Ganghwa County to Implement Comprehensive Winter Safety Measures Through February Next Year

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Ganghwa County announced on the 19th that it will implement a 'Comprehensive Winter Safety Plan' for three months through February next year to minimize inconvenience to county residents during the winter season and prepare for fire outbreaks and cold waves.

The comprehensive plan includes measures for preventing various disasters and safety accidents that occur in winter: ▲establishing emergency contact networks in case of disaster ▲strengthening management of risk areas in preparation for heavy snow and cold waves ▲systematizing quarantine services ▲protecting vulnerable populations. The county particularly focuses on preemptive and thorough response to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19, with the aim that all residents will do their best to spend a healthy and safe winter.

In preparation for heavy snow and cold waves, situation assessment meetings will be held from the preliminary alert stage, and perfect snow removal response systems and public-private cooperation systems will be established and operated.

Additionally, town and township public officials have been designated as responsible personnel for each risk area to strengthen risk area management.

Safety confirmations for vulnerable elderly residents will be made through the provision of the 'Love Safety Phone' hotline service for welfare checks and the utilization of the 'Emergency Safety Alert Service for Elderly Living Alone.' The installation of 'Cold Wave Reduction Facilities' and the designation and operation of 'Cold Wave Shelters' will support vulnerable populations in safely spending the winter season.

A county official stated, "We have prepared comprehensive winter measures with top priority on protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring public safety in the face of cold waves," and added, "Through thorough advance preparation and rapid response, we will make our best efforts so that all residents can safely spend the winter without a single safety accident."