If you hear loud sirens on the evening of 15 September, do not be alarmed. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be sounding the “Important Message” signal through the Public Warning System (PWS) sirens on Sunday, 15 September, at 6:20 pm. The signal will also be broadcast on all smartphones that have the SGSecure mobile app installed and are not on silent or vibration mode. The signal will stop once the message is acknowledged or will cease after 20 seconds. This will be followed by a brief text on the PWS sounding.
Background
This is the second time the PWS has been sounded this year. It was previously activated at 6:20 pm on 15 February 2024, marking the anniversary of the British surrender of Singapore to Imperial Japanese forces in 1942. The SCDF conducts this exercise annually to familiarise the public with the PWS signals and to ensure they know how to respond upon hearing them.
Public should immediately tune in to any local radio station or free-to-air TV channel
The SCDF advises that upon hearing the signal, the public should tune in to any local radio station or free-to-air TV channel for a brief message on the PWS. If you miss the message, you can visit the SCDF website to learn more about the PWS.
Importance of the exercise
The annual sounding of the PWS is crucial for public safety. It ensures that residents are aware of the different signals and the appropriate actions to take during emergencies. “This exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance public preparedness,” said an SCDF spokesperson. “We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the PWS signals and the necessary steps to take when they hear them.”
Previous activations and public response
The PWS was last activated on 15 February 2024, and the public response was generally positive. Many residents tuned in to local media channels as instructed. However, there were some reports of confusion among those who were not aware of the exercise. The SCDF aims to reduce such incidents by increasing public awareness through regular drills and information campaigns.
Future implications
Looking ahead, the SCDF plans to continue these annual exercises and may introduce additional measures to further enhance public preparedness. Future developments could include more frequent drills or the introduction of new technologies to improve the effectiveness of the PWS. The SCDF remains committed to ensuring the safety and preparedness of all residents in Singapore.
