Back in the 1980s, public shelters were constructed in underground MRT stations and at void decks of the HDB residential blocks being built then. In 1994, the government announced that Household Shelters would be built inside new HDB flats. This enables residents to have quick access to protection in a war or an emergency. Therefore, the practice of building public shelters at the void deck of HDB blocks was discontinued.
In 1997, under the Civil Defence Shelter Act 1997, new houses and flats must have household / storey shelters incorporated into the development. Applications for planning permission for new flats or houses to Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) must therefore include household or storey shelters.
These personal household shelters are reinforced with thick layers of concrete and strong enough to survive bombs. The household shelter’s main purpose is to shield occupants from blast fragments during a bombing – this is because flying glass splinters and debris generally form the majority of the casualties during explosions. Please note that the shelters should not be used for protection during other emergency situations such as a fire in a building!!! Do not stay in the household shelter during FIRE!
The household shelter consists of:
Door The door is designed to protect you against the blasting effect of weapons during an emergency. It also provides an air-tight closure to the shelter.
Rubber gasket at the door and ventilation sleeve The rubber gasket serves to provide an air-tight environment to the shelter and prevent seepage of toxic gases during an emergency.
Door handle The door handle has a dual purpose. During peacetime, the handle is swung downwards to open the door. In an emergency situation, the handle is lifted and swung upwards in Civil Defence mode to ensure that the shelter is air-tight.
Ventilation sleeve During peace time, the fragmentation plate is held in open position by 4 M8 stainless steel screws connected to the ventilation sleeve. In an emergency, the plate is tightened using the 4 screws against the sleeve and compressing the ‘O’ ring rubber gasket to provide an air-tight shelter. Regular checks are necessary to ensure that the ‘O’ ring rubber gasket is intact and the screws are oiled to facilitate easy tightening during an emergency.
(picture and description taken from HDB website)
The shelter as in the floor plan (taken from HDB website)
See the thick walls around the shelter.
Why is it sometimes we don't see household shelters in units? Isn't it compulsory? How did the developers get their approval?
The answer is storey shelters. Under the Civil Defence Shelter Act, in lieu of a household shelter in every flat, at least one storey shelter must be provided in accordance with the specifications on that storey of the building. These storey shelters are built outside the homes and shared by residents living on the same floor.
Questions i hear often as a property agent is - how come some landed houses that looked pretty new don't have a household shelter? Quick answer as tabulated below
Houses that are newly erected : Need to include
Houses undergoing addition and alteration (A&A) : Do not need to include.
Houses undergoing reconstruction: Depends on extent of reconstruction. Qualified person- typically the architect or professional engineer to consult and confirmation obtained from SCDF before submission to BCA.
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Basis below:
Some FAQs taken from Building and Construction Authority that touch on household shelter in landed properties
Question: Are HS/SS required to be provided in A & A works to existing residential houses/buildings?
Answer: HS/SS are not required to be provided in existing houses/buildings undergoing addition and alteration (A&A) works.
Question: Are HS/SS required to be provided in reconstruction projects?
Answer: HS/SS have to be provided for reconstruction projects that involve construction of new building or house in place of existing building or house which has been demolished or would be demolished. For proposals with reconstruction of existing building, Qualified Person (QP) is to seek consultation with SCDF and obtain a written confirmation where provision of HS/SS is not required. This written confirmation shall be obtained before submitting plans to BCA for approval.
Sources of information:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ON HOUSEHOLD SHELTERS AND STOREY SHELTERS Building and Construction Authority Civil Defence Shelter Engineering Department Special Functions Group
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