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Public taught about warning sirens via several platforms

Mr Steven Lo wrote about the importance of public education on the Public Warning System sirens (“Educate public properly on warning sirens for better emergency response”; Sept 24).

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Leslie Williams, Lieutenant-Colonel, Senior Assistant Director (Public Affairs Department), Singapore Civil Defence Force

Mr Steven Lo wrote about the importance of public education on the Public Warning System sirens (“Educate public properly on warning sirens for better emergency response”; Sept 24).

The Singapore Civil Defence Force recognises the importance of effective public education in raising awareness about the system and the significance of its different signals.

We use multiple communication platforms, including advertisements in print and broadcast media, to raise awareness in the lead-up to the activation of the sirens.

The Important Message signal is activated biannually on Feb 15 (in conjunction with Total Defence Day) at 6.20pm and Sept 15 at 12.05pm, for one minute each. Each signal is immediately followed by a brief message broadcast on all local free-to-air radio and television stations, to explain the meaning of the three Public Warning System signals: Important Message, Alarm, and All Clear.

The message advises the public to immediately tune in to the broadcast stations upon the activation of the Important Message signal, and move to the nearest available shelter upon the activation of the Alarm signal.

The All Clear signal would indicate that the threat has passed and that it is safe to leave the shelter.

For the Feb 15 activation, the SCDF issues a circular that is read out to all primary and secondary school students. We have also uploaded information on the Public Warning System, including audio of each signal on our website (www.scdf.gov.sg).

Information on the system is available in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook, which can be downloaded from our website or via the mySCDF mobile application. We also use social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to generate awareness.

The public can also learn more about emergency preparedness, including the Public Warning System, by attending the Emergency Preparedness Day held in various constituencies or by joining the SCDF’s Community Emergency Preparedness Programme.

We thank Mr Lo for his feedback and assure him that the SCDF will continue to improve our public education efforts to raise awareness about the Public Warning System.

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