A counter-terrorism exercise codenamed “Heartbeat” was held at Velocity @ Novena Square on 15 November 2019. The exercise was organised by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and supported by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), UOL Group Limited (UOL) and Central Provident Fund Board (CPF).
Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations, observed the exercise which tested the coordination of SPF, SCDF and community stakeholders in response to a simulated terror attack at a shopping and medical hub.
In preparation for the exercise, SPF collaborated with Velocity @ Novena Square and CPF Board to conduct SGSecure training on critical survival knowledge including Run, Hide, Tell and Improvised First Aid Skills (IFAS) using ‘Press, Tie & Tell’ to equip its staff and tenants with the relevant knowledge and capabilities to respond effectively in times of emergency such as terror attacks. A table-top exercise was also conducted to review their response plans.
“The terror threat remains high and shopping malls are known soft targets. Thus, emergency preparedness within shopping malls are especially important as it will enable staff and tenants to respond quickly and help patrons to evacuate or at least find a safe place to hide,” said Mr Saktiandi Supaat.
The exercise also exemplified the spirit of the Safety and Security Watch Group (SSWG), an initiative by SPF and SCDF that aims to better equip the business community within a geographical cluster with measures to fight crime and terrorist threats. 11 buildings in the vicinity, including Velocity @ Novena Square, participated in the exercise.
Mr Saktiandi added: “I am happy to hear that Velocity @ Novena Square and its Novena & Irrawaddy cluster members of the SSWG have been very responsive in equipping their staff and tenants with the relevant knowledge and capabilities so that they are able to respond effectively in times of emergency. This is especially important for a place like Novena Square, which is located within the Novena Medical Hub that has high human traffic.”
Mr Peter Ang, Director (Property Department), Central Provident Fund Board said: “Exercise Heartbeat has provided the opportunity to enhance CPF Board’s emergency preparedness through the simulated terror attack. During the exercise, our participants executed the "Run, Hide and Tell” tactic which was taught to all CPF staff as part of the SGSecure training provided by SPF. We have constantly partnered the SPF and other community stakeholders such as the SSWG to increase the level of emergency preparedness within the organisation and it is a reflection of our commitment to the SGSecure movement.”
As part of the SSWG member of the Irrawaddy cluster, Mr Jeremy Soh, Deputy Director, Estate Office, Tan Tock Seng Hospital said: “At TTSH we recognise the importance of collaborating with the SPF to ensure a safe and secure working environment. For example, we disseminate crime prevention advisories, conduct monthly joint patrols with police officers at our premises, and organise regular meetings, sharing sessions, and roadshows to promote security awareness. TTSH is supportive of such emergency preparedness exercises as it provides a realistic opportunity for inter-operability between internal and external stakeholders. It is crucial that we are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills to not only protect ourselves but those around us as well. This meaningful partnership with SPF can boost our ability to respond effectively to any emergency situation.”
Strong community networks with the neighbouring stakeholders will strengthen vigilance and boost the ability to respond effectively to a crisis. In a terror attack scenario, the ability to effectively communicate information to neighbouring buildings of an attack would enable them to execute their contingency response plans to deter, detect, delay, deny or deal with an incident.
Community stakeholders and businesses are encouraged to heighten their emergency preparedness and may refer to present resources at the websites listed below for more information:
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 November 2019 @ 5:30 PM