Keep the household shelter door and ventilation sleeves accessible and in working order. Check that the door and handle operate normally, the opening is clear and the door gasket and ventilation parts are intact. If a part is missing, damaged or difficult to operate, use HDB’s household shelter guide to identify the issue and arrange the appropriate repair. HDB household shelter maintenance guide SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters
Read the notice fixed to the inside of the shelter door before planning any work. SCDF says the shelter door and structural walls, floor and ceiling slabs must be left intact. Check the official requirements before installing storage or changing any part of the room. SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters
- Clear access to the door and ventilation sleeves.
- Look for damage or difficulty operating the door and handle.
- Check the shelter notice and official guidance before repairs or renovation.
On this page
- Check the door and gasket
- Keep the ventilation parts reachable
- Follow official instructions when the shelter is needed
- Frequently asked questions
Check the door and gasket
Open and close the door using its normal peacetime operation. Check for stiffness, visible damage and rust without forcing anything. Look at the rubber gasket around the door. If it is damaged or missing, note what you see and refer to HDB’s maintenance instructions. HDB household shelter maintenance guide SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters
Keep enough room for the door to swing. Show household members which door is the shelter and where the instruction notice is. Avoid hanging or leaning heavy items where they could prevent access.
Keep the ventilation parts reachable
HDB explains that the ventilation sleeves, plates and gaskets have a protective function. Check visually that the parts are present and accessible. Keep boxes and tall storage clear of them. Use HDB’s guide for the correct configuration and avoid making an improvised seal. HDB household shelter maintenance guide
Before a renovation
Show the contractor the shelter notice and check official requirements for any proposed work. Ask them to explain how storage would leave the door and ventilation components accessible. If a proposed change affects a protective part, verify what is permitted before work begins. SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters HDB household shelter maintenance guide
Follow official instructions when the shelter is needed
Household and storey shelters are designed to protect occupants during a wartime emergency. Use official instructions about when to take shelter and how to prepare it. For a building fire, follow SCDF’s directions for the situation. Keep the household shelter ready for its designated use. SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters
Frequently asked questions
What if the door handle is hard to move?
Avoid forcing the handle. Check HDB’s maintenance guide for the issue and seek appropriate repair help if it persists. HDB household shelter maintenance guide
Can I block the ventilation sleeve behind storage?
Keep the sleeve accessible and preserve its operation. Refer to the shelter notice and official guidance before making changes. SCDF guidance on household and storey shelters HDB household shelter maintenance guide