Since I can't link to it anymore, let me type the whole thing out here.
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Teach people what to do when disaster looms
I found the earthquake that rocked northern Sumatra disconcerting despite being miles away from the epicentre. The encounter was a first for me and, I am sure, also for many living in Sengkang.
The tremors lasted for some time, allowing me to leave my computer desk, wake four members of my family, and grab my mobile phone and keys.
It was a horrifying four minutes before we rushed down 10 storeys to a piece of vacant land next to our block.
In order to check on the situation, I called several emergency hotlines but to no avail. Eventually, I got through to a neighbourhood police centre and learnt from an officer that the tremors were caused by an earthquake off Sumatra.
When I asked if it was safe for us to return to our flat, he replied; "I'm not sure, but it shouldn't be a problem."
I felt lost after hearing that and finally returned to my flat after an hour.
The officer's response was disappointing and reflected a strong complacency among the majority of Singaporeans that such calamities would not hit us directly, given our good geographical location.
To my knowledge, there is no public education by the authorities on what to do when tremors strike Singapore.
It was only after watchhing broadcasts on the aftermath of the tremors that I learnt what actions to take should tremors recur in the future.
I am not a kiasu citizen but having read in the newspapers about the unexpected dloss of lives I could not take it for granted that Singapore is forever safe and that disasters would never strike us.
I therefore urge the authorities to put in place guidlines on what to do should a calamity occur so that Singaporeans can be well-prepared when the need arises.
Patrick Sim Sze Howe
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My dear Patrick,
I do not know how old you are, but seeing how this is the first time you see/hear/read of such tremors happening in Singapore, I would say you most probably would be no more than 3-years-old.
If you are only bothered to find out things after they happen to you, I really think you will forever be 3-years-old.
I do hope you didn't go down 10 storeys by taking the lift.
I am sure the authorities have not gone through a real earthquake and really doesn't know how to educate Singaporeans like you how to deal with earthquakes. So please forgive them.
Since you were using your computer at the time of the tremors, I am sure 30 seconds is all you need to use google to find how to deal with shaking buildings.
Let's see, maybe the authorities should give public education to Singaporeans on :
(1) What to do when the building you are in collapse [New World Hotel]
(2) What to do when the road you are travelling on collapse [Nicoll Highway]
(3) What to do when a bank robber enters the bank when you are in it
(4) What to do when you get car-jacked/robbed/road-raged while driving a Singapore registered car in Malaysia
(5) What to do when you ingested food laced with poison
(6) What to do when your kid ingested food cooked improperly
(7) What to do when tsunami hits
(8) What to do when Volcano errupts
(9) What to do when hiring murderous maids
(10) What to do when investing in funds using your CPF
(11) What to do when buying HDB flats
(12) What to do to ensure that you have enough money for old age
I think I have said enough. It is up to you - yes, you yourself - to find out things that matter in your life and not depend on the authorities to tell you what to do.
Let this be a lesson to you. It is time for you to start your own education campaign to you family members.
CalamariForThought
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