What’s the Weather Like in Gyeonggi Province? Beware of Cold Weather! Learn Essential Safety Measures for the Cold

Gyeonggi Province is now fully immersed in cold winter weather. Especially, the northern Gyeonggi areas are where cold wave warnings are ...

Gyeonggi Province is now fully immersed in cold winter weather. Especially, the northern Gyeonggi areas are where cold wave warnings are issued every year, so it's essential to prepare in advance to safely navigate through the harsh winter. 💙

For everyone residing in or visiting Gyeonggi Province, we will introduce cold weather preparedness methods. Let’s find out how to prepare for the cold.

Let’s find out how to prepare for the cold wave.

❄ Cold Wave Alerts/Warnings
Between October and April, a cold wave alert or warning is issued when the morning's lowest predicted temperature drops significantly from the previous day.

Cold Wave Alert
1️⃣When the morning's lowest temperature is expected to drop by 10°C from the previous day, reaching 3°C or lower, and below the normal average of 3°C.
2️⃣When the morning's lowest temperature is expected to be -12°C or lower for 2 or more days.
3️⃣ When serious damage is expected due to rapidly dropping temperatures.

Cold Wave Warning
1️⃣ When the morning's lowest temperature is expected to drop by 15°C from the previous day, reaching 3°C or lower, and below the normal average of 3°C.
2️⃣ When the morning's lowest temperature is expected to be -15°C or lower for 2 or more days.
3️⃣ When serious damage is expected in a wide area due to rapid low temperatures.

❄ Why Beware of the Cold?
Cold waves can not only cause inconveniences in life, such as property damage and a surge in power consumption, but can also lead to various illnesses such as hypothermia, frostbite, and injuries from falls.

Now, let's take a look on ways to prepare for cold waves in advance

❄ Cold Weather Safety Tips
1) Avoid excessive physical activity or prolonged outdoor activities and take regular breaks in warm places.
2) Maintain proper nutrition, stay hydrated, and maintain body temperature with warm clothing, blankets, and fluids.
3) If you have pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses, consult with a healthcare professional regarding prevention and treatment during the winter season.
4) Pay special attention to your health, especially during increased incidence of respiratory and circulatory diseases.

❄ Cold Wave Action Plan
✅ At Home
1️⃣ Minimize outdoor activities; if necessary, wear layers, scarves, and hats for insulation.
2️⃣ After going outside, wash hands and feet, avoid excessive drinking, and refrain from overexertion.
3️⃣ If severe symptoms of hypothermia such as severe cold, memory loss, and loss of orientation occur, immediately go to the hospital or call 119.
4️⃣ Request assistance for seniors, infirm individuals, or patients if they are outdoors for an extended period.
5️⃣ Regularly check on elderly individuals living alone and people with disabilities.
6️⃣ Avoid falls on icy roads by limiting long walks and wearing low-heels non-slip shoes.
7️⃣ Use old clothes or covers to prevent cold air from entering water meters, water pipes, boilers, etc.
8️⃣ When leaving the house for an extended period, slightly open the water tap to allow water to drip. If the water pipes are frozen, thaw them with hot water or a hairdryer.
9️⃣ Avoid excessive use of heating appliances and do not place flammable materials nearby.
🔟 Report facility malfunctions such as electricity, gas, and local heating to the management agency or local authorities.

✅ While Driving
1️⃣ Prepare winter equipment for icy roads, check the antifreeze, battery, and engine oil in advance.
2️⃣ Defrost the windshield, drive at a low speed, and maintain a sufficient distance between vehicles.
3️⃣ Avoid accelerating and braking on slippery roads, such as icy or curving roads.
4️⃣ If the vehicle becomes stranded, request rescue and rest with passengers while maintaining body temperature.
5️⃣ If stranded in a vehicle, one person must remain awake. At night, turn on interior lights or spread colorful clothes on the roof in order to be visible to rescue personnel.

✅ Cold Wave Action Plan for the Public
1️⃣ Pay attention to heating and temperature control, especially for the elderly and infants.
2️⃣ When going outside, beware of frostbite and dress warmly to prevent it.
3️⃣ If frostbite occurs, soak in warm water for about 30 minutes, maintain the temperature, and immediately go to the hospital.
4️⃣ To prevent freezing, cover water meters, boiler pipes, etc. with old clothes.
5️⃣ When leaving for an extended period, turn on the hot water slightly to prevent freezing.
6️⃣ Prepare winter equipment such as snow chains for the car, check the car regularly for antifreeze, battery, and motor oil.

We hope you all have a healthy and safe winter by following these cold weather tips!! ☃

For the convenience of foreigners and those curious about Korea, Gyeonggi Province publishes blog articles on various topics every week. Check out the Gyeonggi Province Blog for more information on various aspects of Korea! https://www.gyeonggido-korea.com/