SM City Tarlac Earthquake Drill Strengthens Safety Preparedness
SM City Tarlac strengthened its emergency preparedness as it joined the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on November 6 at 9 a.m., in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The activity aimed to test the mall’s readiness in the event of an earthquake and ensure that both employees and customers are prepared to respond swiftly and safely. The drill forms part of SM Supermalls’ ongoing safety program that promotes a culture of disaster resilience across all its branches nationwide.
During the simulation, mall employees, tenants, and shoppers were guided through evacuation routes toward designated safe areas. The exercise included practical demonstrations of “duck, cover, and hold,” crowd management, and rescue operations. BFP personnel assisted in monitoring the drill and provided insights to further enhance the mall’s emergency response coordination.
The drill tested the effectiveness of SM City Tarlac’s Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT, composed of trained personnel from different departments, is responsible for implementing the mall’s safety protocols and responding to emergencies.
Through its partnership with government agencies like the BFP and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), SM Supermalls continues to improve its response systems. Regular drills and refresher sessions are conducted to maintain efficiency in handling real-life emergencies.
SM’s commitment to safety goes beyond drills. Each mall is equipped with emergency tools and communication systems to ensure quick action during disasters. The company also works closely with local authorities and first responders to safeguard its communities.
By joining the 4th Quarter NSED, SM City Tarlac reaffirmed its dedication to the safety of its employees, tenants, and shoppers, emphasizing that preparedness saves lives and builds stronger communities.
