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Do you know what to do when a flood happens? We organised the first-ever community table-top exercise on climate threats on 5 November 2024 at Victoria Junior College, bringing together over 50 Grassroots Leaders, residents, youths and business representatives to dive into discussions on flood preparedness.
Co-organised with the Women in Sustainability and Environment (WISE) in support of 40 years of Total Defence, the event kicked off with an opening address by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations.
"How can we ensure that we get back to business as quickly as we can? How do we help people in need living amongst us, who are unable to get food on their own? Or water, or power? …It is by practising and by thinking through that we’re able to have the psychological preparedness. And that is an important part of resilience.” – Minister Grace Fu
Minister Grace Fu delivering her opening remarks at the table-top exercise
Participants discussed a mock extreme flooding scenario set in 2040 on severe torrential rain causing widespread disruption in Singapore, affecting transport, local businesses, hawker centres and essential services such as clinics.
Participants engaging in discussions on what the community can do to prepare for and respond to an extreme flooding scenario
Together, they brainstormed and shared insightful ideas on how the community and businesses can be more prepared in the face of such extreme flooding events. View the visual recording to see their ideas:
During the exercise, participants had the opportunity to view the flood protection devices we loan out to homeowners and business owners in flood-prone areas, such as inflatable flood bags and portable flood barriers. They also had a preview of our flood resilience campaign ahead of its launch!
Officers from PUB’s Catchment & Waterways and 3P Network Departments showcasing flood protection devices and our upcoming flood resilience campaign
Shehza D/O Mohammad Jarique, a Year 1 student from Victoria Junior College, shared that the table-top exercise was a thought-provoking session that highlighted the serious threat of floods in Singapore. It also inspired her to reflect on the important role that she, as a youth, can play in her country’s resilience efforts.
“Initially, I believed my role was insignificant, as I assumed that nationwide disasters would be handled by the government," she explained. "However, during our group discussion, I came to understand the need for community-based emergency response teams. In the event of a disaster, these teams, comprising community members, would serve as first responders, as agencies like SCDF would not be able to assist the entire nation at once. This made me realise how vital my involvement is as a youth, as I am in a position to step up and support my community, whether by identifying evacuation routes or sharing emergency contacts, and make a meaningful difference."
Echoing Shehza’s reflections, Kong Zheng Ren, another Year 1 student from Victoria Junior College, shared how the tabletop exercise shifted his perspective on flood preparedness. His group emphasised the value of collaboration in emergency responses and highlighted the need for community-wide readiness, suggesting regular drills to build confidence and sharpen essential emergency skills.
"Through our group discussions, I realized how the inclusion of diverse perspectives helps create a more comprehensive approach to flood preparedness. The grassroots leaders in my group offered valuable insights into the complex needs of the community, stressing the importance of establishing reliable communication channels to check on residents and provide timely assistance. Meanwhile, a business representative suggested practical strategies, such as using local facilities as shelters and mapping clear evacuation routes to ensure safe and efficient movement during floods. These collaborative efforts showed how shared expertise can foster a stronger, more resilient community. As a youth, I can also contribute by encouraging my family and friends to join the PUB Flood Alerts Telegram Channel or download the MyENV app, so that vital information reaches more people.”
Hear what other participants had to say:
We are preparing a self-facilitated package for communities to participate in the table-top exercise and discuss what you can do to prepare for such extreme flooding events. If you are keen, let us know your interest here by filling out this form.
