Mall operator empowers people to be proactive during disasters
DISASTER preparedness activities embedded in business have the potential to reduce the impact of untoward incidents while saving lives and livelihoods.
Private workplaces can contribute to the efforts of the government in creating a continuous and integrated process of disaster management by empowering employees to be proactive and inspiring communities to do the same.
SM Supermalls, for example, stays true to its obligation to its employees by maintaining a disaster plan.
These include coordinated assembly in designated emergency evacuation areas outdoor—a safe space where workers can get together after a fire or earthquake.
Monitoring is also crucial. SM has set up a procedure to account for all employees when it comes to evacuation.
Employees are also taught to memorize identified routes and alternate routes for evacuation.
Apart from unconscious compliance for personal safety, teams are also empowered to plan assistance for people with disabilities and fellow impaired employees.
SM’s in-house emergency team (aptly called SM Emergency Response Team or SMERT) are a good example of specialized human resources—from tactical experts, to K9 personnel, and emergency responsetrained employees and guards—that are at the mall’s command to respond to untoward incidents.
Evacuation drills, test readiness and compliance of emergency teams and employees and SM’s workforce show good example to this. Last August 8, SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao employees participated in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).
Ultimately, it’s about training all employees in disaster preparedness and identifying safe places at work. Appointing and training each worker to take leadership in emergencies go a long way.