Guro-gu announced Friday that it will expand its heat shelter operations so elderly residents can escape the summer heat close to home on weekends and holidays.
Starting Saturday through Aug. 30, the district will keep 47 facilities open on weekends and holidays — 43 district-run senior centers and four welfare centers.
The senior centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays. The welfare centers will extend their weekday hours to 9 p.m. and will also operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays.
The district plans to provide additional funding to cover cooling costs during the expanded hours and to subsidize staffing wages so the shelters can run smoothly on holidays.
Guro-gu currently operates 219 heat shelters for elderly residents, including 207 senior centers, seven welfare centers and five emergency accommodations. The expansion aims to ensure seniors can reach a shelter near their homes not only on weekdays but also on weekends and holidays as the heat wave continues.
The district is also monitoring the well-being and health of vulnerable elderly residents through free meal services and dosirak delivery. When a heat wave warning is issued, it suspends senior employment projects to reduce the risk of heat-related illness from outdoor activity.
Meanwhile, Guro-gu is also running a heat shelter program that welcomes pet dogs and their owners, letting them escape the heat together in a safe and comfortable environment.
"We will take careful steps to ensure that residents can comfortably use the heat shelters on weekends and holidays and stay safe throughout the summer," district mayor Jang In-hong said.
ikson@heraldcorp.com
