Winter Disaster Preparedness Guidelines
Recent heavy snowfall and cold waves across the country, including Gyeonggi Province, are not just seasonal phenomena but a result of climate change brought about by unusual weather patterns. These events are becoming more frequent and intense.
As unpredictable weather situations increase, systematic preparation and prompt response to protect lives and safety have become more important than ever.
Since cold waves and snow can significantly impact daily life, it is crucial to be informed and prepared in advance.
Heavy Snowfall Advisory Guidelines
✔️ Receive disaster information through TV, radio, internet, and safety apps, plan evacuation with family and neighbors, and prepare emergency supplies.
✔️ Clear snow in front of your house or store, sprinkle calcium chloride or sand on icy roads, and conduct safety checks on old houses.
✔️ Snow removal should be done during the day with at least two people, ensuring safety before proceeding, and avoid risky tasks like climbing on roofs.
✔️ Prepare winter supplies for vehicles, such as snow chains, calcium chloride, and shovels, and drive slowly on curves, overpasses, bridges, and icy sections while avoiding parking on main roads.
✔️ Pedestrians should minimize outings, wear wide shoes and warm gloves to prevent slipping, and keep hands out of pockets.
✔️ If your vehicle becomes stranded, report to emergency services and check weather conditions via TV, radio, or internet while waiting for rescue.
Cold Wave Advisory Guidelines
✔️ Check weather alerts regularly through TV, radio, disaster text messages, and safety apps for updates on cold waves and risks.
✔️ Prepare for heating and plumbing issues by inspecting boilers, sealing window gaps, insulating pipes and meters, and leaving faucets running slightly during prolonged absences.
✔️ Minimize outings and ensure proper winter clothing such as thermal underwear, gloves, and hats when going outside.
✔️ Walk carefully on icy paths without putting hands in pockets and take small steps, especially at crosswalks and inclines.
✔️ Use public transport whenever possible. If driving is unavoidable, maintain low speeds, avoid sudden stops, and ensure winter gear is available.
✔️ Regularly check on vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone, infants, and patients, to ensure their heating and health conditions are adequate.
Although heavy snowfall and cold waves can arrive suddenly, proper preparation can significantly reduce accidents.
Weather information and cold wave shelter details for your area can be checked through safety apps and public safety portals.
Gyeonggi Province anticipates that unusual heavy snowfall and extreme cold waves may continue this year, thus adopting a principle of 'over-response' for proactive preemptive measures and phased responses.
This includes strengthening on-site response capabilities, enhancing snow removal capacity for climate crises, systematizing control and evacuation for resident safety, increasing the community's perception of recovery support systems, and expanding protection for vulnerable groups and cold wave shelters.
Additionally, residents of Gyeonggi Province are automatically enrolled in climate insurance without a separate registration process, covering diagnosis costs for cold-related illnesses due to climate change, with additional support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and chronic patients.
As unpredictable weather changes continue, it is crucial to prepare in daily life and show concern for one another. Ensure a warm and safe winter with thorough preparation and safety nets!
No comments yet.
