Uijeongbu-si Launches Full-Scale Protection Measures for Vulnerable Elderly Against Cold Wave

Mayor Kim Dong-geun: "We will implement protection measures to ensure vulnerable elderly can safely get through winter"

Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced on the 5th that it has designated the period from this month until March next year as the cold wave countermeasure period to protect the health of elderly people vulnerable to cold waves and to prevent damage, and will promote comprehensive protection measures.

A view of Uijeongbu City Hall. Provided by Uijeongbu City.

This protection measure was prepared for 2,971 people using the Elderly Customized Care Service and Home-based Elderly Support Service. The focus was on securing the safety of elderly people living alone and those with mobility difficulties, and establishing a system that can respond quickly in case of emergencies.

Utilizing 229 personnel performing the Elderly Customized Care Service and Home-based Elderly Support Service, vulnerable elderly households will be visited or contacted at least once daily through phone calls and information and communication technology (ICT) devices in preparation for cold waves and heavy snow. In particular, when cold wave and heavy snow warnings are issued, high-risk groups will be intensively managed and an emergency contact system will be established for rapid response.

The main contents include ▲establishing an emergency contact network and promoting cold wave action guidelines ▲operating a safety confirmation and situation reporting system ▲pre-inspection and education for vulnerable elderly households ▲strengthening the discovery and support of vulnerable elderly through enhanced private sector cooperation.

In addition, care service providers will visit vulnerable elderly households to provide guidance on ▲preventing water meter freezing ▲pre-inspection of heating devices and proper usage and storage methods. Furthermore, education will be conducted for service personnel to strengthen cold wave response capabilities, including safety management during severe cold and emergency treatment methods for cold-related illnesses.

Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “We will protect the elderly from safety accidents occurring during the winter season,” and added, “We will actively implement protection measures so that vulnerable elderly people can spend a healthy and safe winter.”