MOU signed for 'National Fire Safety Project' to expand smoke detector distribution and purchase access
South Korea's Ministry of Interior and Safety signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and the Korea Fire Insurance Association to promote the distribution of smoke detectors and other fire safety products under a joint initiative called the "National Fire Safety Project."
The agreement aims to help residents of aging homes detect fires quickly and evacuate safely by expanding smoke detector distribution, linking government and private-sector capabilities to strengthen fire safety in everyday life.
Under the MOU, the ministry's policy resources, the federation's nationwide distribution network and the association's fire safety expertise will be combined to build a cooperative system covering smoke detector distribution, sales, inspection and after-service management.
Key areas of cooperation include the distribution and promotion of smoke detectors and other fire safety products, the establishment of a sales network at Hanaro Mart locations nationwide, a national fire safety awareness campaign, and technical support covering fire safety inspections, education and follow-up management.
The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation will contribute 100 million won ($74,900) annually for three years from its corporate social responsibility funds to support a pilot program distributing smoke detectors to households and communities in need of fire safety assistance.
The federation will also help build a retail and distribution network so that smoke detectors — previously sold mainly online — can be purchased at Hanaro Mart stores across the country.
The Korea Fire Insurance Association will provide 40 million won this year to cover smoke detector installation for households selected for the pilot program. Drawing on its fire safety expertise, the association will also inspect fire hazards within individual units, including electrical systems, and carry out on-site measures where necessary.
The association also plans to conduct follow-up checks on installed detectors to ensure they are functioning properly and to provide fire safety education for residents.
The ministry will first run the smoke detector pilot program targeting communities and households most in need, then gradually expand distribution based on the results.
The ministry plans to broaden participation by local governments, retail companies and community organizations, and to identify and share regional cooperation cases so that fire safety activities can spread across the country.
"This agreement is significant as the first public-private partnership for fire safety measures in aging homes," Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung said. "Sustained attention and participation from communities and the private sector — not just the government — are essential for fire safety."
"We will pool the strengths of the private sector and local communities to expand smoke detector distribution, and carefully follow through on inspections and education after installation, so that people can live in a safe and secure residential environment," Yun added.
thlee@heraldcorp.com
