On-site Inspection of Senior Citizen Shelters, Ensuring Senior Health and Safety
Operation of Geumcheon-type Extended Shelter During August Heatwave Period (Weekdays 9 AM?9 PM During Special Weather Alerts)
Yoo Seong-hoon, the mayor of Geumcheon-gu, visited the Siheung 5-dong Senior Citizens' Rest Area to check on the health and safety of the elderly amid the ongoing heatwave.
At the site, Mayor Yoo carefully inspected whether the air conditioning was functioning properly and communicated with the seniors by listening to their opinions on any inconveniences they might be experiencing.
The district reflected these on-site opinions and decided to operate the Siheung 5-dong Senior Citizens' Rest Area on weekends as well until the end of August, the peak heatwave period, by assigning volunteers as management staff, whereas it was previously open only on weekdays.
During August, when heatwave alerts (advisories/warnings) are issued, the district requests some general cooling shelters (open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to extend their hours until 9 p.m. on weekdays, providing users with bottled water and fans to enhance their convenience.
Additionally, the district supports the use of two safe accommodations (night shelters) and night bathhouses to protect vulnerable groups struggling with tropical nights.
The safe accommodations are available to low-income households with housing vulnerabilities regardless of age, and the night bathhouses can be used by low-income households aged 65 or older who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. When a heatwave alert is in effect, users can bring their ID and apply at the local community service center to use these facilities.
One of the seniors using the rest area said, “I am happy and grateful to have a place where I can stay cool without feeling self-conscious on such hot days.”
Yoo Seong-hoon, mayor of Geumcheon-gu, urged, “During the ongoing heatwave daytime hours, please avoid going out and outdoor activities as much as possible and drink water regularly.” He added, “We will strengthen welfare checks, including visits to vulnerable groups, to ensure their safe summer.”
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