Plaza del Cristo Market Completes Successful Emergency Evacuation Drill
The Plaza del Cristo Market in San Cristóbal de La Laguna successfully completed a major emergency evacuation drill, clearing the facility in under three minutes to test and refine its updated safety protocols.
Security in busy public spaces is back on the agenda in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. On Tuesday, April 14, the Plaza del Cristo Market held a major evacuation drill to test how the facility handles extreme emergencies.
The building was fully evacuated in under three minutes, successfully testing the local Emergency Plan, which had been updated just a month ago. The drill simulated a fire in the loading area, involving over 100 people, including customers, staff, and vendors.
Beyond the quick exit time, the exercise highlighted the importance of careful planning. Ángel Chinea, the Councilor for Markets, noted that the success of the drill was due to two weeks of preparation with local merchants, who were assigned specific evacuation points for each stall. This coordination is vital to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth, orderly exit.
Badel Albelo, the Councilman for Citizen Security, stated that the results will be used to refine safety protocols for future real-life emergencies. The market’s safety plan goes beyond fire prevention; it also covers risks like extreme weather, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, which are relevant to the region.
Market Manager Begoña Darias emphasized that a culture of safety is central to the market’s daily operations. Through this drill, the City Council aims to meet safety regulations while ensuring they are fully prepared to protect everyone at Plaza del Cristo from any unexpected technical or natural disaster.