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Staying safe from fires

The total number of fire calls has decreased by 1.8 per cent in 2021 – and while that’s good news, even one fire is too many. How can we reduce fire risk, and what should we do if a fire breaks out near us?

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

Fires can occur almost anywhere, from a HDB flat  to a waste oil processing plant, and even at a historical shrine on Kusu Island.

While the overall number of fire calls dipped slightly last year by 1.8 per cent, there were 194 cases of fire injury – ten more compared to 184 cases in 2020. In addition, three people died due to fires.

Fires are almost always preventable tragedies. Taking a few sensible precautions can ensure our safety, as well as the protection of our belongings and buildings. Read on to learn how to lower fire risk, as well as steps to take if a fire breaks out.

TIP #1: DON’T MESS WITH ELECTRICITY

There have been multiple cases of fires started by faulty battery packs of power-assisted bicycles (PABs) or personal mobility devices. These battery packs are often left to charge overnight or for a period of time, before exploding and igniting a fierce blaze.

If you have a personal mobility device or a PAB, be sure to buy original batteries and refrain from charging them overnight, for a long and unattended period of time, or near combustible materials. You should examine the batteries regularly for signs of damage, such as corrosion, bloating or a powdery residue. Avoid charging the battery immediately after using the PAB or mobility device, and never tamper with or modify it.

Similarly, electrical wiring in your home should be installed by a qualified electrician, as fires of electrical origin were the number one type of fire in 2021, with 588 cases, or 31.9 per cent of all fires. When purchasing electrical appliances, look out for the SAFETY mark. This indicates that the product has been tested for safety measures against fire, explosion and other dangers.

TIP #2: COOK WITH CARE

You might be a magician in the kitchen, but even a culinary wizard wouldn’t be able to stop a blaze once it’s out of control. To reduce fire risk, never leave your cooking unattended and be sure to keep flammable items away from any heat sources, such as the open flame on your stove.

To avoid nasty burns – or worse – avoid wearing loose clothing, such as long flowing sleeves, when you are cooking. Switch off the electrical outlets to appliances when they aren’t in use, and make sure that they aren’t overloaded. Next to electrical fires, cooking-related fires were the second highest in 2021, with 408 cases.

TIP #3: EXTINGUISH FOR CERTAIN

Fires can start from the smallest of sparks – and that includes a cigarette butt that hasn’t quite been stubbed out.

“Dropped light” fires – defined as fires caused by unextinguished cigarettes, charcoal embers and incense sticks – were the third most common type of fire last year, with 349 incidents.

If you are disposing charcoal embers or cigarette butts in the common rubbish chute or a bin, make sure that they have been fully extinguished to reduce fire risk. And if you have an altar or an aromatherapy burner at home, place it far away from curtains.

TIP #4: EDUCATE EVERYONE

Whether at home or in the workplace, everyone sharing the same space should be fully aware of potential fire risks.

For example, children should be taught to play with sparklers and lanterns outdoors only. Adults should make it a habit to avoid cluttering up fire escape paths, especially with flammable items such as books, newspapers and boxes. If you have a domestic helper who does the ironing, make sure she knows to switch off the iron instead of leaving it unattended on the board, as overheated fabric can catch fire. You might also consider organising a fire drill at least twice a year within your own household, so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

In workplaces, fire safety equipment, like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, should be kept updated. Employees should be trained to know what to do in the event of a fire. Employees should also make it a habit to turn off computers, laptops and other appliances when leaving the office. After all, fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A FIRE OCCURS

If a fire breaks out near you, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Call 995 for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), alert others and proceed to evacuate.

In the event of a small fire, you can attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher (You can learn to use one on the SCDF website.) When it comes to a grease fire – such as cooking oil that has ignited – do not throw water on it, as that will cause the oil to splash and spread the fire even more. Instead, you can try starving it of oxygen by placing a metal (not glass, which will shatter) pot or pan over it, or pour a large amount of baking soda over the fire. It creates carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire. You can also use a large damp towel to extinguish the fire.

In the case where it’s not possible to put out the fire without endangering yourself or others, it’s best to leave the area. If you can reach the gas mains on your way out, turn it off. If possible, close the door and shut the windows of the room that the fire is in so that it can be better contained.  Avoid smoke inhalation by staying low and crawling close to the walls. Use the stairs and try to head down to the ground floor. If you’re on a very high storey, look for the refuge floor – a holding area that provides safe harbour for residents during a fire.

When it’s not possible to leave the building, head to a room with a window – ideally one that faces a road, so that rescue can take place faster. Roll up a thick piece of cloth, like a blanket or carpet, to prevent smoke from entering through the bottom gap of the door. Let the SCDF operator on the phone know the location of the fire, where you are in the building, and how many people you have with you.

