Gwangju City Urges Caution Against Heating Appliance Fires and Cold-related Illnesses Amid Severe Cold Wave

Follow Safety Guidelines for Electric Mats and Heaters

On the 9th, Gwangju City urged residents to thoroughly prepare for heating appliance fires and cold-related illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia due to the severe cold in winter.

According to the National Fire Information System, there have been 3,962 fires in Gwangju over the past five years, resulting in 181 casualties (31 deaths and 150 injuries). Of these, 223 were caused by seasonal appliances, with 62 cases (27.8%) attributed to winter heating products such as electric mats, blankets, and heaters, making up the largest proportion.

To prevent fires caused by winter heating appliances, it is essential to check for any damage to the appliance cords before use, and to keep flammable materials such as blankets and clothes away from the devices during use. Only thin blankets, not highly flammable materials like latex, should be placed on electric mats. Dust on mats and outlets should be removed, and unused plugs should be unplugged to avoid overloading outlets. Residents in apartment complexes should be familiar with specific safety guidelines to minimize damage.

The city also urged special caution against cold-related illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia, which can result from sudden temperature drops during winter cold waves. The most common cold-related illnesses are frostbite and hypothermia, both of which are directly caused by exposure to cold.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there have been 1,883 cases of cold-related illnesses nationwide over the past five years, with an estimated 42 deaths, and the numbers are increasing each year. Among the 400 cold-related patients nationwide in 2023-2024, 98% suffered from hypothermia or frostbite.

To prevent cold-related illnesses, avoid sudden exposure to cold and refrain from excessive physical activity. If you develop frostbite, do not rub the affected area; instead, immerse it in warm water for about 30 minutes to maintain body temperature and seek immediate medical attention. As 51.5% of all patients are seniors aged 65 and older, extra care is needed to protect the health of the elderly during winter.

Lee Buho, Director of Safety Policy, said, "Citizens should raise their awareness of safety by familiarizing themselves with preventive measures against cold-related illnesses and safety rules for heating products, so they can spend the winter healthily and safely." He also requested, "During heavy snowfall, please actively participate in voluntarily clearing snow in front of your homes and stores."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.