[CM] [SIT] [E3] [PB] [CS] [3] Pre-Crisis for Severe Haze Scenario

Severe Haze Crisis Scenario for Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Detailed Steps Before the Crisis

Preparedness and Prevention/ Reduction

Purpose

The objective of this phase is to ensure that the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is fully prepared to respond effectively to a severe transboundary haze event.

The preparedness phase focuses on protecting the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, researchers, contractors, and visitors while maintaining academic continuity, research operations, campus services, and institutional resilience.

Given the seasonal nature of haze events, preparedness activities should commence several months before the anticipated peak period (August–September).

Step 1: Monitor the Threat Environment

Objective

Establish continuous monitoring of environmental, meteorological, and regional indicators that may signal an increased risk of severe haze.

Activities

• Monitor daily air quality readings, including PSI and PM2.5 levels published by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
• Monitor weather forecasts for the Super El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
• Track reports on regional land and forest fires in Indonesia and neighbouring countries.
• Monitor advisories issued by:
  • Ministry of Education (MOE)
  • Ministry of Health (MOH)
  • Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  • National Environment Agency (NEA)
  • Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
• Monitor ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) haze reports.
• Maintain regular liaison with government agencies regarding developing haze conditions.

Deliverables

• Daily environmental monitoring report
• Weekly haze risk assessment
• Seasonal preparedness outlook

Step 2: Conduct Risk Assessment

Objective

Evaluate how prolonged haze conditions could affect SIT's people, facilities, academic programmes, research activities, and essential services.

Activities

Assess risks relating to:

• Student health
• Staff wellbeing
• Vulnerable individuals with respiratory conditions
• Outdoor teaching and learning
• Fieldwork
• Sports and recreational activities
• Laboratory ventilation requirements
• Research involving sensitive equipment
• Construction activities
• Campus transportation
• Student residences
• Food and retail services
• Graduation ceremonies
• Orientation programmes
• Open houses
• Community engagement events

Identify:

• Critical academic activities
• Time-sensitive research projects
• Essential campus services
• High-risk populations
• Dependencies on external service providers

Deliverables

• Haze-specific risk register
• Impact assessment report
• Vulnerability analysis

Step 3: Review Crisis Governance

Objective

Ensure that crisis management governance structures are prepared for rapid activation.

Activities

Review the readiness of:

• Crisis Management Team (CMT)
• Campus Incident Management Teams
• Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
• Business Continuity Coordinators
• Health and Safety Committee
• Academic Leadership
• Student Affairs
• Facilities Management
• Corporate Communications
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Security Operations

Confirm:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Delegation of authority
• Decision-making protocols
• Escalation procedures
• Duty officer roster
• Contact lists

Deliverables

• Updated Crisis Management Team roster
• Escalation matrix
• Decision authority chart

Step 4: Establish Crisis Escalation Criteria

Objective

Define objective trigger points for activating different levels of response.

Activities

Develop activation thresholds based on:

• PSI readings
• PM2.5 concentration
• Duration of haze
• Government advisories
• Campus operational impacts
• Medical incidents
• School closure recommendations

Example escalation levels include:

• Green – Routine monitoring
• Yellow – Increased readiness
• Orange – Partial activation
• Red – Full Crisis Management Team activation

Document corresponding actions for each alert level.

Deliverables

• Haze response matrix
• Escalation procedures
• Activation checklist

Step 5: Prepare Health Protection Measures

Objective

Ensure sufficient health protection resources are available before haze conditions worsen.

Activities

Inventory and procure:

• N95 masks
• Surgical masks for general use
• Portable air purifiers
• HEPA filters
• Indoor air quality monitors
• Medical supplies
• Drinking water
• First aid equipment

Identify:

• Distribution points
• Storage locations
• Medical support facilities
• Isolation areas for affected individuals

Coordinate with campus healthcare providers.

Deliverables

• PPE inventory
• Distribution plan
• Medical readiness plan

Step 6: Prepare Academic Continuity Arrangements

Objective

Ensure teaching and learning can continue with minimal disruption.

Activities

Review all academic activities and classify them according to delivery options:

• Face-to-face
• Hybrid
• Fully online

Identify:

• Outdoor practical classes
• Laboratory sessions
• Clinical placements
• Field studies
• Industry attachments
• Examination schedules

Prepare:

• Remote teaching platforms
• Learning Management System capacity
• Online assessment procedures
• Flexible attendance policies
• Make-up class arrangements

Coordinate with schools and programme leaders.

