Seongdong-gu Prepares Heatwave Measures for Elderly Unable to Visit Cooling Centers

Emergency Heatwave Measures for Elderly and Vulnerable Housing Groups Amid Suspension of Heat Shelter Operations... Support Including Mobile Air Conditioners, Cool Mats, and Insect Screens Installation, and Electricity Bill Assistance for Low-Income Residents' Cooling Devices

On the 16th, visiting elderly residents living in vulnerable housing environments to deliver cooling supplies in preparation for the heatwave.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “Even if I run the fan all day, only hot air comes out, and they just tell us not to go to senior centers or anywhere else, so I feel like I’m about to die...”

Visiting to check on the elderly amid the early heatwave, welfare officer Kim** grandmother (82, resident of Haengdang-dong) sighed as she opened the door.

Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the 162 senior centers and 84 public facility cooling shelters in the area have temporarily suspended operations.

The places that used to be safe havens from the midsummer heat are gone, leaving elderly living alone and vulnerable groups with no way to escape the heat.

Seongdong-gu (District Mayor Jung Won-oh) has launched an emergency heatwave response plan for heat-vulnerable groups in preparation for the summer heat.

On the 16th, the district visited 500 households of elderly residents living in vulnerable housing environments such as rooftops or semi-basements, or those with mobility difficulties. Neighborhood caretakers, welfare community leaders, and SOS care managers personally delivered safety manuals to prevent heat-related illnesses and provided various cooling equipment and facilities to help them avoid the heat.

They delivered portable air conditioners that can be easily used in small spaces, cool mats for tropical nights, and rayon innerwear, and installed screen doors at entrances so residents can leave their doors open safely even during hot days.

Additionally, for low-income residents with overdue electricity bills due to the use of cooling devices, utility bills are also supported. This is a customized service tailored to each vulnerable individual’s needs.

Since the 10th, the district has also been conducting a full survey of single middle-aged households (ages 50?65) and households within 50% of the median income eligible for Seoul’s emergency disaster living expenses to identify heat-vulnerable crisis households. They continue to provide heatwave preparedness supplies and actively connect those affected economically by COVID-19 with rapid livelihood benefit applications, emergency support, and donations.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “With the complete suspension of cooling shelter operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the biggest concern is the health management of the elderly during the upcoming heatwave. We have prepared the maximum possible measures within the district, and depending on the COVID-19 situation, we will strive to gradually reopen cooling shelters centered on public offices.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.