Everything About the Public Warning System (PWS) Siren You’ll Hear on 15 Feb, 6:20pm

By
Kimi Tan
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Don’t be alarmed when you hear sirens blaring on the evening of 15 February.

No, we’re not being attacked, and no, there’s no need to go and hoard toilet paper. And also no, it’s not your call for help about spending Valentine’s Day alone a day prior.

It’s just Total Defence Day.

This happens almost every year on 15 February, so read on to know what the heck it is.

SCDF’s Islandwide Network of Public Warning System (PWS) Sirens

The purpose of the SCDF’s islandwide network of public warning system (PWS) sirens is to warn the public of imminent threats from the air, land, or sea, or  other threats.

There are three types of PWS signals:

  • The “Alarm” signal is sounded when an air raid or shelling is imminent and people should seek shelter immediately;
  • The “All Clear” signal is sounded when the threat is over and people can leave their shelter; and
  • The “Important Message” signal is sounded to alert the population to an important broadcast on the radio, signalling people to immediately tune in to any local FM radio station or TV channel. This signal is also sounded biannually on Total Defence Day (15 February) and Civil Defence Day (15 September) at 6:20 pm.

Public shelters are places to take refuge during a wartime emergency. They are designed with protective features against weapon effects to ensure a safe environment for the shelter occupants.

These shelters can be found in MRT stations, HDBs, schools, community centres/clubs and other developments.

Visit this website to learn more about the shelters and where they can be located.

Visit this website to learn more about the PWS and hear how the different signals sound.

At 6:20 pm on 15 February, the “Important Message” signal will sound for one minute, commemorating the exact time and date when the British forces in Singapore surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Forces in 1942 during World War II.

The signal will also go off on all smartphones that have the SGSecure mobile app for 20 seconds if the app’s notification and alert settings are enabled.

When you hear the “Important Message” signal, you can tune in immediately to any local radio station or TV channel for a two-minute message on the PWS.

Good luck trying to find a TV or radio in this digital world.

This exercise is part of the SCDF’s continuous efforts to familiarise the public with the PWS signals so that we know how to react upon hearing the signal.

Touch wood, the sirens will never go off on days other than 15 February and 15 September.

The exercise also serves as a reminder that “we need to stand resilient and do our part to protect Singapore and our future”, added the SCDF.

Total Defence

This year is the 40th anniversary of Total Defence (TD40), a national defence strategy where everyone plays a part in the defence of Singapore.

Through Total Defence, every sector of society is mobilised and has a part to play to ensure Singapore’s security.

Since its launch in 1984, Total Defence has united Singaporeans in addressing threats to the nation’s sovereignty and welfare, like terrorism, SARS, and economic downturns.

Total Defence comprises the six pillars: Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Digital, and Psychological Defence.

Digital defence was added as the sixth pillar in 2019 when new challenges surfaced in the digital domain. This pillar explains actions we can take to deal with cyberattacks, fake news, online scams, and more threats that can potentially divide and weaken us.

Since 2016, “Together We Keep Singapore Strong” has been the theme of the Total Defence campaign. This theme highlights the importance of unity and that everyone has a part to play in keeping Singapore strong and safe.

To commemorate 40 years of total defence, MINDEF unveiled the brand new TD40 logo. Each of the six arrows represents a pillar of Total Defence, serving as a good reminder that we need all six pillars to protect our nation.

Image: Sg101.gov.sg

What’s After Total Defence Day?

One day isn’t enough. Over the next two weeks, the inaugural Exercise SG Ready will be held at various locations across the island from 15 February 2024 to 29 February 2024.

This exercise aims to increase Singaporeans’ readiness for crises and disruptions, as well as to commemorate 40 years of Total Defence.

The exercise will simulate disruptions of power, water, food supply, digital connectivity and a civil emergency arising from wide spread cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and drone attacks from an anonymous actor.

These simulations will be happening in over 500 educational, community, commercial, and government buildings participating in Exercise SG Ready, with all schools running these disruption simulations on 15 February or 16 February.

From temporary stoppage of escalators and air-conditioners to a blackout, Exercise SG Ready will explore various ways we might experience disruptions during a cyberattack so we can be prepared on how to respond in the event of such attacks.

During this period, a simulated shortage of water and food will be conducted at participating locations, with the closure of toilets and reduced food options at pantries or canteens.

During the quarterly market cleaning, the National Environment Agency will also simulate the closure of 21 markets and hawker centres due to food supply disruption.

You can read more about what will be happening during the next two weeks and how you can participate in this article.

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Kimi Tan