Gwangjin-gu Strengthens Care Activities to Protect Vulnerable Groups Amid Heatwave...

Strengthening Heatwave Vulnerable Group Protection System through Care Service Linkage and Nighttime Heat Shelter Operation
Aiming to Check Health and Well-being of Vulnerable Elderly through Comprehensive Protection System
Providing Cooling Supplies like Sunscreen and Cool Towel to Prevent Heatwave Damage in Elderly

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) has strengthened the protection system for elderly people living alone to support vulnerable groups in safely getting through the summer heat, launching thorough care activities.

Due to the continuous scorching heat, heat-related illness deaths are occurring nationwide. In response, the district is implementing various projects to check the health and safety of vulnerable groups who urgently need protection during the heatwave until the end of September, the heatwave countermeasure period.

First, during the heatwave period, various care projects are linked to check on the elderly. When a heatwave warning is issued, care activities such as ▲customized care services for the elderly ▲free meal support ▲delivery of drinks for safety checks ▲safety checks by local community centers are further expanded to establish a meticulous protection system ensuring the safety of the elderly.

Additionally, 92 cooling shelters are operated mainly at public facilities and senior centers that are easily accessible within the district. Especially this year, the number of nighttime cooling shelters (safe accommodations) for low-income elderly households aged 65 and over has been increased to eight locations, and during warnings, the target individuals are immediately connected to the shelters, actively responding to securing the safety of vulnerable groups.

The district also provides 600 sets of cooling supplies to vulnerable elderly people. The supplies include handkerchiefs, sunscreen, and cooling sleeves, which are expected to greatly help prevent heat-related damage among the elderly.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “I urge everyone to refrain from outdoor activities during the hottest hours, and to take sufficient hydration and rest,” adding, “Gwangjin-gu will do its best to ensure that all residents, including vulnerable groups, can safely overcome the heat through thorough care activities.”