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SINGAPORE \u2013 A total of 700 people in Singapore will receive items such as air purifiers and isotonic drinks in the coming days to tide them over the haze and heat<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n In a statement on Sept 7, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) said it will step up its ground response to help vulnerable communities whose health may be at risk due to the poor air quality.<\/p>\n In the next few days, the humanitarian organisation will distribute air purifiers and heat and haze support packs to 200 seniors aged 70 and above who live alone.<\/p>\n The support packs will contain hydration supplies and other practical items.<\/p>\n Some seniors will also receive three months of electricity bill support to ease the cost of using the air purifiers.<\/p>\n The seniors are part of SRC\u2019s<\/span><\/a> Home Monitoring and Eldercare<\/span><\/a> and Medical Chaperone and Transportation programmes.<\/p>\n As prolonged exposure to heat and haze can be particularly dangerous for seniors, the measures will provide a vital layer of protection and reduce the need for them to go outdoors when conditions deteriorate, SRC said.<\/p>\n The initiative comes after air quality in Singapore reached unhealthy levels for the first time<\/span><\/a> since October 2023, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index crossing the threshold reading of 101 on the morning of Sept 4.<\/p>\n The National Environment Agency (NEA) began issuing daily haze advisories that day.<\/p>\n SRC said an additional 500 people from vulnerable groups will also receive care packs containing coconut water, isotonic drinks, suitable ready-to-eat food, basic hygiene products and other items.<\/p>\n The supplies will help them remain hydrated, reduce unnecessary outdoor activities and follow the NEA\u2019s health advisories as far as possible, the organisation added.<\/p>\n It will also tap its existing programmes, community networks and partners to provide tailored support to these communities.<\/p>\n For example, SRC\u2019s community befrienders will be trained to recognise signs of distress caused by heat and haze and take action.<\/p>\n Volunteers and staff on the ground will also be equipped with N95 masks when required while assisting those in areas affected by poor air quality, it said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen temperatures rise and air quality deteriorates, the consequences can be far more serious for those already at risk,\u201d said SRC secretary-general and chief executive Benjamin William.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one should have to face these conditions alone… We urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow official health advisories and check in on those who may need help,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n SRC\u2019s latest tranche of support builds on an earlier islandwide outreach in April, which saw the group distribute care packs specifically to protect against heat and haze<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n The outreach included heat resilience talks for 450 outdoor migrant workers.<\/p>\n The public can donate to SRC to support its ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups from the heat and haze.<\/p>\n Donations are eligible for a 250 per cent tax deduction and can be made through the following methods.<\/p>\n