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Participating in SGSecure

FAQ
Answer
How can I be involved in the SGSecure movement?

You can play your part in the SGSecure movement by:

  • Staying Alert – Be vigilant and look out for suspicious objects, persons or behaviour. Call 999 or SMS 71999, or submit a report through the SGSecure app if you see anything suspicious
  • Staying Strong – Familiarise yourself with the “Run, Hide, Tell” and Improvised First Aid Skills “Press, Tie, Tell” advisories on what to do in a terror attack. Share these advisories with your family and friends, and help those around you if you can in times of need.
  • Staying United – Take the effort to bond with those around you, treat each other with trust and respect, and ensure that we are not driven apart by the terror threat. In the event of a terror attack/ security incident, keep calm and obtain latest information from official sources. Do not speculate or spread misinformation/ disinformation, only share verified information from official sources.

For those who are keen to take on a hands-on role, you can pick up life-saving skills from training courses (e.g. CPR/AED, First Aid, Psychological First Aid) and volunteer in your community.

Are there any programmes I can join to pick up emergency preparedness skills?

SCDF has a free Responders Plus Programme (RPP) that covers skills such as First Aid, CPR, and Fire Fighting.

More details can be found at the SCDF's website: Responders Plus Programme (RPP) | SCDF

How can I go about volunteering and contributing to the SGSecure movement?

You can consider joining PA's volunteer schemes in emergency preparedness by registering your interest at the PA website:
 https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-programmes/emergency-preparedness/


For organisations which are keen to contribute to SGSecure, please contact MHA at the following webpage:
https://www.sgsecure.sg/contact-us

Where can I obtain copies of SGSecure posters and advisories?

Soft copies of SGSecure advisories and publications are available in the 'Resources' section of the SGSecure website, at https://www.sgsecure.sg/resources

 

SGSecure House Visits

FAQ
Answer
My family received a house visit from police/ SCDF officers who shared with us about the SGSecure movement. How can I ascertain the identify of the officers and that they are from MHA?
Officers conducting SGSecure house visits will be dressed in either their full uniform, or in white polo T-Shirts with SPF/ SCDF logo and blue/ black pants. You can also ask to check their identification/ warrant card if you are unsure if they are Police or SCDF officers.
Attire of SPF officers Attire of SCDF officers 
Attire of SPF officers Attire of SCDF officers

 

Why are SPF/ SCDF officers conducting the SGSecure House Visits?
Officers from the SPF and SCDF are conducting house visits to share SGSecure messages and advisories to help prepare residents to prevent and deal with terror attacks.

 

Why are the officers conducting the SGSecure House Visit requesting for my name?
As part of our engagement process, the officers will ask for residents’ name towards the end of the visit, strictly for record purposes and will not be used for other purposes or further circulated. If residents are uncomfortable divulging their particulars to officers, they may choose not to do so.

Officers from the SPF and SCDF conducting the SGSecure House Visits will not ask residents for sensitive personal details pertaining to credit card number, SingPass details, NRIC number, etc.

 

What is/ are the material(s) that will be shared during the SGSecure House Visits?
Engagement materials for households where resident(s) is/ are home

During the house visit, SPF/ SCDF officers will share on key SGSecure advisories using the SGSecure House Visits brochure as shown below, if residents are home. You may also learn more about SGSecure through our resources.

HV Brochure (Eng and Mandarin)


Engagement materials for households where resident(s) is/ are not at home

For households where resident(s) is/ are out during the house visit conducted by SPF/ SCDF officers, officers will leave a copy of the SGSecure house visit brochure (as above) and an accompanying SGSecure note to encourage them to read the information on the brochure, visit the SGSecure website to find out more about SGSecure and what they can do to keep Singapore safe from Terrorism. Residents can also keep a lookout on any upcoming SGSecure related events like SGSecure Roadshow on the SGSecure website or MHA social media pages. 

HV Note (Sample)

 

SGSecure Responder’s Network (SRN)

FAQ
Answer
Why be an SGSecure Responder?
Everyone has a role and will be able to contribute to the safety and security of Singapore in one way or another.

 

Is there any pre-requisite to sign up as a SGSecure Responder?
No. Anyone can be an SGSecure Responder as long as you are willing and committed to keeping our community safe and secure with your vigilance, cohesion and resilience.

 

Is there an age limit to sign up as a Responder?
There is no minimal age limit to sign up as a Responder. Nonetheless, we would advise those who are under 18 years of age to seek parental consent for their participation.

 

If I am not trained/certified in CPR/AED, can I still sign up as an SGSecure Responder?
Yes. Although being an SGSecure Responder does not require any prior training, we strongly encourage you to sign up for relevant training under SCDF’s Community Responders Plus Programme (RPP) to be better prepared to help others.

