Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Establishing a Simulation Facility to Prepare Travellers for Emergencies They May Encounter Overseas

Question:

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in view of the large number of Singaporeans who travel abroad, whether the Ministry will consider setting up a permanent facility where travellers can visit to raise their awareness of preventive safety steps to take before they depart and the knowledge of how to respond in emergencies when they are overseas, through simulated exercises, such as if they were caught in natural disasters such earthquakes, floods and storms, or incidents like terrorist attacks and military conflicts.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) hosts many initiatives that educate the public on emergency preparedness. One such initiative is the Emergency Preparedness Centre (EPC) at the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery.

2. It uses interactive exhibits to impart emergency preparedness skills to members of public. For example, the Natural Disasters Gallery in the EPC features interactive games to educate the public on the do’s and don’ts during natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. In addition, the War and Terrorism Gallery features essential knowledge on self-protection should they be caught in situations of war or terror attacks.

3. The SCDF also conducts the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) which equips participants with core life-saving skills, namely basic First Aid, CPR-AED, and basic firefighting. The RPP comprises an online and in-person component. The online segment, accessible from the SCDF website, provides self-directed e-learning modules. The in-person session, held at the four SCDF division headquarters, imparts lifesaving skills through hands-on lessons.

4. The Civil Defence Emergency Handbook (available on SCDF’s website) is a handy reference on essential lifesaving skills, encompassing comprehensive instructions on handling various emergencies, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks.

5. The SGSecure website also provides information and resources on how to respond to terror threats, including the “Run, Hide, Tell” and “Press, Tie, Tell” protocols.

6. In short, Singaporeans who pick up emergency preparedness skills are more prepared for emergencies whether in Singapore or overseas.