Korean Job Discussion Forums

[zenjenny]

There's nothing wrong with being prepared, just in case the worse DOES happen...

I don't need reassurances that nothing will happen. I just want to know what to do IF something happens. I tried to find out at work what to do if we hear the sirens, and my boss just said "Don't worry. You don't need to know. Nothing will happen."

Well, I still want to be prepared. Does anyone know what to do, or where there is information to tell us what we should do, if we hear the air sirens and it's not a drill? I have no clue.

I don't even know where I would have to go to be evacuated. I tried to find out at the embassy, and they just said they would contact me in an emergency. If the communication lines are down, what then? Where would I go?

Please, only helpful posts. I don't need people telling me that I'm worrying needlessly. I'm not building myself a bunker. I just want to have minimal preparation and awareness of what to do, just in case.

If there is a website that explains all of this, I'd love to know about it.

Thanks for your help.

[waynehead]

The US embassy has some sort of evacuation plan. I haven't looked at it in ages, but I think it involved Jamshil stadium as a pick up point or something like that. But my take on it is it's kinda like taking brace position on a jet in a nosedive...

[Stan Rogers]

Go to the top of the highest building in your neighborhood and check out the view.

[zenjenny]

Thanks. As a Canadian, I have heard that we are taken out by the Americans AFTER all of the Americans are evacuated. Very reassuring o.O. I wonder if this means we should go to the same evacuation points?

Do you remember where you found that info about the Jamsil stadium? I'd like to find out more.

[augustine]

[zenjenny]

And if the sirens go off during the night or some other time when we aren't at work (or around anyone to ask)? What do we do then?

[T-J]

Good write up found here with links to various embassy plans:


http://koreabridge.net/post/life-korea-emergency-evacuation-plans-south-korea-chrisinsouthkorea


The first and most important thing is to register with your embassy, I'm always surprised how few expats here in Korea do.

[T-J]

I'll add that after registering and determining where it is that you need to go.
Plan for two scenarios. One, evacuation and two hunker down. Each scenario should have two plans, two routes to the evacuation point and two locations to hunker down and wait things out. If you are North of the Han River, extra consideration and planning should be put into getting to the South side of that river.

Next use the link from my previous post and follow the recommendations for preparing a 'bug out bag'.

Finally, relax, ain't noth'in gonna happ'in.

[augustine]

Would I have to physically go down to the US embassy in Gwanghwamun to register myself, TJ? I don't live too far from the place so it's not a big deal, just curious...

[zenjenny]

Thank you, T-J! That link is very helpful. At least in terms of the American info (which I think we can follow too). It's good to confirm the Jamsil Sports Complex. The Canadian info is as vague as ever...no details about Korea specifically.

Yes, it's surprising to find out how many people aren't registered with their embassy.

Thanks again. I like the idea of a bug-out bag

I still wonder what to do about those sirens though? Do they have bomb shelters or safe areas for citizens? Otherwise, the sirens do no more than tell people to stay inside.

[T-J]

Emergency shelter is 대피소 in Korean. Many buildings in Seoul have signs on them. All subways are also designated as emergency shelters.

There sign you want to look for looks like this;

http://www.google.com/search?q=대피소&hl=ko&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=RU5BUemmKpT0qwHdpYDwAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=629

[T-J]

[Weigookin74]

Run and hide under the desk like it's 1957 again and hope the fallout doesn't find you....

[T-J]

^^ Very helpful. Thanks for that.

[zenjenny]

Thank you, T-J!