Welfare centers, senior centers and safe lodgings to operate from June 1 through Sept. 30; safe lodgings expanded from 3 to 5 sites compared to last year, strengthening nighttime heat response
[The Herald Business = Senior Reporter Park Jong-il] Guro-gu will operate a network of "senior heat-relief shelters" to protect the health and safety of elderly residents who are particularly vulnerable to summer heat.
The district office said it will run a total of 220 senior heat-relief shelters across the area from June 1 through Sept. 30, covering welfare centers, senior centers and safe lodgings.
The network is eight sites larger than last year and includes six welfare centers — Guro Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center, Onsu Senior Welfare Center, Hwawon Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Gungdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Guro Comprehensive Social Welfare Center and Eden Disabled Persons Welfare Center — 209 senior centers (54 public and 155 private) and five safe lodgings.
Particularly, the number of safe lodgings was expanded from three last year to five this year with accessibility in mind, so that seniors can find a safe place to escape the heat even at night.
The shelters are divided into three types based on operating hours: standard, extended and overnight.
Standard shelters operate on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended shelters open when a heat advisory is in effect. Senior centers and welfare centers are also available on weekends and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the six welfare centers extend their weekday hours to 9 p.m.
Overnight shelters will operate at the five safe lodgings from July through August when a heat advisory is in effect, running on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 10 a.m. the following morning.
Seniors wishing to use an overnight shelter can apply through their local community service center and will be assigned to a designated safe lodging after eligibility is confirmed.
Earlier, ahead of the June 1 opening, the district office conducted inspections in May to verify that first-aid kits were stocked, signage was properly installed and air conditioners were functioning, and carried out repairs on aging or non-operational units.
In addition, the district office will update its disaster management portal with current shelter information, conduct regular monitoring of shelter operations and meanwhile work with community service centers to promote the shelters through neighborhood organization meetings.
For more information on the senior heat-relief shelter program, residents can visit the Guro-gu district office website or contact the Senior Welfare Division.
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