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Emergency Hotlines

Key nationwide emergency contact numbers, including 999 for police, 995 for fire and ambulance, and 993 for bomb threats.

Sections

Key Emergency Hotlines in Singapore

  1. Police Emergency Hotline: 999

    • Service Coverage: For reporting crimes, public safety issues, or any situation requiring immediate police assistance.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Dial 999 and provide your location, nature of the emergency, and any relevant details.
      • Stay on the line until the operator confirms they have all the necessary information.
    • Notes: Misuse of the 999 hotline (e.g., prank calls) is a criminal offense under Singapore law.

  2. Emergency Ambulance and Fire Services: 995

    • Service Coverage: For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance or for fire-related emergencies.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost:
      • Ambulance services are free for life-threatening emergencies.
      • For non-emergency cases, you may be charged a fee (approximately SGD 274 for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 560 for foreigners).
    • Procedure:
      • Dial 995 and provide details about the emergency, including the location and condition of the person(s) involved.
      • Follow the operator’s instructions, which may include performing first aid until help arrives.
    • Notes: This hotline is strictly for emergencies. For non-urgent medical transport, use the 1777 hotline (see below).

  3. Non-Emergency Ambulance Hotline: 1777

    • Service Coverage: For non-life-threatening medical situations requiring ambulance transport.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Charges vary depending on the service provider and distance but are generally higher than public emergency services.
    • Procedure:
      • Call 1777 and provide details about the situation and location.
      • Arrange payment directly with the service provider.

  4. Police Non-Emergency Hotline: 1800-255-0000

    • Service Coverage: For reporting non-urgent crimes or providing information about criminal activities.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Call the hotline and provide details about the incident or information you wish to report.
      • You may remain anonymous if you prefer.

  5. Civil Defence Emergency Hotline: 1800-280-0000

    • Service Coverage: For inquiries related to civil defense, such as fire safety or disaster preparedness.
    • Availability: Office hours (Monday to Friday).
    • Cost: Free of charge.

  6. National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868

    • Service Coverage: For emotional and psychological support, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Call the hotline and speak to a trained counselor for support.

  7. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1767

    • Service Coverage: For individuals in emotional distress or at risk of suicide.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Dial 1767 and speak to a trained counselor.
      • Alternatively, you can email SOS at [email protected] for non-urgent support.

  8. Poison Information Centre: 6775-4595

    • Service Coverage: For advice on poisoning incidents, including ingestion of harmful substances.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Call the hotline and provide details about the substance involved, the affected person’s condition, and any first aid measures already taken.

  9. Traffic Police Hotline: 6547-0000

    • Service Coverage: For reporting traffic accidents or road-related emergencies.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Call the hotline and provide details about the accident, including location, vehicle numbers, and any injuries.

  10. Power Supply Disruption (SP Group): 1800-778-8888

    • Service Coverage: For reporting power outages or electrical issues.
    • Availability: 24/7.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure:
      • Call the hotline and provide your address and details of the issue.

General Regulations and Considerations

  • Misuse of Emergency Hotlines:

    • It is illegal to misuse emergency hotlines in Singapore. Offenders may face fines or imprisonment under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.
    • Always ensure that your call is genuine and necessary.

  • Language Support:

    • Operators are trained to handle calls in English, which is the primary working language in Singapore.
    • For non-English speakers, operators may attempt to connect you with someone who can assist in your preferred language, but this is not guaranteed.

  • Caller Identification:

    • While you can report incidents anonymously in some cases (e.g., non-emergency police hotline), providing your contact details can help authorities follow up more effectively.

  • Cultural Nuances:

    • Singaporeans value efficiency and order. When calling an emergency hotline, be concise and provide clear, accurate information.
    • Avoid panicking or shouting, as this may hinder communication with the operator.

Costs Associated with Emergency Services

  • Ambulance Services:

    • Life-threatening emergencies: Free.
    • Non-emergency cases: Fees apply (see above).

  • Fire Services: Free for genuine emergencies.

  • Police Services: Free of charge.

  • Private Ambulance Services:

    • If you choose to use private ambulance services (e.g., for non-emergency transport), costs can range from SGD 100 to SGD 500, depending on the distance and level of care required.

Standard Procedures When Calling Emergency Hotlines

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and focus on providing clear information.
  2. Provide Key Details:
    • Your name and contact number (if applicable).
    • Exact location (use landmarks if necessary).
    • Nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, medical, crime).
    • Condition of the affected person(s) (if applicable).
  3. Follow Instructions: The operator may give you specific instructions, such as performing first aid or evacuating the area.
  4. Do Not Hang Up Prematurely: Stay on the line until the operator confirms they have all the information they need.

Country-Specific Considerations

  • Efficient Response Times: Singapore’s emergency services are known for their quick response times, often arriving within minutes of a call.
  • High-Tech Systems: Emergency services in Singapore use advanced technology, such as GPS tracking, to locate callers and dispatch help efficiently.
  • Community Involvement: Singapore encourages community preparedness through initiatives like the Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP), which trains residents in basic first aid and emergency response.

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency hotlines and procedures, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any urgent situation during your time in Singapore.