Emergency starter kits containing three N95 masks have been delivered to all households here, in the largest mask distribution exercise to date.

Over seven days, some 1,500 staff from Singapore Power and Singapore Post fanned out across the island giving out kits to all 1.2 million households, said Temasek Cares on Wednesday. The non-profit, philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings is partnering the two companies for the $4 million programme.

Other than the N95 masks, each kit contained information on how to wear the masks and emergency contact numbers. Delivery was completed on Monday.

Mr Richard Magnus, chairman of Temasek Cares, said: "Our aim is to build community resilience. The starter kits have prompted many people to start thinking - to assess their emergency readiness and plan for the unforeseen."

Volunteers are also organising briefings and demonstrations to help residents understand how to use the N95 marks and better prepare for emergencies, he added.

The initiative tapped the $40 million Temasek Emergency Preparedness Fund launched in March.

Administered by Temasek Cares under its Stay Prepared initiative, the fund aims to help Singaporeans build up community resources to deal with emergencies.

On top of the starter kits for households, 17,000 will go to 144 charities. Last week, volunteers visited AWWA community home for the elderly to give out kits to residents there. Another 300,000 kits will be on standby for needy families in case of a crisis.

Mr Magnus said his organisation has received many suggestions regarding the programme. Temasek Cares will explore and " roll out other ideas to strengthen the knowledge, capacity and hence, resilience in the Singapore community", he added.

Households that cannot get the kits delivered to their mailbox can call the Stay Prepared delivery hotline 1800-738-2000 between 8am and 8pm daily, until May 24. After May 24, those with queries can visit the Stay Prepared website at www.stayprepared.sg.