster and Safety Management Office: 042-120.

4. Costs of Preparation

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for disaster preparedness in Daejeon:

| Item | Estimated Cost (KRW) | Estimated Cost (USD) | |-------------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------| | Emergency Kit (basic) | ₩50,000–₩100,000 | $40–$80 | | Fire extinguisher | ₩20,000–₩50,000 | $15–$40 | | Waterproof bags | ₩10,000–₩30,000 | $8–$25 | | Portable phone charger | ₩20,000–₩50,000 | $15–$40 | | First aid kit | ₩10,000–₩30,000 | $8–$25 | | Sandbags (per bag) | ₩5,000–₩10,000 | $4–$8 |

5. Additional Tips for Foreigners in Daejeon

Language Barrier: Emergency alerts are often in Korean. Install translation apps like Papago or Google Translate to understand critical messages.
Community Support: Join local expat groups on platforms like Facebook or KakaoTalk to stay informed and share resources.
Insurance: Consider purchasing renters or homeowners insurance that covers natural disasters. Costs vary but typically range from ₩100,000–₩300,000 annually ($80–$240).

6. Key Government and Online Resources

Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA): www.kma.go.kr
Daejeon City Hall: www.daejeon.go.kr
Safe Korea (National Disaster and Safety Portal): www.safekorea.go.kr
Emergency Ready App: A government-provided app offering real-time alerts, shelter locations, and safety tips. Available in English and Korean.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for natural disasters in Daejeon. Stay safe!

Daejeon

Natural Disaster Preparedness