All households to receive free N95 masks from this week

All households in Singapore will receive free N95 masks in their mailboxes from May 6-12.

The masks will be distributed under a community programme by Temasek Cares, the philanthropic unit of Temasek Holdings, together with Singapore Power and SingPost.

It is hoped that some 1.2 million "Stay Prepared" starter kits -- each containing three 3M masks and useful numbers to call in case of an emergency -- will come in useful in the event of a flu pandemic or severe haze.

"We hope the kits will prompt individuals and families to develop their own emergency plans," said Temasek Cares chairman Richard Magnus.

Another 17,000 starter kits will be delivered to 144 charity homes, while 300,000 more will be on standby.

The kits will be distributed by SingPost, as well as Singapore Power meter readers and technicians from May 6-12.

The initiative taps into a S$40 million Temasek Emergency Preparedness Fund launched in March.  

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