EDITORIAL - Mall safety

The rash of mall fires  a major one in Manila, an insignificant one in Toledo City  should make right now as good a time as any for mall operators to review plans on how to deal with any emergencies.

And aside from a review, it would also be good if the general public is made aware of such plans. Evacuation rules, for instance, will mean nothing if the public, for which such rules are made, is kept in the dark about them.

Right now, virtually all malls have clearly visible directional signs and clearly marked emergency exits. Fire fighting equipment are also visibly placed in strategic locations all over the premises.

But we have yet to see of any bulletins, posters, or any other types of signages or advisories regarding guidelines on what the public should do in case it becomes necessary to effect a rapid mass evacuation.

It would be good to have such advisories placed strategically inside malls so that people can be guided accordingly. And even if nothing happens, the public will at least be familiarized with procedures and locations.

For instance, if an emergency, fire-related or otherwise, happens that requires moving people out in a hurry, it would help to be guided where to go once an emergency has been located and identified.

If a certain type of emergency happens in, say, Sector A, it would help if people there know which other sector to go to either escape or seek refuge. This way, those in other sectors can also be advised to avoid the affected place (Sector A) in question.

Cebuanos have embraced the mall culture with great passion. Malls have become the favorite and most common places to congregate. It is good for them and for the businesses that operate them. Let us keep it that way by keeping malls safe.