Folks carrying heavy coats stroll by Gwanghwamun Sq. in central Seoul on Dec. 12, as a chilly wave warning was issued for components of the metropolitan space. Yonhap
Seoul will problem its first water meter “freeze warning” of the winter beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, as temperatures are forecast to plunge to as little as minus 12 levels Celsius, whereas metropolis officers additionally warned of a heightened threat of hypothermia and frostbite throughout the sudden chilly snap.
The freeze warning corresponds to the third-highest degree within the metropolis’s four-stage water meter freeze forecasting system, which ranges from “consideration” and “warning” to “warning” and “critical,” the Seoul Metropolitan Authorities stated Wednesday.
Town will function a 24-hour emergency response scenario room and activate an pressing restore system in coordination with its eight waterworks workplaces and the Seoul Services Corp.
As of Dec. 23, Seoul had recorded 242 instances of frozen water meters this winter. Flats accounted for almost all with 199 instances, adopted by 24 instances at building websites and 15 single-family and low-rise multiunit houses.
Metropolis officers warned that corridor-style residence buildings with out windbreak home windows and building websites are particularly weak, as water meter packing containers in these places are sometimes instantly uncovered to chilly air.
To stop freezing, residents had been suggested to insulate water meter packing containers and go away taps barely open when away from house. When each day low temperatures fall beneath minus 10 levels Celsius, officers advocate letting water run gently at a price that might fill a disposable paper cup in about two minutes.
Cracked or swollen meter shows might point out freezing, which might result in leaks or different injury if not addressed promptly. Suspected instances needs to be reported to the 120 Dasan Name Heart, the town stated.
On the identical time, metropolis officers warned that the chilly spell has elevated the danger of cold-related sicknesses, significantly amongst aged folks, people with continual well being circumstances and people experiencing homelessness.
Since Dec. 1, Seoul has recorded eight instances of hypothermia and one case of frostbite. Three of the hypothermia instances had been related to alcohol consumption, leading to paramedics transporting the sufferers to native hospitals, officers stated.
Chilly-related sicknesses happen when the physique fails to take care of a traditional core temperature after extended publicity to freezing temperatures. Hypothermia may cause confusion, lack of consciousness and even demise, whereas frostbite usually impacts extremities such because the fingers, toes, ears and nostril.
To cut back well being dangers, officers urged residents to restrict out of doors exercise during times of extreme chilly, put on layered and insulated clothes, and defend areas liable to warmth loss such because the neck, arms and toes. Sustaining indoor temperatures of no less than 18 levels Celsius was additionally advisable.
