Keeping the community emergency-ready

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Residents of Serangoon Avenue 4 woke up to a different sight on the morning of 15 July 2012.

Sprawled across the estate’s prominent open field were Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) response-vehicles, emergency scenario mock-ups and rescue demonstrations.

There was neither a crisis nor an exercise.

It was Serangoon’s Emergency Preparedness (EP) day.

Organised by the SCDF in collaboration with the Serangoon Community Emergency and Engagement Committee (C2E), EP days are held throughout the year to enhance the readiness of residents and better prepare them in times of emergency.

“We (SCDF and C2E) put together EP days to educate residents on safety, security and basic rescue skills,” said Major Jean Low, Head of SCDF 3rd Division’s Public Affairs Branch.

By 9.30am, the outdoor event was bustling with activity.

Ms Yu Ka Yan, a teacher-in-charge of the Girl Guides at Serangoon Gardens Secondary School, was among the first few to arrive at the EP day.

She was with a group of students.

“As Girl Guides, these students must hold community safety as one of their utmost priorities,” said Ms Yu.

“The EP day serves as an educational journey for the Girl Guides and is a symbol of partnership between the community and school to provide such learning opportunities, ” she added.

In addition to SCDF fire-fighters and paramedics, police officers from the Serangoon Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) were present to share information and tips on community security, from bicycle-theft prevention to the ill repercussions of unlicensed money-lending.

Guest-of-Honour Mrs Daisie Yip experiencing first-hand how handcuffs work. PHOTO: Matthew Wong

Residents also had the opportunity to handle policing equipment ranging from a Taurus revolver and T-baton to handcuffs.

By noon, the event's turnout had exceeded over 250 people.

Many had a positive reaction to the presence of Home Team officers at the event.

Mr Ignatius Leow, a Serangoon resident for the last 12 years, said he has never seen so many uniformed officers congregating in one space.

Moved by the atmosphere, he expressed the warmth he felt seeing all the men and women who play pivotal, frontline roles in safeguarding his neighbourhood, mingling with the residents.

So how were the participating residents validated in their emergency preparedness skills?

When a participant achieves a satisfactory standard at each station, an officer-in-charge will sign-off the respective emergency skill as validated on a card (above) given to all participating residents. PHOTO: Matthew Wong

Set-up within the event’s tent were five learning stations, each covering an importing life-saving skill: first-aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), fire-fighting, ready-bag assembling and in-place protection.

At each station was a set of tasks to be completed, from proper bandage application and support of a fractured-limb to successfully sealing a door and window within five minutes.

Guest-of-Honour Mrs Daisie Yip, Advisor to Serangoon Grassroots Organisations, pointed out in an interview with Home Team News that first-response in an emergency is crucial.

“What starts out as a small kitchen fire may engulf the entire flat within minutes if the right course of action is not taken,” she added.

Among the volunteers at the EP day was Lance Corporal JS Seetoh.

The student from Bowen Secondary School’s National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) was an instructor at the in-place protection station.

In-place protection involves sealing doors and windows to prevent hazardous chemicals from leaking into a home.

For the student, it was an honour working alongside Home Team officers and sharing with members of the public what has learnt as an NCDCC cadet.

“I’m looking forward to volunteering at more EP days and perhaps a career with the SCDF in the future,” he shared.