Hiratsuka City Designates 45 Pharmacies as Cooling Shelters

On July 21, Hiratsuka City, with cooperation from the public interest incorporated association Hiratsuka-Naka District Pharmacists Association led by President Masahisa Saito, designated 45 dispensing pharmacies in the city as official heat-relief evacuation facilities (cooling shelters). The move aims to provide residents with accessible places to escape extreme heat, expanding the network of designated cooling locations. The city will likely publicize participating pharmacies and their hours so residents know where to go during heat events.