Namwon City in North Jeolla Province has expanded the installation of shade structures in school zones to create a safer environment for students during the summer heat.
According to the city on August 2, the shade installation project aims to reduce students' exposure to direct sunlight while waiting at crosswalks during school commute times. The structures have been placed at key waiting points near major crosswalks around schools.
The installation includes five locations around Yongseong Elementary School, two near Namwon Elementary School, and two around Wollyak Elementary School, totaling 11 sites across nine school zones and two additional locations.
Particular attention was given to areas with high student traffic and waiting conditions at crosswalks, as well as the work locations of safety assistants who support student traffic safety during school hours.
The safety assistants are seniors participating in the Namwon Senior Club's elderly job program, helping ensure safe pedestrian practices for students around schools.
The city anticipates that the new shade structures will not only reduce students' exposure to extreme heat but also help prevent heat-related illnesses among seniors working outdoors for extended periods.
Shade structures at crosswalks are known to lower the perceived temperature by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the outside, reducing heat and minimizing exposure to strong ultraviolet rays, thereby lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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