Air purifiers, care packs: Singapore Red Cross to provide haze, heat support to vulnerable seniors and at-risk groups

Despite its ongoing fundraising and humanitarian aid support for Nepal , the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has not forgotten the local community amid the ongoing heat and haze.

In a media statement on Monday (Sept 7), SRC announced that it is stepping up its ground response to protect vulnerable seniors and at-risk groups from prolonged exposure to poor air quality and heat.

SRC said it plans to reach 700 people in its first tranche of support.

This includes about 200 stay-alone seniors aged 70 and above, and an additional 500 beneficiaries from vulnerable groups.

According to SRC, the 200 stay-alone seniors will receive air purifiers and Heat and Haze Support Packs. They will, where needed, also receive three months of electricity bill support to offset additional costs from the usage.

Meanwhile, the 500 beneficiaries from vulnerable groups will receive care packs that contain coconut water, isotonic drinks, suitable ready-to-eat food, basic hygiene items, and other practical essentials.

Explaining the non-governmental organisation's decision, SRC secretary-general Benjamin William said the initiative is part of its plans to act before risks become emergencies, and to provide timely, practical support to vulnerable communities.

“When temperatures rise and air quality deteriorates, the consequences can be far more serious for those already at risk.

"For seniors living alone, vulnerable families, persons with existing health conditions, and migrant workers who spend long hours outdoors, even everyday activities can expose them to serious health risks. No one should have to face these conditions alone," he said.

SRC's volunteers who are deployed to distribute assistance and conduct home visits will be equipped with N95 masks to reduce their exposure during ground operations.

Those who wish to contribute towards the SRC's haze and heat support efforts can refer to information on its website .

尽管新加坡红十字会 (SRC) 一直在为尼泊尔筹款和提供人道主义援助，但在持续的高温和雾霾天气中，它并没有忘记当地社区。

9 月 7 日星期一，SRC 在一份媒体声明中宣布，将加强地面应对措施，以保护弱势老年人和高危群体免受长期暴露于空气质量差和高温的影响。

SRC表示，计划在第一批援助中惠及700人。

其中包括约 200 名 70 岁及以上的独居老人，以及另外 500 名来自弱势群体的受益人。

据SRC称，这200名独居老人将获得空气净化器和防暑降温物资包。如有需要，他们还将获得三个月的电费补贴，以抵消因用电产生的额外费用。

与此同时，来自弱势群体的 500 名受益者将收到包含椰子水、等渗饮料、合适的即食食品、基本卫生用品和其他实用必需品的护理包。

SRC秘书长本杰明·威廉在解释该非政府组织的决定时表示，这项举措是其计划的一部分，旨在防患于未然，防止风险演变成紧急情况，并向弱势群体提供及时、切实的支持。

“当气温升高、空气质量恶化时，对于那些已经处于危险之中的人来说，后果可能会更加严重。”

他说：“对于独居老人、弱势家庭、有基础疾病的人以及长时间在户外工作的农民工来说，即使是日常活动也可能使他们面临严重的健康风险。任何人都不应该独自面对这些困境。”

SRC派往各地分发援助物资和进行家访的志愿者将配备N95口罩，以减少他们在地面行动中的暴露风险。

那些希望为SRC的雾霾和高温援助工作做出贡献的人可以参考其网站上的信息。