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On Sunday, 15 February 2009 at 12.05pm, the SCDF will be sounding the "Important Message" signal through the islandwide network of PWS sirens in commemoration of Total Defence Day. The sounding is part of SCDF"s continuous efforts to acquaint members of public with the PWS" 3 emergency signals as well as to raise general awareness on how the public should react upon hearing each signal. Members of public are advised not to be alarmed by the minute-long sounding exercise.

The PWS is a network of sirens placed at strategic points throughout the island. The purpose of this system is to warn the public of imminent threats that could endanger lives and property. Besides the "Important Message" signal (characterised by pulsating blasts), the two other PWS signals are the "Alarm" and the "All Clear" signals, which are characterised by wailing blasts and continuous blasts respectively.

When the "Important Message" signal is sounded on 15 Feb 2009, members of the public can immediately tune in to any local FM radio stations to listen to a special info-mercial broadcast and learn more about the 3 PWS signals.

Members of the public are also encouraged to understand more about the PWS signals and other emergency procedures by visiting the SCDF webpage at http://www.scdf.gov.sg/en/community-and-volunteers/learn-civil-defence/wartime-emergencies/public-warning-system.html Alternatively, they may also refer to the CD Emergency Handbook (Page 69) for more information on the PWS signals; or call the SCDF Emergency Information Hotline at 1800-286-5555 to hear the audio recording of the PWS sirens.