SG to launch 300+ cooling centres 3 years after He Ting Ru asked if community spaces can become sanctuaries during heatwaves
"I’m very glad to see this idea reflected in policy, and more importantly, to see more support for residents who are especially vulnerable to extreme heat," wrote Ms He This article ( SG to launch 300+ cooling centres 3 years after He Ting Ru asked if community spaces can become sanctuaries during heatwaves ) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News .
Singapore plans to establish over 300 cooling centers nationwide to alleviate the impact of heatwaves, three years after Workers' Party Member of Parliament He Ting Ru inquired about transforming community spaces into sanctuaries during extreme heat. Ms He expressed her satisfaction that her suggestion has now become policy, emphasizing the importance of supporting vulnerable residents.
The nation officially declares a heatwave when the daily maximum temperature averages 35°C or more for three consecutive days and the mean temperature is 29°C or higher. The last heatwave in Singapore occurred in 2016, but the city-state has experienced high temperatures since then. In July 2023, Ms He questioned whether air-conditioned community center spaces could serve as heat sanctuaries during prolonged high temperatures, and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) subsequently endorsed the idea.
The cooling centers will be integrated into the Heat Stress Advisory, with priority given to older and vulnerable residents. The public will receive alerts about approaching heatwaves via the MyENV app. Ms He urged citizens to look out for vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly, and to seek assistance if they experience discomfort or difficulty coping with the conditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
