SINGAPORE: In case of flash floods, the Singapore
Civil Defence Force (SCDF) wants to be even better
prepared.
That was among key elements unveiled on Friday at
its workplan for the year ahead.
Last year, Singapore experienced its worst flash
floods in recent memory - including in some previously unaffected
areas.
Not to be taken by surprise anymore, the SCDF has reviewed its
equipment inventory, adding new ones that can tackle flood
situations.
Among them are items such as personal flotation devices.
And to improve its response to flash floods, the SCDF has come up
with a prototype of a multi-utility vehicle which can launch
inflatable boats close to where people are trapped.
Minister of State for Home Affairs and Education Masagos Zulkifli
welcomed the new equipment purchases and complimented the SCDF for
being innovative.
He said: "You don't want to also over prepare by buying equipment
that are configured for only one kind of emergency or one kind of
situation. So for that purpose, the SCDF has been very innovative
and creative to ensure that their vehicles are configurable and
that the equipment can be deployed appropriately for the kind of
emergencies we are likely to respond to."
Another innovation featured at the SCDF Workplan presentation is a
Compressed Air Foam system which can put out fires about four times
faster using using less water.
Also on show is a mechanical device that can assist in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It delivers consistent chest
compressions and will be fitted in 14 ambulances by June.
A nationwide programme was also launched on Friday to prepare
Singapore families to take ownership and learn civil defence.
It will encourage residents to assess their household's level of
emergency preparedness.
The project is a joint partnership involving SCDF, National Fire
and Civil Emergency Preparedness Council and the People's
Association.
- CNA/ir