Finally, if the fire is not in your apartment but your neighbour’s, you should still evacuate rather than adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach. SCDF’s protocol calls for the evacuation of residents on the same floor, or the two floors above the scene of the fire. Even if you’re not certain about whether the fire will spread, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. 

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On The Edge

5 things you probably didn’t know about artificial intelligence

For starters, artificial intelligence is already a big part of your life – and it’ll become even more important in the future.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

We tend to think of artificial intelligence (AI) as hailing from the futuristic realm of science fiction – but chances are, AI is already a part of your daily routine.

For example, if you’ve ever approached HomeTeamNS’ chatbot, Hey Irene, on the HomeTeamNS Mobile App or website for help with your HomeTeamNS membership, you’ve successfully interacted with AI. In fact, just unlocking your phone using facial recognition software entails using AI as well. Checking for traffic jams on your way to work using Google Maps? You guessed it – also powered by AI.

In its most basic form, AI combines computer science and high-quality data to solve problems. There are two main types of AI: Weak or narrow AI and strong AI.

The former is most common, as it’s used to perform specific tasks like recognising your face or crunching data to generate insights. Researchers are working towards strong AI which is also known as general AI. This involves a machine with the same level of intelligence and self-awareness as a human being – think Blade Runner, or the androids in Westworld.

While we still have some ways to go before we achieve computer sentience, here are five things you probably didn’t know about AI, and its growing impact on our lives.

1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS ALWAYS IMPROVING ITSELF – WITH YOUR HELP

Every time you ask a chatbot – like HomeTeamNS’ AI Chatbot 2.0 – for help, you’re helping it in return. Unveiled in December 2021, HomeTeamNS’ AI Chatbot 2.0 on the website, mobile application and Facebook page was developed with data analytics, which was launched in December 2020.

AI Chatbot 2.0 aims to achieve an intuitive chatbot experience. Queries are successfully answered, without users having to ask the same question in different ways until the AI recognises what they’re looking for.

To do this, useful chat analytics break down the Chatbot’s performance into categories including “type of enquiries received” and “number of clicks” for each main menu item. This enables staff to identify service gaps and better understand users’ behaviour.

From the start, the Chatbot function has proved popular, with an average of 54 daily interactions across a two-month period from December 2021 to February 2022. These days, instead of being “trained” by having instructions programmed into them, AI chatbots are increasingly capable of automatically using past interactions to learn more about what users want, in a process called self-feeding.

2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS PERSONALISING SHOPPING LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Just as AI chatbots learn from your conversation, AI solutions can tap on machine learning and big data to hyper-personalise advertising – targeting your likes and dislikes, right down to the smallest of details.

For instance, e-commerce site Lazada uses deep-learning technology to learn customers’ preferences in real-time as they shop. This helps the platform’s search and recommendation engine to suggest relevant products that pop up immediately as customers scroll down the page.

E-commerce giant Amazon uses AI not just to learn what customers are searching for, but why they are searching for a particular product. By predicting the occasion (a family beach holiday) that customers are buying the product for (children’s tropical print swim trunks), Amazon is able to recommend other products they are likely to buy (like sunscreen, flotation devices and towels).

3. AI’S DEVELOPMENT IS GUIDED BY STRONG ETHICS

If the classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey scared you with its depiction of HAL 9000, a homicidal and super-intelligent AI, don’t worry. There are clear guidelines governing how AI solutions should be developed, so even if we had the technology to create them, evil AI masterminds will still stay fictional.

Currently, the main ethical challenges posed by AI revolve around privacy and surveillance, bias and discrimination, and deciding when human judgement is needed. For example, AI-powered apps can collect – and analyse – huge amounts of information on a person’s online preferences. AI algorithms that sort through job resumes can end up rejecting excellent candidates who miss out on using the right keywords or have qualities that only a human being will notice, such as creativity.

To ensure that AI developers in the private sector take these ethical concerns into consideration when building AI technologies, Singapore launched the second edition of its Model AI Governance Framework in 2020. It aims to ensure that AI solutions are accountable, transparent and most importantly, human-centric.

4. A.I. WILL MAKE MEDICAL TREATMENT FASTER AND MORE EFFECTIVE

One of the most exciting applications of AI is in healthcare, where AI is being used in areas like detecting diseases, monitoring people’s wellness, identifying the right medications for treatment and training medical professionals.

