Hero banner for all pages except home page

If a national emergency were to occur, would you know where your nearest public shelter is and how to respond?

Across Singapore, more than 590 public shelters are integrated into places people use every day - from underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and housing estates to schools, community centres, and government buildings. 

This public shelter network is part of the Civil Defence Shelter Programme, established in 1983 to provide temporary refuge during a bombardment or an air raid, thereby safeguarding the civilian population and strengthening national resilience. Household shelters and storey shelters were subsequently introduced and now serve as the primary forms of shelter protection. 

Behind this nationwide network of public shelters is a team of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen) from SCDF’s Public Shelter and Resilience Unit (PSRU). Responsible for converting and managing public shelters during a national emergency, they ensure the shelters are always ready to protect the population. 

Leading 13B PSRU is LTC (NS) Muhammad Taufiq Bin Jumal, whose ORNS journey has been closely tied to SCDF's public shelter operations for over a decade.

As the Commander of 13B Public Shelter and Resilience Unit, LTC (NS) Muhammad Taufiq Bin Jumal takes pride in ensuring the operational readiness of Civil Defence shelters and helping the community to understand the shelter concept. PHOTO: SCDF

After completing his full-time National Service, he served as a Rota Commander at Jurong Island Fire Station before becoming the Deputy Company Commander of the public shelter at Chinatown MRT Station. Over the years, he progressed through appointments as Company Commander, Head of Operations, and Deputy Unit Commander before becoming the Commander of 13B PSRU.

"PSRU has a dual role. We manage and operate public shelters located across Singapore,” LTC (NS) Taufiq explained. "Beyond operating the shelters, we also teach the community emergency preparedness skills so that they are better prepared for emergencies.”

Keeping Public Shelters Ready 

While MRT stations and public buildings have different everyday functions during peacetime, PSRU is always ready to quickly convert them into public shelters when required. 

"In the early hours of the morning after train services have ended, we conduct exercises at the public shelters of MRT stations," he said. "These exercises ensure we remain familiar with the shelter equipment and conversion procedures."

When activated during a national emergency, PSRU personnel will establish operational control of pre-identified public spaces and convert them into shelters. Environmental control systems within the shelter, such as air ventilation, clean water supply and electricity, are activated to host occupants. Necessary equipment and logistics would also be provided to ensure the comfort and safety of the occupants.

As civilians arrive at the public shelter, PSRU personnel will manage crowd movement, organise shelter occupants, render first aid and keep the facilities operational throughout the occupation period.

Expanding Emergency Preparedness in the Community

While public shelters form an important part of the Civil Defence strategy, LTC (NS) Taufiq believes community preparedness is the most crucial factor. 

Through SGSecure outreach activities and Shelter Open House events, PSRU educates members of the public on the role of public shelters, while encouraging them to learn emergency preparedness skills. 

Members of the public learning about Improvised First Aid Skills during the Shelter Open House at Cantonment MRT Station. PHOTO: SCDF

He also encourages households to prepare essential emergency supplies. 

"Every household can take simple steps to be better prepared," he added. "For instance, a Ready Bag should contain essential items such as torchlights, batteries, personal medication and healthcare supplies, a whistle, first aid kit, childcare supplies, N95 masks, food and water. Being prepared gives you greater confidence during an emergency." 

Building Resilience Together

Leading 13B PSRU has given LTC (NS) Taufiq a deeper appreciation of his fellow ORNSmen who are dedicated to strengthening Singapore's emergency preparedness while balancing their careers and family responsibilities. 

"They are ordinary citizens like you and me, who have set aside their personal time to ensure the operational readiness and smooth running of these shelters," he said. "It reinforces the belief that everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness."

That shared responsibility, he believes, is fundamental to building a resilient community. 

"Resilience cannot be outsourced," LTC (NS) Taufiq said firmly. "Safety and security are shared responsibilities. When the community is prepared for emergencies and looks out for those around them, we can build a more resilient Singapore that is prepared for the unexpected."