The government is launching a comprehensive response to minimize casualties from heavy snowfall and cold waves this winter.
On November 11, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it will designate the period from November 15 to March 15 as the 'Winter Natural Disaster Response Period' and activate a nationwide response system.
According to the '2026-2027 Winter Natural Disaster Comprehensive Plan,' a 'Concern' level alert for heavy snowfall and cold waves will be issued starting next week. Local governments will maintain a 24-hour situation management system, enhancing weather monitoring and on-site inspections. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters will also be proactively activated in the event of a disaster.
The target for disaster alert messages will expand from 101 pilot locations in the metropolitan area, Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollabuk-do to 227 cities and counties nationwide.
Areas vulnerable to heavy snowfall, such as structures at risk of collapse or isolation, icy roads, and coastal regions, will be designated as five major disaster-prone areas, increasing from 9,761 to 9,240 locations compared to last year. Approximately 5,100 residents in residential greenhouses and mountainous villages, who may have difficulty evacuating, will be prioritized for evacuation support. For the first time, the 'Resident Evacuation Support Team,' previously operated only in summer, will also function during winter.
Efforts will be made to secure de-icing agents and equipment across provinces. Based on the 10 billion won in disaster special grants sent on October 30, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will support the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and local governments in stockpiling 1.19 million tons of de-icing agents, a 26% increase from last year's usage of 946,000 tons. More than 50,000 de-icing machines will be secured, and pre-treatment with de-icing agents will be completed 1-2 hours before snowfall forecasts.
Safety management closely related to daily life will also be strengthened. The government will quickly inform the public of weather conditions and safety guidelines through disaster alerts and TV broadcasts when heavy snowfall is forecasted. Customized promotions will be conducted for farmers on managing facilities like greenhouses and livestock barns, and for managers of public facilities on safe de-icing practices.
A proactive cold wave response system will also be activated. Insulation materials will be distributed in preparation for pipe freezing, water outages, and power outages, and a reporting system for these issues will be established. Six sectors, including health and industry, will begin issuing cold wave impact forecasts two days in advance.
To assist vulnerable populations such as the elderly and single-person households during cold waves, over 37,000 support workers will check on their well-being. Additional support for low-income households will include energy vouchers and subsidies for purchasing kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Cold wave shelters will be significantly increased from over 53,000 last year to 66,000 this year, in collaboration with financial institutions and post offices. There will also be 342 emergency shelters operating 24 hours a day and 217 emergency sleeping places for residents of small rooms and the homeless.
In the event of frozen water supply or meters, emergency repairs and emergency water supply will be provided, and reserve power resources will be secured in anticipation of increased heating demand. When a cold wave warning is issued, school principals will have the discretion to adjust school hours.
When a cold wave warning is announced, weather alerts and cold-related health guidelines will be promptly communicated through disaster messages and TV subtitles. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to provide disaster alerts, shelter information, and action guidelines to foreign residents through its mobile application, 'Emergency Ready.'
Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Interior and Safety, stated, "The government will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure a robust response system for heavy snowfall and cold waves to protect the lives and safety of the public." He added, "I urge citizens to regularly check weather conditions and to consider using public transportation during heavy snowfall and checking on their parents during cold waves."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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