Roadshows, weekly house visits to raise awareness on residential fire safety

Key Concepts

• Better Awareness Safer Homes Campaign: A national initiative focused on residential fire safety.
• Active Mobility Devices (AMDs): Includes personal mobility devices (PMDs) and other similar transport.
• Residential Fires: Fires occurring in homes, particularly HDB flats in Singapore.
• Fire Hazards: Potential dangers that can lead to fires, such as obstructions and non-compliant devices.
• Non-compliant Devices: AMDs that have been modified with non-original parts or use uncertified charging equipment, posing a fire risk.
• Community Volunteers: Trained individuals who assist in identifying and reporting fire hazards in their neighborhoods.
• Town Councils: Local government bodies responsible for managing public spaces and stepping up inspections.

National Campaign on Residential Fire Safety: Better Awareness Safer Homes

The "Better Awareness Safer Homes" campaign is a national initiative aimed at enhancing residential fire safety. It employs various outreach methods, including weekly house visits and community road shows, to educate residents on responding to fire emergencies and identifying potential hazards within their homes.

Growing Concern Over Fires Caused by Active Mobility Devices (AMDs)

A significant concern driving the campaign is the rise in residential fires attributed to active mobility devices. Last year, there was a more than 20% increase in such incidents compared to the previous year. These fires are often more severe and have a higher likelihood of resulting in injuries and fatalities. The Land Transport Authority reported that since 2019, six deaths have been linked to fires involving active mobility devices.

Role of Community Volunteers and Town Councils

The campaign involves community volunteers across all constituencies in Singapore who have been trained to identify fire safety hazards in their neighborhoods. Their role includes inspecting common areas like corridors and staircases for obstructions that could impede fire evacuation. Mr. Chi stated that town councils will increase their inspections in common areas to complement these efforts. The training for volunteers is described as basic, emphasizing the need for more frequent checks across a wider range of blocks to ensure a safer environment.

Technical Details of Non-compliant AMDs and Fire Risks

Authorities are particularly concerned about residential fires involving non-compliant active mobility devices. These devices often feature modified components, such as non-original battery packs that can be purchased from online marketplaces. Such modifications can lead to fires and endanger lives.

Data and Statistics:

• In the first half of the current year, less than 2% of fires in HDB flats involved AMDs or their batteries.
• Despite the low percentage, these fires are noted for their severity and increased risk of injury and death.
• Two individuals have died this year in fires suspected to be caused by personal mobility device battery packs.
• Over the past three years, 77 AMD-related fires in HDB estates were attributed to non-compliant parts.

Potential Actions and Review of Guidelines

In response to the escalating issue, authorities are considering stricter measures against users and sellers of modified AMDs. They are also reviewing guidelines related to the safe storage and charging of these devices.

Community Resilience and Preparedness

The campaign emphasizes that preparedness is key to community resilience. Mr. Chi highlighted that "every skill that you learn today, every safety check that you perform contributes to this more resilient community." He urged residents to collaborate with authorities to improve home and community safety.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The "Better Awareness Safer Homes" campaign is a crucial national effort to address the rising threat of residential fires, particularly those linked to modified active mobility devices. The initiative relies on community engagement, volunteer efforts, and increased inspections by town councils. The focus is on educating the public about fire hazards, promoting safe practices for AMDs, and ultimately building a more resilient and safer community by fostering preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines.