SCDF arms itself better against flash floods

Satish Cheney Channel NewsAsia 8 Apr 11;

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