More information on RPP can be found at this link: Responders Plus Programme (RPP) | SCDF

Will I be responsible if I do not respond to an alert?
Your response is voluntary. You should only respond when you can and when it is safe to do so.

 

Upon reaching the scene, can I not render CPR on the victim if I am not comfortable but assist in other ways?
Yes, apart from rendering CPR, you may assist in other ways such as retrieving the nearest AED, or directing the ambulance crew to the victim.

 

Will I be liable if the casualty suffers physical injury or death after my resuscitation attempt?
Without CPR, the cardiac arrest victim has very low chances of survival. In the process of performing CPR, while it is possible that ribs will be broken, it is a much better alternative to not doing CPR and watching the victim die.

To date, there have not been instances of good Samaritans being sued in Singapore for trying to save a life by applying CPR.

Additionally, insurance coverage for medical claims is provided for registered Responders.

If I am already signed-up on the myResponder app, do I still need to sign up again through the SGSecure app?
Signing up through the SGSecure app enables you to receive similar alerts as the myResponder app, and access other useful features of the SGSecure app through the convenience of one app.

The SGSecure app could also be used to:

  • Receive important broadcast messages from the authorities during major emergencies;
  • Send videos, photos, messages to the authorities to provide information on security-related threats you have witnessed;
  • Seek assistance from the authorities during an emergency; and
  • Receive alerts and updates on security-related MFA Travel Advisories, based on MFA's RSS feed.
Do I need to uninstall the myResponder app if I sign up as an SGSecure Responder through the SGSecure app?
It is not necessary to uninstall the myResponder app. Either of the apps can be used to respond to any case of cardiac arrest/minor fires, and in the course of responding to a case, any action that you take (e.g. report “arrived”) will be updated on both apps.

 

I am trained in first aid and/or psychological first aid, and would wish to contribute in this aspect instead. What should I do?
You may indicate your interest to be a volunteer with the PA CERT (or People’s Association Community Emergency Response Team) by contacting the PA at PA_CERT@pa.gov.sg.

 

Will I be sued if the casualty accuses me of molest during the resuscitation attempt?
So long as the Good Samaritan renders aid in accordance with proper techniques, it would be extremely difficult for a casualty to credibly claim that the intent of the Good Samaritan’s was to molest or commit outrage of modesty.

 

SGSecure App

FAQ
Answer
Am I able to turn off the alerts when I am at work?
Yes, you can configure your alert preferences via the in-app Alert Subscriptions settings, as well as your device settings for the SGSecure app.

 

What is the Personal SOS feature about?
The Personal SOS feature allows a user, who requires emergency Police assistance but is unable to call ‘999’ and speak to an operator, to quickly contact the Police for emergency assistance via the Police’s SMS 71999 service.

When the Personal SOS feature is activated, the SGSecure app will generate a standard SMS template for the user to send, containing a link that will allow the Police to access the user’s approximate location via the SGSecure app. The user can edit the SMS before sending it out. He/she can also use the feature to send the SMS to three of his/her pre-determined SOS contacts, to enable them to access his/her location.

A step-by-step tutorial is also provided within the SGSecure app.

The Personal SOS location access can be deactivated by the user at any time, or by the Police, when the incident has concluded.

 

When should I use the Personal SOS feature?
Users should use the Personal SOS feature in situations where they require emergency Police assistance but are unable to call ‘999’ and speak to an operator. The use of the feature creates an SMS for the user to send to the Police which enables the latter to access their approximate location.

During a situation where emergency Police assistance is required, SGSecure app users should still call ‘999’ when possible. This ensures prompt Police response, as it allows direct communication between the user and the Police. In such instances, the Police may also advise the user to activate the Personal SOS feature in the SGSecure app as necessary e.g. if there is a need to access the user’s approximate location.

 

How do I use the Personal SOS feature?
Clicking on the Personal SOS button will generate an SMS template that the user can then send out. The SOS message will contain a link that will allow the Police and the user’s SOS contacts to access the user’s approximate location via the SGSecure app during the period the Personal SOS feature is active. A step-by-step tutorial, is also provided within the SGSecure app.

 

What should I expect after using the Personal SOS feature? How will I know if the Personal SOS feature has been activated successfully?
The Police will attempt to contact the user once they receive the user’s SMS, to verify the situation and determine the appropriate response. Once it is safe to do so, the user should respond to questions from the Police to aid them in assessing the situation. The user should check that they have set their mobile phone to silent mode if they are in a dangerous situation and where sounds could alert the perpetrators.

Depending on the type of emergency reported, the Police, ambulances or fire rescue personnel may be despatched as necessary.

 

How frequently will my location be updated when the SOS is activated?
The user’s location will be updated every minute.

 

Why must the SOS alert be sent via SMS?
This allows the Police to contact the user through the mobile number the SMS is sent from, for follow-up on the case.

