Imsil County Fully Launches Winter Protection System for Vulnerable Groups

Promoting Winter Heating Cost Support and More

Imsil County in North Jeolla Province has launched its winter protection system for vulnerable groups to ensure they can spend the season safely and warmly.

According to the county on December 3, as more frequent cold waves are expected this winter compared to previous years, Imsil County is implementing a comprehensive plan covering daily life, welfare, and safety. The plan targets vulnerable groups such as the elderly living alone, low-income households, and people with disabilities. It includes strengthening welfare checks for at-risk households, focusing support on heating and winter supplies as well as food, and providing winter heating cost subsidies.

Last month, the county provided a total of 977.2 million won in winter heating costs to 349 senior community centers, which serve as living shelters for the elderly, with each center receiving 2.8 million won.

In addition, 1.44 million won in heating subsidies was distributed to 57 households vulnerable to winter conditions, with each household receiving 200,000 won. Emergency medical kits worth 50,000 won each were delivered to 90 elderly at-risk households.

Using 6 million won in individually designated donations, the county also provided additional heating cost support to 30 low-income households. The Imsil County Community Social Security Council distributed electrical safety power strips to 140 households to prevent winter fires, establishing a community-wide protection system.

The Imsil County Volunteer Center and the Returning-to-Farming and Rural Migration Center are continuing tailored support for vulnerable groups by delivering kimchi for winter to 230 households.

The county plans to further strengthen welfare checks and safety inspections for vulnerable groups such as those at risk of dying alone, elderly people living alone, and people with disabilities.

This process will involve the Imsil Social Security Council, welfare village heads, and care support staff, operating a field-centered and closely-knit care system.

Currently, the county is reinforcing the safety net for vulnerable groups through various welfare programs: 1,518 people receive customized care services for the elderly, 1,041 people benefit from emergency safety services for elderly living alone, 85 people in high-risk groups for solitary death receive meal and side dish support, and 85 people receive support for activities for people with disabilities.

County Governor Sim Min said, "Winter is a season that can cause particularly severe damage to vulnerable groups," adding, "We will proactively protect everyone so that no one is left out, and we will further strengthen our warm and attentive welfare administration."