On Friday, 15 September 2006 at 12.05pm, the SCDF will be sounding the "Important Message" signal through the island-wide network of PWS sirens. Members of the public are advised not to be alarmed by the minute-long sounding exercise held annually to commemorate Civil Defence Day.

The sounding of the PWS is part of SCDF"s public education efforts aimed at familiarising the public with the 3 PWS signals and to raise general awareness on how the public should react upon hearing each signal. 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, members of the public should immediately tune in to any local FM radio stations to listen to a special info-mercial broadcast and learn more about the various PWS signals. We wish to reiterate that the peace enjoyed today should not be taken for granted. This is in fact the best opportunity for the community to familiarise themselves with emergency preparedness and life-saving procedures.

Members of the public are also encouraged to understand more about the PWS signals and other emergency procedures by visiting the SCDF website. 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 anytime at 1800-286-5555 to hear the audio recording of the PWS sirens.