Emergency Management Systems in the New Generation Retail Outlets of Kerala

Abstract

Disasters are an integral part of life on earth. No place is free from it. And the state of Kerala, is no exception. Kerala has the highest population density in the country and a high standard of living, making it vulnerable to population disasters. Organized retail outlets with lucrative displays and self-service options, within sprawling, closed, illuminated and air conditioned environment, have been on the rise in the state since the beginning of this century. It has become a place of holiday hangouts, than shopping. Hazard profile of Kerala shows that the state is prone to floods, landslides, coastal hazards, lightning, fire accidents and riots. Reports of incidents disrupting the functioning of retail outlets have been coming up time and again. Such reports of minor acccidents are generally ignored until the alarm shouts out on a huge avoidable mishap. newlineThe statement of the problem presents the fact that people who visit retail outlets does not think of the possibility of disasters and it is quite uncertain whether the buildings are ready to face one. Both the employees and the management have over looked the need for the systems and equipment needed to face the same. Therefore, the objectives of this study looked into the emergency management facilities required in retail outlets, the existing emergency management practices, awareness among the customers, the preparedness of the organizations to handle emergency situations and the customer preference on safe shopping. The scope of the study is that it aimed at knowing the awareness of retailers and the general public of Kerala as to how to handle such a situation, while they are inside a retail environment. The study will be helpful for both employees and customers as it may bring out the significance of safe shopping. The hypothesis formulated focused on the confidence of the retailers about the emergency management equipment existing in an outlet. the preparation of organizations to handle emergency situations, the awareness of customers on the