SM Malls in Sangandaan, Grand Central, and Valenzuela Sharpen Quake Preparedness

 

Members of SM Center Sangandaan’s Emergency Response Group (ERG) lead coordinated evacuation, rescue, medical, and communication operations during the nationwide earthquake drill.

SM malls in Sangandaan, Grand Central, and Valenzuela reinforced their commitment to disaster preparedness by joining the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held on Thursday morning. The drill was staged before regular mall hours to ensure the safety of tenants and employees while maintaining uninterrupted mall operations.

At exactly 9:00 a.m., a loud siren echoed through SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, signaling the start of the nationwide exercise. Tenants and employees immediately followed standard protocols, executing the “duck, cover, and hold” maneuver in response to the simulated 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

Swift Response. Emergency responders from SM Center Sangandaan rush to aid a simulated trauma victim during the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, demonstrating the mall's readiness to handle real-life seismic emergencies. 

Employees at SM City Valenzuela perform the "duck, cover, and hold" maneuver during the earthquake drill, part of nationwide efforts to instill safety habits in the event of a seismic shock.

ERG teams at SM City Valenzuela carry out lifelike emergency procedures—from swift evacuation to medical response—during the scenario-based earthquake simulation, ensuring operational preparedness in high-stakes situations

First responders at SM City Grand Central deliver immediate medical assistance to a mock casualty as part of the comprehensive earthquake simulation, aligned with the government's call for heightened preparedness nationwide. 

The earthquake drill went beyond routine exercises, incorporating evacuation and rescue simulations designed to test the capabilities of each mall’s Emergency Response Group (ERG). These included first aid response and complex rescue scenarios to ensure swift, coordinated action in the event of a real disaster.

Emergency responders at SM City Grand Central spearhead the mall’s evacuation, rescue, and medical response during the national simultaneous earthquake drill. 

Each mall also conducted refresher training on earthquake preparedness for staff, tenants, and affiliates. Sessions covered worst-case scenarios, evacuation routes, and basic life-saving techniques, strengthening the culture of readiness across all departments.

With the increasing frequency of seismic events in the region, the earthquake drill forms part of SM’s broader commitment to safety and resilience in partnership with Local Government and National agencies.