If an SG Alert appears on your phone, read the affected area and the instructions, then act on them. If you hear Singapore’s Important Message siren, tune in to local radio or free-to-air TV for the announcement. The Public Warning System’s Alarm signal tells you to move to a shelter. The All Clear signal tells you that you can leave it. SCDF SG Alert guidance · SCDF siren recordings and instructions
A family may be spread across home, school, a train and a workplace when an alert arrives. Each person should follow the instructions that apply where they are. Once safe, share your location and the action you are taking. A parent can use the school’s own channel for collection details.
- Phone alert → read the place, instruction and timing.
- Siren → use the SCDF signal guidance and tune in for official instructions.
- Someone is in immediate danger → 995 for fire, rescue or life-threatening medical emergencies, or 999 for immediate police assistance.
On this page · What SG Alert Does and Why One Phone May Stay Silent · What Singapore’s Three Siren Signals Mean · Shelter, Evacuation and Run, Hide, Tell · Who Does What in a Singapore Emergency? · Use the Source That Matches the Disruption · Make a Family Plan for the First Hour · Frequently Asked Questions
What SG Alert Does and Why One Phone May Stay Silent
SG Alert uses cell broadcast, which sends alerts to compatible phones in the selected area through Singapore mobile networks. It can target an area or be sent islandwide. It does not require mobile data or an app download. SCDF publishes compatibility and phased network rollout details on its SG Alert page. Check that page for your phone and network. SCDF compatibility and rollout guidance
What to read in the message
- Check the affected area. Is it where you are, or where you plan to travel?
- Identify the requested action. The message may tell people to stay inside or avoid an area, depending on the event.
- Check any timing or follow-up channel the alert gives. Use newer instructions if the responsible agency updates them.
A family chat can relay the wording to someone who missed it. Include the source and the time. “This was for [area] as of [time]” gives the recipient more information than a cropped screenshot. If one phone stays silent, check the official message or staff directions before drawing conclusions about your own location.
What Singapore’s Three Siren Signals Mean
Alarm
SCDF directs people to move to a shelter immediately when the Public Warning System gives the Alarm signal. Find your nearest shelter in advance and follow official directions about which location to use. SCDF Alarm signal and recording · SCDF public shelter information and locator
Important Message
Tune in to a local FM radio station or free-to-air TV channel for the message. SCDF’s page gives recordings of the signal and information on scheduled soundings. If you are unsure about an unfamiliar siren, check the official information available at the time. SCDF Important Message guidance
All Clear
SCDF says the All Clear signal means you can leave the shelter. Check for any instructions affecting the return journey or local access. A school, station or building may issue its own subsequent instructions for people under its care. SCDF All Clear guidance
Sirens and building alarms
The Public Warning System is a national system. A building fire alarm comes with the building’s procedures and any directions from responders. A family can discuss both at home, using the public recordings to learn the siren signals and the actual building plan to understand the local alarm.
Shelter, Evacuation and Run, Hide, Tell
Read the hazard and the instruction together. An order to evacuate a building, an instruction to move to a civil defence shelter and a direction to remain inside all lead to different actions. SCDF publishes a public shelter list and locator. Check the official information for home and the places you visit most often. SCDF civil defence shelter information
If there is a weapons attack
SGSecure teaches Run, Hide, Tell. Move away from the danger if you have a safe route. If you cannot get away, get out of sight and silence your phone. Tell the police when safe using 999, or use emergency SMS 70999 when you cannot speak or calling would be unsafe. Give the location and what you observed. SGSecure public guidance · SPF emergency SMS instructions
If a child is elsewhere
A student in class should follow the staff at their location. A student on a train should follow the operator’s instructions. A parent can send one short message asking where the child is and what they have been told to do. Agree beforehand that they will answer when safe, since responding to family can be difficult while following staff directions.
Who Does What in a Singapore Emergency?
