On Thursday, 15 September 2011 at 1205 hrs, the SCDF will be sounding the "Important Message" signal through the islandwide network of PWS sirens, in commemoration of Civil Defence Day. Members of public are advised not to be alarmed by the minute-long sounding exercise.

When the signal is sounded, members of public can immediately tune in to any local radio station to listen to a special info-mercial broadcast on the PWS signals.

The sounding is part of SCDF"s continuous efforts to familiarise the public with the three PWS signals and to raise awareness on how they should react upon hearing each signal. Besides the "Important Message" signal (characterised by pulsating blasts), the two other signals are the "Alarm" and the "All Clear" signals, which are characterised by wailing blasts and continuous blasts respectively.

Members of the public are also encouraged to learn more about the PWS signals and other emergency procedures by referring to Annex A for information on PWS. Alternatively, they may also refer to the CD Emergency Handbook (2010 edition, page 60) for more information on the PWS signals.

To prevent any undue public alarm, we seek your assistance to carry the above news in your news bulletins to forewarn and remind the public on the sounding.