Korea Zinc's Onsan smelter has given the city of Ulsan 230 million won to help build a system for responding to disasters before they strike, the company said on the 3rd.
The handover ceremony was held on the 25th of last month, attended by officials from the smelter and the city.
The funding is intended to move beyond the conventional approach of focusing on recovery after the fact, building a base for preparation in normal times and strengthening the local safety net. The money will be channeled through the Ulsan Volunteer Center and volunteer centers in the city's five districts and counties to build mobile infrastructure for disaster sites and stock emergency relief supplies. Each district and county volunteer center plans to acquire an eco-friendly electric van equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which will be used to transport personnel and relief goods as well as to supply emergency power. The centers will also procure relief items for displaced residents such as food and drinking water, along with on-site equipment including power banks and accordion-style tents.
The vehicles and equipment will be used in normal times for a range of community programs, including support for vulnerable groups and local volunteer activities.
"Disasters are hard to predict in terms of when and where they will occur, so we believe it is important to prepare thoroughly in normal times, not just to provide support after damage has been done," said Park Sung-woong, head of the management support division at Korea Zinc's Onsan smelter. "We hope this support will be of practical help in delivering the assistance citizens need more quickly when a disaster strikes, and in minimizing the damage."
