If the power goes out, use a torch and check from a safe place whether the outage affects only your home or a wider area. For a possible wider outage, call SP Group’s Electricity Service Centre at 1800 778 8888 or check SP Group and EMA updates. If someone is in life-threatening danger, call 995. EMA power outage guidance · SP Group contacts
If you are trapped in a lift, use its alarm or intercom and contact the building’s lift emergency service. Keep clear of the doors and wait for trained help. EMA advises HDB residents to know their Essential Maintenance Service Unit (EMSU) contact in advance. EMA guidance on lift entrapment · BCA lift safety guidance
- One flat or unit → contact building management or a licensed electrical worker as appropriate.
- Several blocks or buildings → check SP Group and EMA updates and report the outage to the Electricity Service Centre.
- Lift entrapment → use the alarm or intercom and report the lift’s location and number.
On this page · Check How Far the Power Cut Extends · What to Do While the Power Is Out · What to Do If Someone Is Trapped in a Lift · If Someone Relies on Powered Medical Equipment · Help Children and Caregivers Know the Plan · Frequently Asked Questions
Check How Far the Power Cut Extends
First make the space safe to move through. Put a torch where you can reach it from your bed or usual seat. If you can safely see common areas from your door or window, note whether they still have lights. You can also ask building staff or a neighbour. An outage may be limited to a unit, an individual building or a wider area. Different contacts can confirm each part of that picture.
If it looks like only your unit is affected
Ask management which equipment belongs to the building and which part you need a licensed electrical worker to inspect. Leave wiring, outlets and electrical panels alone if you see water, damage or signs of burning. If there is a fire or immediate danger, move to safety and call 995. Tell the responder if anyone cannot leave without help.
If several buildings are affected
Check SP Group and EMA for restoration updates. Give the Electricity Service Centre the block or building, postal code, approximate start time and what you know about the area affected. A neighbour’s message can help establish where else lights went out. Treat any estimate as provisional unless it comes from the responsible operator. EMA advice on checking restoration updates
What to Do While the Power Is Out
Use a torch and reduce trip hazards
EMA recommends battery-operated lights because candles can start fires. Keep one torch where children or older relatives can reach it without crossing a dark room. Clear walkways before an outage, especially between the bedroom, bathroom and front door. In a common stairwell, watch your footing and follow building instructions if emergency lighting is limited. EMA advice on lighting and equipment
Switch off ordinary appliances when safe
EMA advises switching off electrical appliances to reduce the risk of damage when supply returns. A household can start with equipment that may have been left running, such as an iron or cooking appliance, where it is safe to do so. Make a separate plan for essential medical equipment with the care team or equipment supplier. EMA advice on appliances
Keep phones available for short, useful updates
Tell caregivers which building or unit you are in, whether anyone needs help and what number they should call if they cannot reach you. A paper contact list helps if the only phone with the right number has run down. Keep a charged power bank accessible and check that the cable actually fits the devices your family relies on.
What to Do If Someone Is Trapped in a Lift
Use the alarm or intercom. If you can call, contact the building’s emergency lift service. In an HDB estate, look for the EMSU information from the town council or posted in the building. In a condo, mall or private venue, use the management or security contact posted for that lift. Give the building, lift number and the last known floor. If someone inside is seriously unwell or there is fire, smoke or immediate danger, call 995 and describe the situation. EMA lift guidance · BCA good practices for lift owners
If you are outside the lift
Tell the service contractor or building management that someone is inside. If you can speak to the occupants from a safe place, let them know help has been called and ask if anyone is unwell. Leave the doors and rescue work to trained personnel. An adult collecting a child can notify the school or activity provider that they have been delayed once the call for help is made.
If Someone Relies on Powered Medical Equipment
Arrange a written outage plan with the person’s clinician and equipment supplier before a disruption. Ask how to recognise a failed supply, how the approved backup is used, who to call and when the person needs emergency help. Confirm who can carry out each step if the usual caregiver is away. Keep the plan with the equipment and include an offline copy of the supplier’s contact.
A device stopping can be a medical emergency even while the electricity fault is being investigated. Call 995 if the person is in life-threatening danger. Give the equipment name if known, say what has happened to the person and explain the building access arrangements, including whether lifts are working. SCDF emergency medical services
Help Children and Caregivers Know the Plan
- Show each person where the torch and backup contacts are kept.
- Save the lift and management contact for the building you actually use.
- Agree who calls the utility or building team and who checks on someone needing assistance.
- If a child is at school, tuition or another venue, check the operator’s current handover instructions before changing pickup.
- Give any overnight caregiver the same instructions in a format they can use in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the electricity retailer the first call for a neighbourhood outage?
EMA directs households to SP Group and EMA updates and the Electricity Service Centre at 1800 778 8888. Use the building’s own contact for internal access, lift and facility problems. EMA power outage guidance
Can we use the lift as soon as the lights are back?
Follow the building’s instructions and use the lift when it has been returned to service. If somebody is still trapped, keep in contact with the lift service team.
What if power comes back but my unit still has a problem?
Report the remaining fault to the relevant building contact or a licensed electrical worker. Tell them whether other units recovered and whether you noticed water, sparks or damage. Keep people away from damaged equipment.
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Flash Flood in Singapore | What to Do on Foot, in a Car or at Home
- Emergency Ready Bag in Singapore | SCDF Checklist and a Family Emergency Plan
- Scammed in Singapore | What to Do After a Bank Transfer, Phishing Link or Malicious App
- Emergency Numbers in Singapore | When to Call 995, 999 or Use Emergency SMS
- HDB Fire in Singapore | What to Do If Your Flat, Corridor or Block Is on Fire
Official guidance checked 8 November 2026.