Suncheon City Takes Measures to Protect 'Vulnerable Elderly' Against Heatwaves and Heavy Rainfall

Air Conditioner Pre-Inspection, Fan Support, etc.

Checking on Elderly Living Alone During Heatwave Alerts

Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) announced that it has taken proactive measures to protect vulnerable elderly people in preparation for heatwaves and heavy rainfalls.

The city has begun intensive management to monitor the health and ensure the safety of vulnerable elderly residents in the area, such as those with mobility difficulties and those living alone, until the end of September.

[Photo by Suncheon City]

In May, the city conducted pre-inspections on 2,250 air conditioners in households receiving customized elderly care services, assisting with battery replacements, filter cleaning, and handling A/S requests. Additionally, 71 elderly individuals who did not have fans or needed replacements due to aging were provided with fans.

Furthermore, cooling expenses of approximately 170 million KRW were supported for 687 senior centers, which will be actively opened as heatwave shelters.

In particular, when a heatwave warning is issued, dedicated staff for customized elderly care services will visit or call 3,025 vulnerable elderly individuals to check on their well-being, and real-time crisis information will be managed for 1,273 households receiving emergency safety and security services for solitary elderly.

Town and village offices will also directly check residents' safety and intervene immediately in case of emergencies, continuing to manage solitary elderly residents.

A Suncheon city official stated, “This year, due to abnormal weather, localized heavy rain as well as heat-related damage are expected to increase,” and added, “Elderly people vulnerable to heat-related illnesses should follow the three major heat illness prevention rules during heatwaves: avoid work and going out during daytime, drink plenty of fluids, and stay cool.” The official also urged, “If symptoms of heat-related illness occur, immediately call 119.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr