SCDF. Community preparedness is key to fire safety

We thank Forum writer Ho See Ling for the letter “Fire safety isn’t just about infrastructure, but community preparedness” (Dec 4).

- Abdul Razak Abdul Raheem (Senior Assistant Commissioner) Director (Volunteer and Community Partnership Department) Singapore Civil Defence Force

All buildings in Singapore are built in accordance with the Fire Code. Residential flats are designed with fire-rated walls and floors, forming compartments that can contain a fire within the affected unit and prevent fire spread. During a residential-unit fire, firefighters and police officers will prioritise the evacuation of residents on the affected floor and the two floors immediately above. Should more units need to be evacuated, the officers at the scene will facilitate this.