SINGAPORE, 7 SEPTEMBER 2026 – As the worsening heat and haze threatens the health of vulnerable communities, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is stepping up its ground response to protect vulnerable seniors and at-risk groups from prolonged exposure to poor air quality and heat.  Its expanded efforts are planned to reach 700 people across Singapore in its first trance of support.

In the next few days, 200 stay-alone seniors aged above 70* will receive air purifiers and Heat & Haze Support Packs, and where needed, three months of electricity bill support to facilitate the use of the air purifiers.  An additional 500 beneficiaries from vulnerable groups will also receive care packs that contain coconut water, isotonic drinks, suitable ready-to-eat food, basic hygiene items, and other practical essentials. 

This enhanced assistance builds on SRC’s Heat & Haze Response launched earlier in April 2026.

*On SRC’s HoME+ (Home Monitoring & Eldercare) and Medical Chaperone & Transportation programmes 

Provision of air purifiers and defraying electricity bills

Prolonged heat and haze can be particularly dangerous for seniors, especially those living alone or with underlying health conditions, increasing their risk of respiratory distress, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses.  To help them remain safely at home, air purifiers will provide cleaner indoor air, while electricity bills will ease the cost of operating them. Seniors will also receive Heat & Haze Support Packs containing hydration supplies and other essentials. Together these measures provide a vital layer of protection and reduce the need for seniors to go outdoors when conditions deteriorate.

Essential Items and Needs-Based Support

SRC will also extend the distribution of Heat & Haze Support Packs to beneficiaries from vulnerable groups within its existing networks, including seniors and families. These supplies will help them remain hydrated, reduce unnecessary outdoor activities, and follow the National Environment Agency’s health advisories as far as possible.

Assistance will be coordinated through SRC’s existing programmes, community networks, and partners, allowing support to be tailored to each beneficiary’s circumstances and evolving needs.  SRC’s community befrienders will also be equipped to provide advice and guidance to their vulnerable beneficiaries, as well as to recognise signs of distress caused by heat and haze, and take the necessary action. 

“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.  Our responsibility is to act before these risks become emergencies, to provide timely, practical support to the vulnerable communities. We urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow official health advisories, and check in on those who may need help. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and when we look out for each other, we strengthen the resilience of our entire community," said Benjamin Wiliam, Secretary General/CEO, Singapore Red Cross.

Protecting Responders on the ground

Beyond protecting vulnerable communities, SRC will safeguard the staff and volunteers deployed to distribute assistance, conduct home visits, and respond to beneficiaries’ needs.

They will be equipped with N95 masks when required to operate in environments affected by poor air quality. This will allow SRC teams to continue supporting vulnerable communities while reducing their own exposure during ground operations.

Strengthening communities' preparedness and resilience

SRC’s initial Heat & Haze response in April supported communities across Singapore, including seniors living alone, children and youth from lower-income households, vulnerable families, and migrant workers whose jobs require them to work outdoors.

Through its volunteers and community networks, SRC has been sharing heat & haze health information and mobilising resources to help at-risk communities prepare for and cope with adverse conditions. 

The Singapore Red Cross Academy (SRCA) Centre for Psychosocial Resilience & Humanitarian Studies has conducted heat resilience talks for 450 outdoor migrant workers and shared heat health resources on social media. As rising heat and haze increase the risk of illnesses and respiratory conditions, SRC’s Centre of Excellence for Pandemic Preparedness (CoEPP) has trained volunteers to identify and respond to early signs of distress.  Given the rapidly evolving environment wherein increasing heat and haze hazards will be an expected annual norm in Singapore and the region, SRCA and CoEPP will step up its heat and haze training and awareness programmes.  Being equipped to deal with heat and haze hazards has become a key element of building community resilience.