When developing pharmaceutical drugs, AI is used by many leading companies to crunch patient data and other relevant information to identify the medicinal compounds with the highest chances of success, instead of the traditional approach of trial-and-error.

Similarly, AI can be used to process data and more accurately identify different types of cancer – ensuring that patients can be treated quickly and more effectively, giving them improved outcomes.

5. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

We tend to think of technology and big data as vast consumers of energy – but AI also has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the world by 4 per cent by the year 2030.

It can do this in a variety of ways, such as monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region, improving the storage and deployment of energy, and creating more energy-efficient buildings. The last is especially important, as air-conditioning uses a large amount of energy. In Singapore, air-conditioning in buildings and homes contributes 19 per cent of our carbon emissions.

AI can change this. AI software enables a smart air-conditioning system to adjust its temperature based on insights derived from real-time data, without requiring people to manually do it.

For example, the HomeTeamNS Khatib Clubhouse features a smart air-conditioning system that conserves energy by reducing its fan speed when a room is empty, and increasing its cooling when the room fills up with people. Proof that far from just being a cool sci-fi concept, AI is already an integral part of our environment – and our well-being. 

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On The Edge

How HomeTeamNS is making it easier for you to help yourself

HomeTeamNS goes digital for a seamless, more convenient experience on your next clubhouse visit.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS

Everything’s going digital these days – and HomeTeamNS clubhouses are no exception.

Now, you can plan an entire day of fun at your preferred clubhouse with just your smartphone or tablet – no need for phone calls, in-person bookings or queuing up. While clubhouse ambassadors are still available if you prefer to speak to someone, why not try the digital experience? Read on for our handy guide on how to make the most of HomeTeamNS’ digital resources.

TALK TO THE CHATBOT, 24/7

If you’re just knocking off work in the middle of the night and suddenly remember that you had a membership query, the tireless HomeTeamNS Chatbot is available around the clock.

For instance, if you want to enjoy free T-Play membership for your child, the AI-powered chatbot would tell you that all you need to do is: Sign up for HomeTeamNS Family Membership for your child, and then enjoy free T-Play membership for a corresponding duration of two or five years, depending on the package.

You can speak to the chatbot on the mobile app or visit HomeTeamNS on its Facebook page or website to talk to “Hey Irene”, the HomeTeamNS chatbot.

If you can’t find the answers via chatbot, you can reach out by submitting a request through the online help centre. If you prefer personal interaction or have an urgent query, call 6708 6600 between 10am and 8pm to speak with a HomeTeamNS staff.

BOOK FACILITIES, ON MOBILE OR WEBSITE

Besides the mobile app, you can book HomeTeamNS clubhouse facilities via the facilities booking website. Locate your desired facility from the complete list, or search by clubhouse or category. For example, selecting Khatib Clubhouse brings up all available facilities. Adding “Recreation” to refine your search displays options like the Khatib ManCaves, BBQ Pits and Adventure HQ.

Whether you choose to book via the mobile app or website, you’ll be able to view all the pricing lists and packages, as well as make payment. There’s no need to be transferred elsewhere, or pay upon arrival.

GOT MORE QUESTIONS? ASK HOMETEAMNS HELP CENTRE

There’s also a one-stop cloud-based help centre introduced in November 2021.

Powered by Zendesk, the help centre offers a library of useful articles on popular topics, such as clubhouses, HomeTeamNS membership, facilities and facility booking, and cohesion and corporate team-building. Rather than having to call in to ask, members can help themselves to the needed information, saving time and effort. You’ll find answers to everything from “Is the Kids’ Pool open?” to “What do I need to bring for Pilates classes?”

This system is enhanced by allowing staff from different departments to have oversight of every customer interaction, whether it happens via e-mail or phone, in order to respond to queries in a more prompt and effective manner. Furthermore, the data collected from these interactions can be processed and analysed, so that customer service can continue to improve.

In addition, the help centre features a “Submit a request” portal that allow members to simply fill in the necessary information and even attach photos or files through a guided form to seek help on queries they have. There’s no risk of your request going missing or forgotten, as every request – also known as a customer support ticket – is tracked, prioritised and resolved.

DOWNLOAD THE HOMETEAMNS MOBILE APP, FOR ACCESS ON THE GO

Can’t remember where Clip ‘n Climb is located, or its opening hours? There’s an app for that – the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, to be precise.

Simply download the HomeTeamNS mobile application on Google Play or the Apple App Store, depending on your chosen device. Register your membership and tap to explore a host of useful functions, such as managing your bookings, learning about the latest promotions and getting recommendations based on your location, as well as reminders on upcoming courses you’ve signed up for.

