Direct Inspection of 40 Senior Community Centers
Naju City has initiated inspections of heat relief shelters within the jurisdiction in preparation for the summer season. Photo by Naju City
Naju City in South Jeolla Province has designated all senior community centers within its jurisdiction as heat relief shelters in preparation for summer heat waves and has launched on-site, proactive measures to ensure the safety of elderly residents.
On June 17, Naju City announced that it recently began comprehensive inspections of heat relief shelters (senior community centers) in the area to prepare for the full onset of the summer season.
This inspection is being carried out as a proactive measure to protect the health of elderly residents, who are particularly vulnerable to heat waves, amid increasingly frequent heat wave advisories due to rising temperatures.
Mayor Yoon Byungtae plans to personally visit 40 senior community centers, starting with Bitgaram-dong, to inspect the operation of heat relief shelters. He will carefully check the functioning of air conditioners and other cooling devices, fire and safety accident prevention measures, and the overall environment for users.
In addition, Mayor Yoon intends to speak directly with elderly residents using the shelters to listen to their inconveniences and suggestions, and to seek necessary operational improvements together on site.
Naju City plans to provide a total of 236 million won, including special cooling cost support and the Jeonnam Province disaster relief fund, to all 620 senior community centers in the city within this month to support cooling during the summer season.
Specifically, the city has increased the kitchen meal allowance for each center's housewives from the previous 100,000 won to up to 200,000 won, with the amount varying depending on the number of members. In addition, each center will receive a total of 380,000 won, which includes 330,000 won for cooling costs and 50,000 won from the disaster relief fund.
Currently, Naju City operates all 620 senior community centers as heat relief shelters from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and flexibly extends operating hours when a heat wave warning is issued.
Mayor Yoon Byungtae stated, "Heat relief shelters are more than just places to rest; they are valuable spaces where elderly residents can connect with neighbors and look after their health. We will do our utmost to provide on-site management and support so that seniors can have a safe and healthy summer even during heat waves."
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