Deliverables

• Academic continuity plan
• Online learning readiness report
• Alternative teaching schedule

Step 7: Protect Research Operations

Objective

Minimise disruption to research activities.

Activities

Identify:

• Critical research projects
• Sensitive laboratory environments
• Experiments requiring uninterrupted operations
• Animal research facilities
• High-value equipment

Develop contingency measures including:

• Laboratory access controls
• Air filtration enhancements
• Staff rotation
• Remote monitoring
• Alternative work schedules

Deliverables

• Research continuity plan
• Laboratory preparedness checklist

Step 8: Review Business Continuity Plans

Objective

Ensure all critical support functions remain operational throughout prolonged haze conditions.

Activities

Review continuity arrangements for:

• Information Technology
• Library Services
• Procurement
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Facilities Management
• Security
• Student Services
• Campus Operations
• Vendor Management

Validate:

• Remote work capability
• Backup staffing
• Supply chain resilience
• Contractor availability

Deliverables

• Departmental continuity status report
• Business Continuity readiness assessment

Step 9: Prepare Campus Facilities

Objective

Enhance campus infrastructure to reduce exposure to poor air quality.

Activities

Inspect:

• HVAC systems
• Air filtration units
• Building ventilation
• Indoor air quality sensors
• Building sealing
• Emergency generators

Prepare:

• Indoor refuge areas
• Air-conditioned study spaces
• Temporary closure plans for outdoor facilities

Schedule preventive maintenance before the haze season.

Deliverables

• Facilities readiness report
• HVAC inspection records

Step 10: Develop Communication Strategies

Objective

Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communications before and during the haze event.

Activities

Prepare communication templates for:

• Students
• Faculty
• Staff
• Parents
• Contractors
• Visitors
• Media
• Government agencies

Develop frequently asked questions covering:

• Air quality
• Campus operations
• Health advice
• Class arrangements
• Examination policies
• Remote learning
• Student support services

Identify communication channels, including:

• Email
• SMS
• SIT website
• Student portal
• Mobile applications
• Social media
• Digital signage

Deliverables

• Crisis communication plan
• Pre-approved message templates
• Media holding statements

Step 11: Coordinate with External Stakeholders

Objective

Strengthen collaboration with external agencies before the crisis occurs.

Activities

Engage with:

• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Health
• National Environment Agency
• Ministry of Manpower
• Public transport operators
• Campus healthcare providers
• Partner universities
• Industry placement partners
• Hostel operators
• Emergency services

Confirm:

• Reporting procedures
• Emergency contact points
• Information-sharing arrangements

Deliverables

• Stakeholder contact directory
• Coordination protocols

Step 12: Conduct Training and Exercises

Objective

Ensure all stakeholders understand their responsibilities before the haze season.

Activities

Conduct:

• Crisis Management Team briefings
• Tabletop exercises
• Emergency Operations Centre activation drills
• Communication exercises
• Academic continuity simulations
• Remote teaching rehearsals
• Facilities response exercises

Evaluate:

• Decision-making effectiveness
• Communication speed
• Operational readiness
• Resource availability

Address identified gaps.

Deliverables

• Exercise reports
• Improvement action plans
• Updated procedures

Step 13: Verify Overall Readiness

Objective

Confirm that SIT is fully prepared to manage a severe haze event.

Activities

Review readiness across:

• Leadership
• Crisis governance
• Health preparedness
• Academic continuity
• Research continuity
• Business continuity
• Communications
• Campus facilities
• Logistics
• External coordination

Present findings to senior management for approval.

Deliverables

• Institutional readiness assessment
• Executive preparedness briefing
• Formal readiness declaration

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of the preparedness phase, SIT should be able to:

• Detect emerging haze risks early through continuous environmental monitoring.
• Protect the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, and visitors through proactive health protection measures.
• Maintain continuity of teaching, learning, research, and essential campus operations during prolonged haze conditions.
• Activate crisis governance rapidly using clearly defined escalation criteria and decision-making processes.
• Communicate timely, accurate, and consistent information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate effectively with government agencies and external partners.
• Minimise operational disruption while safeguarding SIT's academic mission, institutional reputation, and long-term organisational resilience.

Click the icon for the crisis management playbook for the three stages: Pre-, During-, and Post-crisis 

More Information About Crisis Management Blended/ Hybrid Learning Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the  CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].