 

I would prefer not to switch on my GPS location for my phone. Can I still use the Personal SOS feature?
Location permission for the SGSecure app will need to be allowed at all times, in order for the Personal SOS feature to function as intended. However, only the Police and those with the link will be able to access the user’s approximate location via the Personal SOS feature, during the period the Personal SOS feature is active.

 

What do I do if I activate the Personal SOS feature by mistake?
The user has full control over the activation of the feature and can cancel the SOS at any time.

If the SMS has been received by the Police, they will contact the sender to confirm that no assistance is required before closing the case. Police may arrange to physically meet with the sender, for verification purposes.

Do note that all emergency messages to the Police are treated seriously and resources will be committed to look into such emergency messages. Action may be taken against users who abuse the Personal SOS feature.

Users are reminded that once activated, the SOS SMS is sent to the Police and up to three of the user’s pre-determined SOS contacts. Apart from responding to questions from the Police, users should also respond promptly to the SOS contacts, to update them of the situation.

 

What is the time taken for the Police to respond to the Personal SOS feature?
The Police will acknowledge all SMS messages as soon as they are received and will respond accordingly to the type of situation reported.

 

Do I need to register for an account?
To use the Personal SOS feature, the user will need to have downloaded the SGSecure app. No account registration is required.

 

Are the SMSes chargeable?
SMS and data rates will apply, depending on the user’s service provider.

 

What is the benefit of the Personal SOS feature compared to sending an SMS to 71999?
The Personal SOS feature generates a standard SMS template with a link to access the user’s approximate location via the SGSecure app, and auto-populates the user’s pre-determined recipients’ phone numbers. The user can edit the SMS before sending it out.

This facilitates the sending of emergency messages to the Police’s SMS 71999 service as well as the user’s pre-determined SOS contacts quickly, and with a link that allows the recipients to determine the sender’s approximate location.

 

Can I access the other functions of the SGSecure app, if I choose not to use the Personal SOS feature?
Yes. The Personal SOS feature is optional and users can continue using the other functions of the SGSecure app without setting up the Personal SOS feature. Even after setting up the Personal SOS feature, the user will have to deliberately activate the Personal SOS feature for the Police and the user’s SOS contacts to be able to view his/her location.

 

Will the Personal SOS feature work if the user is overseas? Can users alert the Police and their SOS contacts if they require emergency assistance while overseas?
No. The main purpose of the Personal SOS feature is for the user to contact the Singapore Police Force for emergency assistance. If the user is overseas, the SOS button will be disabled.

 

What should I do when I receive the SOS SMS from someone I know?
There is no need for the receiver of the SOS SMS to separately alert the Police immediately, as the same SOS SMS is sent to the Police concurrently. The Police will attempt to contact the sender upon receipt of the SOS SMS, to understand the situation and decide on the appropriate response.

The receiver may click on the link in the SMS, which will launch the SGSecure app to view the sender’s location and the receiver can use text messaging to contact the sender. Should a receiver be unable to get a response from the sender for 20 minutes, the receiver may call ‘999’ to contact the Police.

 

Do my SOS contacts need to download the app to view my location when the SOS is activated?
Yes, the user’s SOS contacts will also need to have the SGSecure app downloaded to access the user’s approximate location.

 

Who can I contact if I encounter problems in using the SGSecure app or setting up this Personal SOS feature?
For technical support, you may contact the technical helpdesk at mha-sgsecure2.0-support@mha.gov.sg.

For other SGSecure-related issues, you may send an email to MHA_Feedback@mha.gov.sg or call 1800-3569091 during office hours.

 

Is the Personal SOS feature compliant with Government policy on sending of links via SMS?
The SMS is not sent by the Government. The user will need to manually send the link via SMS to the Police and the user’s SOS contacts.

 

Other FAQs

FAQ
Answer
What is SGSecure?

SGSecure is a national movement to sensitise, train and mobilise our community to play a part to prevent and deal with a terrorist attack. It is how the whole of Singapore can come together in response to the terror threat, and safeguard our way of life.

SGSecure contains three core components, namely:

  • Vigilance: Staying Alert to prevent a terrorist attack and to keep your family, friends and yourself safe in the event of a terror attack.
  • Cohesion: Staying United through building strong ties in the community; cherishing and safeguarding Singapore’s racial and religious diversity and harmony so that we can stand together in peacetime and crisis; and
  • Resilience: Staying Strong by being ready to deal with a crisis, being resilient as individuals and as a community, to help each other bounce back quickly after a terror attack.
Why is there a need for SGSecure?
Government's response to the terror threat is not enough given the threat we face today. Every member of the community must do his part by staying alert to ever-present security threats, staying united during peacetime and in crisis, and staying strong to be resilient and bounce back quickly in a crisis.