Hunan activates level-Ⅲ emergency response to freezing weather

Hunan activated a Level-Ⅲ emergency response to the freezing weather or snowstorms at 9:30 on January 29th, 2022.

In order to reduce impacts of the freezing weather or snowstorms to people’s production and living, and maintain work and life in order, the Hunan Commission for Disaster Reduction and the Hunan Department of Emergency Management jointly called for all people in the province to:

1. Pay close attention to the forecasting and warning information

Do pay close attention to the weather forecast and the snow and freezing disaster warning by meteorological departments. The public are suggested to make preparations in advance and arrange production activities and travel plans reasonably.

2. Ensure storage of emergency response supplies

An extreme weather may have an impact on electricity and other facilities. The public are advised to prepare well in advance and ensure the storage of agricultural and sideline products including rice, oil, meat and eggs, and necessities of life such as candles and flashlights.

3. Pay attention to traffic safety 

In the event of large-scale freezing or blizzard weather, the public are urged to reduce traveling, or choose public transport. People who do need to drive out should always pay attention to weather changes and road conditions, check vehicles in advance, and plan travel routes reasonably. During driving, the drivers should reduce speed, keep a safe distance, and stay away from roads and bridges that are prone to icing and snow accumulation, long downslopes, sharp curves and steep slopes, and dangerous areas near waters or cliffs.

4. Pay attention to geological disaster 

Do guard against geological disaster emergencies caused by sharp weather changes in rain, snow and freezing, such as collapses and landslides, and avoid traveling in mountains or at the dangerous areas near cliffs.

5. Pay attention of fire safety 

Residents should build up good habits of fire safety, ensure safe use of fire and electricity when keeping warm, and prevent safety accidents caused by fireworks and firecrackers. When using charcoal, residents should keep the rooms ventilated, do not lock doors and windows, in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The heating appliances should be checked regularly to prevent line aging, overcurrent, or short circuit, which may cause fire.

6. Pay attention to children safety 

Parents should urge their children not to play, fish, or skate in frozen ponds and reservoirs; consciously abide by the river and reservoir safety management regulations; increase their own safety awareness; and, learn to master necessary knowledge about self-rescue and emergency measures.

7. Carry out volunteer service

People are suggested to remind each other to keep warm, and be prepared for emergencies. Focus should be paid on the lonely elderly people, left-behind children, and other groups in need. If there is any situation, please inform the town (neighborhood), or village (community) office staff in time, and carry out volunteer services and activities to ensure safety of these groups.

The weather conditions that are featured with low-temperature, frozen rain, snow and icing may be complicated, last long, cover wide range, and with high disaster risk. In addition, as the Spring Festival approaches, the traffic pressure will be generated, and there will more demand for electricity, gas, and water. These conditions together with the disastrous weather may amplify the disaster effect. Please follow the emergency response and make every effort to prevent disasters from happening.

Translator: Pang Yuehui