Under the HomeTeamNS Family Scheme, your family members can sign up for their own accounts on the app and take advantage of its benefits as well. Can’t think of what to do on a weekend or during the school holidays? Sort events on the mobile app by Me Time, With My Buddies, With My Partner or With My Family, and pick from the recommendations.

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Featured On The Edge

How to protect your privacy online – and why that matters

Ever wondered how much personal information you’ve revealed online? Here’s why it’s best to keep your digital life private.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

In the age where every Google search inevitably results in customised ads showing up on your screen, and social media platforms suggest friends of friends to follow, it’s understandable why many people give up on digital privacy. After all, why bother when the Internet already knows so much about you (and all the cat videos you watch)?

In reality, we should all be doing our best to maintain our digital privacy. More than just having your embarrassing social media photos shared in public, a lack of digital privacy can have far-reaching consequences.

For example, password leaks and hacks can lead to your accounts being hijacked. Even if your passwords are safe, your identity may not be: If your full name and IC number are retrieved by a malicious actor, they can be used to apply for credit cards or loans, or even commit fraud at medical institutions. In some cases, the victim might not even be aware that their accounts or information have been compromised until they attempt to log in or are notified by the authorities.

Here are six ways to keep your personal information safe from potential breach.

1. CHECK YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS

It’s good practice to check on the privacy settings of your social media accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. If your profiles are set to public, it’s easy for people to scrape data from them and learn far more about you than you want them to – for example, the times and days you’re most often at work or the gym (so they can break into your home).

You should also turn off any location tagging functions. If you frequently tag your neighbourhood as your location, it’s not difficult for someone to ascertain which block or house you might live in. This could be based on landmarks or other recognisable features in the background. Besides making it easier for stalkers, this information might assist impersonators pretending to be you online in order to scam your friends.

2. YOUR PASSWORD STATUS: IT’S COMPLICATED

More complex and unique passwords make it more difficult for hackers to break into your online accounts or hijack your identity.

The more complex and unique your password, the better. These days, many websites and platforms will ask for a password that contains a combination of capital and small letters, numbers, and sometimes even special symbols.

Don’t be tempted to use your favourite go-to password or your child’s name, just because they’re easy to remember. Old passwords – especially if used repeatedly across multiple accounts – are more likely to have been leaked or hacked at some point. And you don’t want your leaked email password to also helpfully unlock your Facebook, Instagram, Shopee and SingPass accounts for the hackers. Remember, names of family members and pets are often shared on social media which makes them easy to guess as passwords.

3. DON’T REMEMBER PASSWORDS, MANAGE THEM

Instead of putting your memory skills to the test, you can use password manager software – such as Apple’s strong password generator – to create and remember long, complex passwords that are unlocked with one master password.

A password manager also allows you to disable the save password feature in your Internet browser. When you allow your browser to save passwords, you also enable anyone who has access to your device – whether physically or remotely – to view the saved passwords. In comparison, even the companies running the password manager software won’t know what your stored passwords are.

4. STAY UNDER THE RADAR

Similarly, you should clear your browser’s cache regularly, in case any sensitive information is stored there – making it easy pickings for a hacker.

If you aren’t a fan of targeted ads, or you simply feel uncomfortable with the fact that many websites sell your collected data to third parties, you can consider anonymous search engines. Your search topics and results won’t be recorded or tracked, helping you to minimise your digital footprint.

Use different email addresses for signing up to different accounts, so that if one gets hacked or compromised, your other accounts won’t be affected. Don’t worry about having to check multiple email inboxes: You can implement automatic forwarding to the inbox you use most.

5. ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Two-factor authentication generates a unique, time-sensitive one-time password and send it to your phone, helping to increase the security of your online accounts.

Two-factor authentication – known as 2FA – offers an additional layer of security when you’re logging in to an account. You might have seen it on your Internet banking app, or on your Gmail account.

If you haven’t enabled it yet, make sure to do so. By asking you to confirm your identity after you input your password – usually through the generation of a unique, time-sensitive one-time password sent to your phone – the 2FA process safeguards your account and the personal information within.

6. DON’T FORGET ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

Finally, a piece of advice that’s been around since the ’90s, but is still deeply relevant today: Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your desktop or laptop. No matter how careful you are in your digital activities, you won’t be able to evade all malware or malicious online actors.

Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses, spyware, malware and more. It can block spam, prevent loss of your personal information, scan dubious devices and files and most importantly, offer you greater peace of mind when it comes to your digital privacy.

In this digital age, it’s important to be aware of the types of online crime that may surface, be they on social media or websites. Here’s how you can prevent yourself from falling victim to cybercrimes and phishing scams.

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