New SCDF system will send mass emergency alerts to phones during fires, terror incidents

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be launching a mass emergency alert system to quickly warn the public about emergencies such as major fires and chemical or terror incidents.

These alerts will be sent to phones connected to Singapore mobile networks within seconds, without requiring internet connection, the SCDF announced on Apr. 17.

Appearing as a pop-up notification, the message will briefly describe the incident, state the affected location(s), and give instructions on what the public should do immediately to protect themselves.

Official sources and links will also be included for more details.

Here is a sample of the SG Alert message:

All four official languages are supported. Devices set to Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil will receive the alert in both English and the language used on their phone.

The system will be progressively rolled out with the different local mobile network providers to ensure a smooth implementation.

It will begin from May 2026 with Singtel network users, then reach StarHub users by the end of 2026, and finally M1 and SIMBA users by mid-2027.

Who will receive the alerts?

SCDF can activate the system to broadcast the alerts either islandwide or within specific affected areas.

Users will receive the alerts as long as their phones are updated to the latest operating systems (OS) in Singapore — Apple iOS 26.4 or Google Android OS 12 and above, with the latest Google Play system update.

Foreign visitors who use mobile phones connected to Singapore mobile networks, including data-only e-sims, will also receive the alerts if they are in the affected area.

SG Alert is a free government service that functions as a built-in safety feature on phones.

No additional fees, mobile application downloads, or account registrations are required.

Additionally, the system will not collect or track personal data, and will operate independently of mobile data services, allowing it to remain reliable even during periods of network congestion or peak demand.

Possible compatibility issues

Some users may receive alerts that look slightly different, with "Presidential alert" as the header instead of "SG Alert".

This might happen due to compatibility issues, such as if the phone model is older.

Despite the different header, the content of the alert remains the same, SCDF said, adding that it will work to regularise all alert headers to "SG Alert".

Alert tone and vibration

When an alert appears, there will also be a distinctive alert tone and vibration pattern from the phone, lasting up to 10 seconds.

These notifications are designed to go off even if the phone is in silent mode, in order to get the user's attention during an emergency.

Public testing of the system

Before the SG Alert system is fully implemented, SCDF will check its performance by conducting an islandwide public testing for Singtel network users on May 10.

More information on this test will be shared closer to the date.

Top images from SCDF and Reuben Nathan/Mothership