Goheung-gun Strengthens Heatwave Response Measures at Senior Centers' Cooling Shelters

Emergency Additional Cooling Cost Support, Senior Center Program Operation

Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced that it is making every effort to prevent heat-related illnesses among the elderly due to the intense heat that began after the long rainy season ended.

Since June, they have visited 644 senior centers in the area to conduct pre-inspections of air conditioners to check for proper operation and to inspect the condition of senior center facilities. Air conditioners found to have issues were repaired before the start of the sweltering summer heat.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

Goheung-gun increased the cooling cost budget by 205.11 million KRW in the second supplementary budget to alleviate the burden of cooling expenses at senior centers during the summer, securing a total budget of 353.46 million KRW to support the elderly in having a cool summer.

Additionally, the county is striving to make senior centers enjoyable and comfortable resting places for elderly people exhausted by the heat.

Massage chairs were installed in 152 senior centers to allow the elderly gathered there to rest comfortably, and programs are being operated at senior centers during the most vulnerable hours to heat (2 PM to 5 PM) so that the elderly can enjoy their time indoors.

A Goheung-gun official stated, “To prevent heat-related illnesses caused by heatwaves during weekends when senior centers are usually closed, Goheung-gun will keep senior centers open and operate them continuously on weekends and public holidays until September, the end of the heatwave countermeasure period.”

Goheung = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo hss79@asiae.co.kr