SM Malls in San Jose del Monte, Marilao, Baliwag as well as SM Center in Pulilan actively participated in the country’s first National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), 2pm of February 21.

The earthquake and evacuation drill encouraged tenants and shoppers to participate as it took place during regular mall hours and dealt with a mock earthquake with 7.2 magnitude which is the expected scale from the West Valley Fault.

According to SM City San Jose del Monte Assistant Mall Manager Arch. Nelson Lopez, the quarterly drill is significant in preparation for the big earthquake that could happen in our lifetime. “It is very important not to panic by the time it happens, that is why we should master how to evacuate and familiarized the evacuation areas” he shares.

To increase and strengthen the mall’s Emergency Response Team’s preparedness and coordination, simulation of search and rescue were also showed. These includes carrying out first aid procedures for projected situations such as severely injured victims, assisting senior citizens, pregnant woman, and traumatized customers. Also part of the drill’s scope is setting up of Emergency Command Center and communication system.

On top of the simultaneous nationwide earthquake drill, SM City San Jose del Monte, SM City Marilao, SM Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan also conducts an annual refresher course on its employees, tenants, and affiliates on fire and earthquake preparedness. Topics like worst case scenarios during fire and earthquake, evacuation route, and first aid treatment were taken to build contingency plans in meeting the realities that 7.2 magnitude quake will present when it strikes.

A series of follow through earthquake drills will also be carried out on June 20, August 08 and November 14 as part of SM Supermalls’ disaster preparedness.