SOURCE: SM PRIME
It was not an ordinary day on March 13, 2024, when more than 21,000 employees, security guards, janitors, other agency personnel, and customers at over 106 SM Supermalls, offices, and properties joined hands to participate in a grand, simulated spectacle of emergency response. This was the 3rd SM Supermalls and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill. This realistic enactment was not just about rehearsing emergency procedures, but more importantly, it was a demonstration of a dedicated commitment to public safety and the creation of risk-resilient societies.
Smoke billowed from the Megamall, not from a real fire, but as part of the comprehensive fire and evacuation drill. The sense of urgency was palpable, but so was the feeling of unity and determination. The drill simulated the occurrence of a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake, resulting in a destructive fire, an explosion of a gas farm, and the collapse of some structures.
SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City was the nerve center of the fire drill. As the smoke spread and alarms blared, members of the BFP Mandaluyong Rope Rescue Team sprang into action, rescuing trapped consumers from the rooftop. The intensity of their actions mirrored the reality they were simulating, a testament to their professionalism and readiness.
Two ‘victims’ were plucked from the bridgeway of SM Megamall using the aerial ladder truck. This rescue operation, executed with precision and urgency, was one of the highlights of the activity, showcasing the capabilities of the BFP and their readiness to respond to emergencies.
The drill was not just a single entity's effort. It included the Mandaluyong City Fire Station, Mandaluyong CDRRMO, PNP, MMDA, and barangay, together with SM’s fire brigade teams and tenants. Each group demonstrated their respective capabilities, offering an impressive display of teamwork and cooperation.
From rope rescue and high angle rescue by the BFP Special Rescue Force, tenant employees demonstrating how to use fire blankets and fire extinguishers, to the SM Fire Brigade Team acting as first responders on the scene, every aspect of the drill was meticulously planned and executed.
A standout segment of the drill was the Victim – Under Rescue simulation demonstrated by the BFP Special Rescue Force. The rescuer skillfully lowered the injured 'victim', who was positioned 30 meters above the ground, showcasing the required expertise for such a precarious scenario.
The nationwide simultaneous fire drill is emblematic of SM's commitment to contributing to risk-resilient societies. By partnering with the BFP, SM is able to provide constant training for its personnel to respond to disasters including earthquakes and destructive fires. This commitment extends beyond SM’s stakeholders, including customers, tenants, employees, and nearby communities, ultimately benefiting the general public.
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