Roles & Functions
Source: https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/about-scdf/our-organisation/roles-and-functions
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Roles & Functions
Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For details, visit the
ScamShield website
.
To help businesses reduce regulatory compliance costs, SCDF will implement three-year Fire Certificate (FC) validity periods for renewal applications from 1 Apr 2026 onwards. Please refer to the
SCDF Fire Certificate
webpage for more information.
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery and Emergency Preparedness Centre will reopen to the public from 21 Apr 2026. The weekly Saturday morning Fire Station Open House will also be resumed with effect from 25 Apr 2026.
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Our Organisation
Corporate Philosophy
International Engagement
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SCDF Lifesavers Hall of Fame
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
SCDF's Transformation
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Roles & Functions
Roles & Functions
As the national authority for civil emergencies in Singapore, SCDF is responsible for the provision of firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services, as well as the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of fire safety regulations and
civil defence shelter matters.
To fulfil its roles, the SCDF has established 4 systems to cater to Singapore's emergency needs - Warning; Protection; Rescue; Command, Control and Communications.
Warning System
The SCDF has installed an island-wide
Public Warning System (PWS)
which will be used to warn the public of military threats such as air raid. This system can also be used to alert the population of any serious industrial mishaps or natural disasters in localised areas. The warning given will enable the public to seek protection on time.
Protection System
A comprehensive
sheltering system
has been developed to complement the PWS. The first phase of the shelter construction programme covering high-rise public housing started in January 1987. Since 1997, all new public and private residential buildings must make provisions for a household or storey shelter. In addition, MRT stations have been hardened to serve as civil defence shelters. SCDF is responsible for the sheltering system and has raised national service units who will jointly manage the shelters with Civil Defence volunteers during emergency.
Rescue System
During peacetime, the Force is capable of handling more than one rescue operation and multiple fire incidents through its multi-fire station configuration. This capability will be upgraded to meet the wartime demands through the deployment of Operationally
Ready National Service Men who are organised and trained to undertake specialised operations. SCDF also co-operates with the various related agencies such as the Building Construction Authority, Public Utilities Board and the Singapore Police Force
to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
Command, Control & Communication (C3) System
The Force has an integrated computerised system that ensures the effective control of scarce resources and the deployment of forces to the most needed part of the island during emergency.
Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For details, visit the
ScamShield website
.
To help businesses reduce regulatory compliance costs, SCDF will implement three-year Fire Certificate (FC) validity periods for renewal applications from 1 Apr 2026 onwards. Please refer to the
SCDF Fire Certificate
webpage for more information.
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery and Emergency Preparedness Centre will reopen to the public from 21 Apr 2026. The weekly Saturday morning Fire Station Open House will also be resumed with effect from 25 Apr 2026.
1
/
3
Our Organisation
Corporate Philosophy
International Engagement
Emergency Medical Services
Courses & Seminars
Media Room
SCDF Lifesavers Hall of Fame
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
SCDF's Transformation
Hero banner for all pages except home page
Roles & Functions
Roles & Functions
As the national authority for civil emergencies in Singapore, SCDF is responsible for the provision of firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services, as well as the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of fire safety regulations and
civil defence shelter matters.
To fulfil its roles, the SCDF has established 4 systems to cater to Singapore's emergency needs - Warning; Protection; Rescue; Command, Control and Communications.
Warning System
The SCDF has installed an island-wide
Public Warning System (PWS)
which will be used to warn the public of military threats such as air raid. This system can also be used to alert the population of any serious industrial mishaps or natural disasters in localised areas. The warning given will enable the public to seek protection on time.
Protection System
A comprehensive
sheltering system
has been developed to complement the PWS. The first phase of the shelter construction programme covering high-rise public housing started in January 1987. Since 1997, all new public and private residential buildings must make provisions for a household or storey shelter. In addition, MRT stations have been hardened to serve as civil defence shelters. SCDF is responsible for the sheltering system and has raised national service units who will jointly manage the shelters with Civil Defence volunteers during emergency.
Rescue System
During peacetime, the Force is capable of handling more than one rescue operation and multiple fire incidents through its multi-fire station configuration. This capability will be upgraded to meet the wartime demands through the deployment of Operationally
Ready National Service Men who are organised and trained to undertake specialised operations. SCDF also co-operates with the various related agencies such as the Building Construction Authority, Public Utilities Board and the Singapore Police Force
to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
Command, Control & Communication (C3) System
The Force has an integrated computerised system that ensures the effective control of scarce resources and the deployment of forces to the most needed part of the island during emergency.