Tremors

So far, tremors felt in Singapore have all been due to earthquakes in the region and there has been no record of a tidal-surge affecting Singapore. Nevertheless, any indication of such activity which poses a threat to Singapore will be immediately acted on by the Meteorological Services Division and an alert will be activated.

In such an event, the SCDF and Police will operationalise existing plans for action to raise a public warning and evacuate or take necessary emergency measures as required.

When a Tremor Occurs

Take cover

• Keep calm.

• Take cover under a sturdy desk or table. Stay away from windows, doors, walls, display shelves and anything that could fall and hurt you, like lightings, furniture or fixtures.

• Do not use the lift.

Keep away from buildings

• If you are outdoors, stay away from buildings and overhead electrical cables.

• Remain in the open until the tremor stops.

Be cautious of gas leaks

• Do not use candles, matches or other naked flames during and after the tremor, as there might be a gas leak.

Don't be alarmed by activation of fire safety devices

• Do not be alarmed if the electricity is cut off or fire sprinklers and alarms are activated.

Stop vehicle and remain inside

• If you are driving, stop as quickly as safety permits. Stay in your vehicle.

• Avoid stopping near or under trees, buildings, bridges, overpasses or overhead electrical cables.

After the Tremor Stops

Don't touch damaged wiring

• Do not touch any damaged electrical wiring. Also, report any gas leaks.

• Give help to those who are injured or require your assistance. Call the SCDF/Police, if necessary.

Check for structural defects

• Buildings in Singapore are designed to established building codes and are sufficiently robust to withstand tremors caused by distant earthquakes. Hence there is no need to evacuate.
  
  
• Evacuation is only necessary when there is visible sign of structural defects on building elements such as new cracks on the walls, floors, parapet, columns and beams as a result of these tremors.
  
  
• Once cracks or other structural defects develop, residents/occupants in private buildings should call BCA at 6325 7720 and those in HDB estates should call the HDB's Essential Maintenance Service Unit's 24-Hour Hotline at 6275 5555 and 6354 3333.

If the building is declared unsafe

• Leave in an orderly manner.

• Before you leave your house:

  • Switch off all lights and electrical appliances,

  • Turn off the gas and taps,

  • Gather family members together,

  • Lock up and secure your house.

• When evacuating, people should:

  • Move together as a family unit,

  • Not push or rush; and avoid the use of lifts,

  • Help the handicapped, children and the aged,

  • Follow directions of Police / Civil Defence personnel.

Enhancing Your Survivability if Trapped under Debris/Rubble

General Guidelines if You are Trapped

• Stay put and protect your head and face from shattered glass or falling objects by grabbing a coat, blanket, newspapers, box, etc.

• Move away from hazardous areas or unstable objects, and if possible, put on a pair of sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass.

• Brace yourself against walls without glass windows or mounted shelves. Crawl under a sturdy table, desk or bed as that will provide you with air space and protection against falling objects.

• If you are in a safe area, stay there. Do not attempt to use the stairs or elevators as there are dangers like falling debris, damaged stairways or exits, and power outages in elevators and stairwells.

• Use a flashlight to attract attention. Do not turn on light switches, or light matches, fires or gas stoves, etc. unless you are sure there is no danger of a gas leak.

• If you are pinned down by debris, periodically move your fingers and toes to ensure blood circulation and prevent blood clots.

• Maintain a high morale by thinking of your loved ones. This will keep your quest for survival and fighting spirits high.

• Keep calm, be alert and respond to rescuers’ calls. Do not shout unnecessarily as you may weaken yourself.

• Attract rescuers’ attention with a flashlight or by calling out if you are sure someone is around.

• Consume food and water from the refrigerator if it is near you. If you need to eat and drink from an open source, beware of shattered glass and other debris in it. Moderate your consumption to enable the food to last longer.

You can download the poster (, 2.9MB) on the precautions you can take for earth tremors.

The template for the Tremor Emergency Plan (TEP) for Buildings can be downloaded here. (, 54KB).