[Saga City] Community-wide Heatstroke Prevention Initiative: 'Heatstroke Prevention Health Conference' Held

## Expanding the Circle of Heatstroke Prevention in the Community

Saga City is focusing on 'heat acclimatization' in preparation for the upcoming summer. To protect the lives and health of citizens from heatstroke, the city held a 'Heatstroke Prevention Health Conference' in collaboration with local businesses and organizations. Representatives from companies, organizations, and the government gathered to share initiatives and challenges in protecting citizens from heatstroke, expanding the circle of cooperation across the region.

### Addressing Increasingly Severe Summer Heat Together

On May 15, the 'Heatstroke Prevention Health Conference' was held at the Saga City Library. Attendees included representatives from businesses, organizations, and government entities. Amidst intensifying summer heat, participants shared information on the current state of emergency ambulance transports due to heatstroke and discussed preventive measures that can be implemented in the community.

### Learning 'Heatstroke Prevention Tips' from Experts

Lectures on heatstroke prevention were also held on the day.

**Speakers:**
- Mr. Nakamura, Chief Examiner, Fire Defense Division, Saga Wide Area Fire Bureau
- Mr. Mizokami, Senior Researcher, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

In the lectures, speakers introduced the current situation of ambulance transports due to heatstroke in FY2025 and explained the importance of 'heat acclimatization'—the process of getting the body used to heat—deepening understanding of preventive actions that can be taken in daily life.

### What We Can Do This Summer from Each Perspective

At the conference, businesses and organizations shared their planned heatstroke prevention activities for the coming summer. Participants introduced various ideas and initiatives, such as disseminating information at storefronts and conducting special features on TV programs. By leveraging the respective strengths of the community, businesses, and government, they also discussed potential partnerships between participants to further broaden the circle of heatstroke prevention.

### 'Places to Cool Down' Expanding in the Community

During the conference in April of FY2025, the 'Suzumi-dokoro' (Heatstroke Prevention Cooling Station) initiative was also introduced. These are places where people can easily drop in and rest while out. The number of cooperating businesses and organizations continues to increase every year, growing significantly from 47 locations in FY2024 to 136 locations in FY2025. Local shops and facilities serve as 'places to take a break,' contributing to an environment that watches over citizens.