SM Malls in Grand Central, Sangandaan, and Valenzuela actively participated in the country’s 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). Conducted during regular mall hours, the drill simulated scenarios of a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake, aiming to enhance public awareness and emergency response preparedness.
Staged at exactly 2pm, a powerful siren signaled the start of the drill, prompting shoppers, tenants, and employees to “duck, cover, and hold.” The exercise aimed to raise public awareness and preparedness for such a significant seismic event.
The drill included evacuation and rescue simulations to test and improve the readiness of the mall’s Emergency Response Group (ERG). These simulations encompassed first aid procedures and challenging rescue and evacuation scenarios, ensuring coordinated disaster response efforts among designated units.
In addition to the earthquake drill, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela also conducted refresher courses on earthquake preparedness for its employees, tenants, and affiliates. These sessions covered worst-case earthquake scenarios, evacuation routes, and first aid treatment, ensuring comprehensive contingency planning and preparedness for a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
