Common Safety Hazards in Singapore and How to Avoid Them

Singapore is an extremely safe and clean city. With one of the lowest crime rates of any country around the globe, many expats and other internationally minded people are quick to presume that Singapore is a relatively safe place.

And while to an extent this is true, it’s important to remember that there are common hazards to be aware of when in Singapore.

Hot and humid weather

It rains pretty much every day in Singapore and, when it does, it can come down hard and fast when you’re least expecting it. When out and about you should plan for this, and if you’re driving in Singapore take extra care when it’s wet.

Because of the humid weather, it’s especially important that you stay hydrated. Aim to carry a bottle of water with you at all times and sip from it regularly. Should you start feeling weak, get to a cool, dark place immediately and relax until you feel better. If possible, purchase some hydrating solution to keep with you just in case.

Pickpocketing

Certain areas are more susceptible to pickpockets than others. These areas include Bugis Junction and, during celebrations, in Chinatown and Little India, but it’s best to always take care when a part of large crowds. Carry bags that seal closed, and have your bag or backpack in front of you if you are ever worried.

Chewing gum

Singaporeans want to preserve their little paradise, therefore they have some strict laws surrounding some unusual things. One of these laws is that chewing gum is illegal – you can’t buy it or import it. It’s unlikely you would ever be arrested for chewing gum, but we don’t suggest you start bringing bucket loads into the country. Nor should you spit it out on the street or stick it under the seat on the bus.

Food safety

The number of foodborne disease outbreaks has been increasing around the world. Annually, about 1.5 billion cases of foodborne disease outbreaks are reported, resulting in 3 million deaths each year. Thankfully, Singapore enjoys one of the lowest incidences of foodborne disease outbreaks compared to the rest of the world, thanks to stringent food safety standards. No system is foolproof, however, so eat sensibly and organic and you and your family should be fine.

MRT

The MRT is an excellent way of getting around Singapore, but if you’re travelling with small children, it can be a little frightening. MRT stations are fast moving (especially during peak times) and escalators can get busy. Always hold the hand of small children and be careful of closing doors on the MRT. Unlike elevator doors, you can’t simply stop them from closing using your hand.

Road safety

Children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable groups of road users, with elderly people counting for almost half of all pedestrian deaths in Singapore. Road safety for children is a major concern and traffic rules should be instilled and followed. Use footpaths whenever possible, stand back from the side of the road when waiting to cross and always park at designated parking areas.

Traffic lights

Singaporean law suggests that “pedestrians should take charge of their own safety”. This means that while it may be significantly safer to cross at a set of red traffic lights or a pedestrian crossing, you shouldn’t rely on them to keep you out of harm’s way. You must still take caution at crossings, as not everyone stops. In a case which saw 21-year-old national serviceman Li Jianlin mowed down as he crossed a pedestrian crossing, leading to serious head and hip injuries and a three month stint in hospital, a judge ruled that Jianlin was 35 percent responsible for his own injuries for failing to properly check oncoming traffic.

Expressway driving

The Expressways can get very busy, especially during peak times, and if you’re not used to Singapore roads, they can be a bit overwhelming. If you plan on safely driving your family around Singapore, you may choose to enrol in a Motorcar Expressway Driving Course, a course designed to enhance driver knowledge and confidence of participants on expressway driving.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are known to spread vector borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Singapore was declared malaria-free in 1982 by the World Health Organisation, but there are still cases of dengue fever. This tropical disease can be deadly, particularly for kids, but knowledge is power. The breed most responsible for the spread of dengue are infected adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Their population has doubled since 2014 and can be identified by their black and white stripes on their body and legs. They also like to bite around the feet and ankles.

Dengue cases are more prevalent during the hot dry months of May to October, with peak biting time a couple of hours after sunrise and before sunset.

The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to:

• Apply insect repellent that contains high DEET content (15-25%). For infants under two months old, apply repellent with lower concentrations of DEET more regularly.
• Burn citronella oil.
• Use mosquito nets over cots and children’s beds.
• Change water in vases/bowls on alternate days.
• Cover bamboo poles when not in use.
• Clear blockages any blockages in roof gutters regularly.
• Remove water from flower pot plates on alternate days.

Safety first

The reality is that no matter how many precautions you take, young children are unpredictable, so always take the time to teach common safety practices and keep your eye on them at all times.

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