On January 7, as the temperature dropped to 9C, Guangzhou's more than 1,200 "Star Light" winter shelters for the elderly opened and supplied heat to needy people around the clock. Staff members of shelters were also taking in wanderers.

Also, the "Safety Bell" has activated 24-hour follow-up service on sick senior citizens.

According to the Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau, the "Star Light" winter shelters are open to both local citizens and non-local people; in other words, anyone can walk in off of the street to escape from the cold.  Since January 5, the city's winter shelters have accommodated more than 1,200 people.

"As the weather turns cold, we'd like to remind senior citizens to put on warm clothes and stay indoors as much as possible. If it's absolutely necessary to walk out, please put on non-skid shoes......" These messages are transmitted to "Safety Bell" service users in the chilly morning.  As the temperature drops, "Safety Bell" staff can follow up on the conditions of the elderly, especially the sick elderly, 24 hours a day.

It's been reported that no senior citizen using the "Safety Bell" Service has been caught in an emergency situation since the weather turned cold.  They can report their safety to the service center by pressing a button on a bell they carry.

Editor: Donald