Is Gaisano Mall prepared for emergency situations?
The death of a woman who fell down from an escalator on the 4th level of Gaisano Mall is a tragic "accident" which raised concerns about the safety of the different malls in Davao City. Dabawenyos may think that safety and security is equal to beign free from bomb scare and the likes. However, this incident should make Davao mall owners think twice about how safe the location of their escalators are. Another question which should be answered by the malls is if they have security provisions for such an eventuality.
Staff and employee preparedness in cases of emergency such as the fall of that woman from the 4th level is very crucial. There was one incident involving city councilor Rachel Zozobrado and her kids at Gaisano Mall. In a privilege speech delivered at the SP last November, Zozobrado recounted how the security personnel of Gaisano Mall refused to let her and her kids out (including other customers) despite a 20-minute brownout in the mall. She said she decided to get out as soon as possible since there were no emergency lights inside the mall and the children were already scared.
Perhaps the City Council should take a look at the security measures and preparations being done not only by Gaisano Mall but the other malls in town. Maybe the security guards should concentrate less on literally putting a check mark on the already paid purchases of their customers and look after the latter's safety first.
