Safety Guidelines for heavy snowfall

Createdd 2014-01-09 Hit 520

Contents

Criteria for issuance of heavy snow advisories and warnings
Heavy snow advisories: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 5cm

Heavy snow warnings: When snowfall within a 24-hour period is expected to exceed 20cm; or for 30cm for mountainous areas

1. When there is heavy snowfall (advisories/warnings)
Drivers should:
-Refrain from using personal vehicles, and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway or bus)
-Refrain from driving on expressways, and use such routes as national roads instead.
-Refrain from driving on expressways, and use such routes as national roads instead.
-Drive slowly in hazardous areas, e.g. curving roads, hills, overpasses, bridges, and frozen areas.
-Always tune in to sources such as radio & TV to get the latest traffic conditions.
-Do not leave your vehicle parked on an arterial road, since it will interfere with snow removal operations.
-When crossing a steel deck plate in a subway construction area, drive slowly since the surface is slippery.
-Maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid hard braking.
-When braking, use the engine brake.
-Reduce speed when approaching intersections or pedestrian crossings, since braking distance becomes substantially longer on snowy roads.

Pedestrians should:
-Avoid going out-of-doors, as much as possible.
-Wear wide-soled running shoes or mountain-climbing boots when going out, to prevent accidental sliding.
-Wear gloves instead of putting your hands in your pockets when walking on slippery surfaces.
-Refrain from using cell phones or other mobile devices while walking.
-Verify that approaching vehicles are stopped before stepping onto the road, e.g., at a crosswalk.
-Hold the railing when using stairs.
-Avoid walking after dark, as it is very dangerous. Return to the safety of your home as early as possible.
-Do not get into a vehicle on the road, since it will interfere with the safety of other vehicles.

At home:
-Apply a wholesome civic mindset by taking responsibility for removing the snow in front of your home or shop.
-Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the house to prevent accidents.
-Children and the infirm or elderly should refrain from going outside.
-When there is deep snow, remove snow from vehicles, doors, rooftops, and eaves.
-Conduct safety inspections of aging houses to prevent collapse.
-In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.

At the workplace:
-Go to work and return home earlier than usual.
-When commuting, refrain from using private vehicles and use public transportation instead (e.g., subway & buses).
-Apply a wholesome business-owner’s mindset by taking responsibility for removing the snow around your business or workplace.
-Sprinkle anti-slip agents, e.g. calcium chloride or sand, on icy surfaces around the business or workplace to prevent accidents.

In rural areas:
-Crop-growing facilities susceptible to collapse, e.g., plastic greenhouses, should be inspected in advance and reinforced to prevent damage.
※ When there is an accumulation of snow around 20cm deep, electrical wires may snap and tree branches may break and fall.
-Remove shade cloths/films installed in greenhouses to minimize damage.
-Be careful during damage prevention operations, such as tearing plastic off.
-In vacant plastic greenhouses where crops are not currently being grown, remove the vinyl to protect the greenhouse structure.
-In isolated areas, ensure that an emergency contact system is in place.
-Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.

In coastal areas:
-Measures should be taken to regulate the evacuation and port entry/departure of various vessels, and the securing (mooring) of such vessels.
-Keep fish pens and other marine propagation facilities warm to prevent fishes from freezing to death.
-Residents, fishermen, and vacationers should not attempt to go near the shore.
-Refrain from driving on coastal roads. Make sure that you have all the necessary safety equipment if forced to drive in the snow.
-Tune in to the radio, TV, etc. for the latest weather reports.

2. When a vehicle is stranded by heavy snow
-Check the weather report before traveling and make sure you have information on alternative routes to your destination in advance. Prepare such necessities as winter gear, fuel, and food & beverages.
-Stay inside the vehicle if possible and tune in to the radio for the latest traffic and weather reports.
-If you absolutely must leave the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition with your contact information.
-If there is a house or rest area nearby, emergency patients, the elderly, and children have priority in evacuating.
-Put a blanket or warm clothes over your body to maintain body heat and gently move your body.
-When the vehicle heater is running, leave the windows slightly open for ventilation.
-Remove snow around the vehicle to prevent the exhaust pipe (muffler) from clogging. This way the vehicle will still start easily.
-Persons inside the car should not all sleep at the same time. Take turns sleeping in shifts to keep watch at all times.
-Do not park or stop on the shoulder of a road intended for snow removal equipment or ambulances.
-In the event your vehicle breaks down, contact the authorities immediately, e.g., the highway management agency, police, or fire department.
-Inform a friend or family member about your situation by mobile phone or some other means; rather than panicking, all those involved should inform the appropriate agency (e.g., police or highway patrol) and cooperate actively with the proper authorities.
-Refrain from using your mobile phone unnecessarily during emergencies.
 

phone information Information : Creative Administration Division / Woo So-young / banya01@korea.kr

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