Police and civil defence
SPF is the route for immediate police assistance. SCDF handles fire, rescue and emergency ambulance response. SGSecure explains what the public can do during a weapons attack. Once responders are managing a scene, use their directions for access, movement and reporting. SPF contacts · SCDF emergency services · SGSecure advice
MINDEF, the SAF and the Army
Total Defence covers military, civil, economic, social, digital and psychological defence. MINDEF describes the SAF Island Defence Task Force working with Home Team agencies to support homeland security and protect key installations. Families can learn from public preparedness exercises such as Exercise SG Ready, then use the civilian emergency services and official public instructions during an incident. MINDEF Total Defence · MINDEF Island Defence Task Force · Exercise SG Ready
ICA, checkpoints and travel documents
ICA provides checkpoint and immigration information. Use its channels for checkpoint conditions or document procedures. If a foreign passport is lost in Singapore, ICA explains the police report and replacement through the relevant embassy or consular office. For Singapore passports lost overseas, MFA explains the local police report and contact with the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission. ICA checkpoints · ICA lost foreign passport guidance · MFA lost Singapore passport guidance
Private operators and community organisations
Rail and bus operators can issue service and station instructions. A mall, condo, school bus company or tuition venue can confirm its own access, evacuation or collection arrangements. SP Group publishes utility contact channels and EMA provides gas safety guidance. MOH lists private operators for planned non-emergency ambulance transport. The Singapore Red Cross offers first-aid training. Save the contacts relevant to your household and use the service responsible for the particular decision. LTA transport updates · SP Group contacts · EMA gas safety · MOH private ambulance directory · Singapore Red Cross training
Use the Source That Matches the Disruption
- Flooded roads or walking routes. Check PUB flood guidance before choosing a route. PUB flood safety
- School dismissal or activity changes. Check the school’s own notice or Parents Gateway where used. Parents Gateway help
- National announcements. Start with government channels and the lead agency for the incident. Official government communications channels
- Suspected scam or online compromise. ScamShield lists steps after a scam, including contacting your bank. SingCERT has a reporting route for cybersecurity incidents. ScamShield response guide · SingCERT Cyber Aid
- Infectious disease or product recalls. Use current Communicable Diseases Agency updates and the Singapore Food Agency’s notices. Check the exact product, batch and date for a recall. CDA news and events · SFA newsroom
During a disruption, one adult can check the official message while another accounts for family members. When you share an instruction, include who issued it, when it was issued and which area or group it applies to.
Make a Family Plan for the First Hour
Start with addresses, contact numbers and one backup adult. Write down where you would get updates if your phone failed. Learn where to find a public shelter near home and who can assist a family member with access or communication needs. Keep a copy of essential contacts that does not rely on a charged phone.
Put together a Ready Bag
Use the SCDF checklist as a starting point. A household can tailor it with essentials such as a torch, a first-aid kit, water and information needed for ongoing medication. Keep it accessible and light enough to carry. If you need to leave a fire immediately, a safe exit takes priority over collecting belongings. SCDF Ready Bag checklist
Try one short practice
Give the household a fictional scenario. One child is at CCA, one adult is at home and one is at work. Ask each person who they would listen to, what message they would send once safe and where the family’s backup numbers are kept. Repeat the exercise after a change of school, home or care arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the SGSecure app to receive SG Alert?
SG Alert is delivered by cell broadcast on supported phones and networks. It complements other sources, including SGSecure. See SCDF’s current network and device information. SCDF SG Alert guidance
Does every siren mean I should go to a shelter?
The Alarm signal directs you to shelter. The Important Message signal directs you to radio or TV. Listen to the official recordings in advance so you can recognise the signals. SCDF Public Warning System
Should I drive to collect someone straight away?
Check the local instruction, access restrictions and the school or operator’s current handover arrangements. If they tell you to avoid an area, pass the instruction to the designated collector and wait for an approved route or collection point.
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- 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
- School Emergency in Singapore | What Parents and Students Should Do About Pickup, Alerts and the Journey Home
Official guidance checked 8 November 2026. During an incident, follow the current directions of emergency responders and the organisation responsible for your location.