In Singapore, Housing and Development Board (HDB) void decks serve as communal spaces where residents often hold funeral wakes. Organizing a funeral in such a setting involves several steps and considerations to ensure a respectful and smooth process. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the procedures, permits, and best practices for conducting a funeral at an HDB void deck.
1. Immediate Steps Following a Death
- Obtain a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD): If the death occurs at home, contact a doctor to certify the death and issue the CCOD. In hospital settings, the attending physician will provide this document. If the cause of death is unclear, the body may need to be sent to the Mortuary @ HSA for further investigation.
- Register the Death: With the CCOD, proceed to register the death at any Police Divisional Headquarters, Neighbourhood Police Centre, or Neighbourhood Police Post. Some hospitals also facilitate death registration. You’ll need the deceased’s identification documents and your own identification. Upon registration, you’ll receive a death certificate, which includes a permit for burial or cremation.
2. Deciding on the Funeral Wake Venue
Common venues for funeral wakes include funeral parlours, private residences, and HDB void decks. Holding the wake at a void deck offers convenience for family members and allows neighbors to pay their respects easily. However, it’s essential to consider the space’s suitability and the comfort of other residents.
3. Obtaining Necessary Permits
- Town Council Permit: To hold a wake at a Town Council-managed void deck, multi-purpose hall, or pavilion, you must obtain a permit from the respective Town Council. This involves checking the availability of the space for your desired dates and adhering to any specific guidelines they provide.
Application Process
1. Submit a Request to HDB
- Visit the HDB Branch Office: Drop by the managing HDB branch office for assistance.
- Call the HDB Service Line: Dial 1800-225-5432 for inquiries or assistance.
- Submit Online: Use the HDB e-Services portal to file your request.
2. Provide Necessary Details
- Specifics: Share the exact location of the parking lots or space needed, along with the duration and purpose of use.
- Documentation: Include required documents such as:
- Death certificate
- Town Council permit (if applicable)
3. Fees and Deposits
- Nominal Charges: HDB may charge small fees for reserving parking lots or other spaces.
- Refundable Deposit: Some Town Councils may require up to $500 as a deposit to ensure the area is properly restored after use.
Additional Permits for Specific Needs
1. Temporary Electricity Supply
- If additional electricity is required for lighting, fans, or sound systems, apply for a temporary connection via:
- The Town Council
- Licensed Electrical Contractors
2. Public Health Compliance
- For food preparation or serving, ensure compliance with National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines for hygiene and waste management. Funeral service providers or caterers typically handle this, but double-check their adherence.
3. Optional Police Notification
- Notify the local police if the wake involves:
- Road closures
- Large crowds
While not mandatory, this fosters goodwill and prepares authorities for potential traffic or safety issues.
Key Tips for Managing Permits
1. Early Planning
- Submit applications early as permit approvals may take several days.
2. Engage Professionals
- Funeral directors often manage permits and logistics as part of their service packages, ensuring seamless compliance.
3. Maintain Documentation
- Keep all permits, receipts, and correspondence readily available for inspections.
4. Adhere to Conditions
- Follow all permit conditions to avoid fines or disruptions during the funeral.
Common Challenges and Solutions
1. Space Availability
- Challenge: High demand for void decks or halls.
- Solution: Reserve the venue immediately after death registration.
2. Noise Complaints
- Challenge: Neighbours may be disturbed by rituals.
- Solution: Inform neighbours in advance and maintain reasonable noise levels.
3. Weather Issues
- Challenge: Unexpected rain or heat.
- Solution: Arrange tents and fans beforehand.
Key Information on Fees and Timeline
Fees
- Usage Fee: Typically waived for funeral wakes across most Town Councils.
- Utilities (Water and Electricity):
- Charges range from $10 to $20 per day for each utility.
- Waivers may apply in some areas (e.g., Sembawang, Marsiling-Yew Tee).
- Refundable Deposit: Up to $500, depending on the Town Council’s policies.
Approval Time
- Application Submission: Contact the Town Council promptly with:
- Death certificate
- Applicant’s NRIC
- Processing Duration: Time varies depending on the completeness of the application. Professional funeral service providers can expedite this process.
- HDB Approval for Parking Lots: If you require the use of adjacent surface parking lots for the wake, apply to HDB by visiting the managing HDB Branch, calling the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432, or submitting a request online.
4. Engaging a Funeral Director
A professional funeral director can assist with various aspects of the funeral, including:
- Body Collection and Preparation: Transporting the body from the place of death to the wake venue and handling embalming if necessary.
- Funeral Arrangements: Coordinating the setup at the void deck, including tentage, seating, and decorations, in line with religious or cultural practices.
- Administrative Tasks: Assisting with permit applications and booking cremation or burial slots.
Engaging a reputable funeral director ensures that the funeral adheres to regulations and respects the family’s wishes.
5. Setting Up the Void Deck
- Tentage and Seating: Depending on the expected number of attendees, arrange for appropriate tentage and seating. Ensure that the setup does not obstruct common pathways or cause inconvenience to other residents.
- Ventilation and Lighting: Given Singapore’s tropical climate, ensure adequate ventilation, possibly by installing fans. Proper lighting is also crucial, especially for wakes extending into the evening.
- Religious and Cultural Considerations: Set up altars or offering tables as required by the deceased’s religious or cultural practices. Ensure that these setups comply with regulations and are respectful to the community.
6. Conducting the Wake
- Duration: Decide on the length of the wake, typically ranging from three to five days, based on family preferences and religious customs.
- Rituals and Ceremonies: Coordinate with religious leaders to conduct necessary rites. Inform neighbors about the schedule, especially if rituals might generate noise, to maintain good community relations.
- Catering and Amenities: Arrange for food and beverages for attendees. Ensure that amenities like restrooms are accessible. Some funeral service providers offer comprehensive packages that include catering and other services.
7. Post-Funeral Arrangements
- Cremation or Burial: Your funeral director can assist in booking the date and time for cremation or burial. Ensure that all necessary documents, including the death certificate and permits, are prepared.
- Collection of Ashes: If opting for cremation, arrange for the collection of ashes and decide on their final resting place, such as a columbarium.
- Thanking Attendees: It’s customary to express gratitude to those who attended the wake and funeral. This can be done through thank-you cards or messages.
8. Considerations for the Community
- Minimize Disruptions: Ensure that the funeral setup does not block access ways or create excessive noise, especially during late hours.
- Parking Arrangements: Advise attendees to park in designated areas to avoid inconveniencing residents. If necessary, deploy traffic marshals to manage vehicle movement.
- Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness of the void deck and surrounding areas throughout the wake. Ensure that all setups are promptly dismantled, and the area is cleaned after the funeral.
9. Financial Considerations
- Funeral Costs: Discuss the costs involved with your funeral director. Expenses can vary based on the services chosen, such as tentage, catering, and ritual arrangements.
- Government Fees: Be aware of any fees associated with permits and bookings. For instance, cremation at the Mandai Crematorium has specific charges.
- Financial Assistance: Explore available financial assistance or insurance claims that can help cover funeral expenses.
10. Legal and Administrative Matters
- Asset Management: After the funeral, address the deceased’s estate matters, including the distribution of assets and settlement of debts.
- Notification of Authorities: Inform relevant authorities and institutions, such as banks and insurance companies, about the death to update records and process claims.
