Natural disasters are a fact of life in the Philippines, scoring over 9 out of 10 on the Risk Index in the INFORM model for earthquakes, tsunamis, and tropical cyclones^[1]. The impacts of these disasters often hinge on the preparedness of the community.

While emergency response plans and evacuation drills cannot be overlooked, innovative building solutions from Mitsubishi Electric can help fortify disaster preparedness, minimizing the damage these disasters cause. Read on to learn about how International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEE) helps make buildings more prepared for the next emergency.

Providing Critical Transportation with Elevators During Emergencies

Traditional emergency response guidelines warned against using elevators during emergencies. Modern elevators, however, provide reliable vertical transportation with adequate backup protections to ensure passenger safety.

Mitsubishi Electric elevators include a series of protections for natural disasters. For instance, the NEXIEZ-MRL has primary and secondary seismic sensors. If the sensors register an earthquake, the elevator will stop at the nearest floor and open its doors for a safe evacuation.

Depending on the state of the building and the safety of elevator use, whether during a power outage as a result of an earthquake or other natural phenomena, a backup battery and emergency power supply ensure the elevator remains operational. In such scenarios, a fast and accessible transport option can reliably move building occupants to safety.

Securing Occupant Comfort and Safety

During emergencies, Mitsubishi Electric’s building management systems (BMS) enable operators to remotely control amenities, such as air conditioning systems, allowing them to power off as the need arises. The continuous functionality of essential building systems is also supported by our line of fuel-efficient diesel generators, supplying buildings with reliable backup power ready for emergency situations.

Ensuring Prime Product Performance with Expert Maintenance Services

Beyond top-of-the-line building solutions, IEE also offers first-class maintenance services, available 24/7 and backed by elite technical support from Mitsubishi Information Center (MIC). Proactive, preventive maintenance is the key to long-lasting, top-notch product performance and smooth operations—fortifying a building’s essential systems to serve its occupants when needed most.

Enhancing Buildings’ Emergency Preparedness with Mitsubishi Electric

As climate change continues to intensify the frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events, the value of investments in emergency preparedness will likely increase over time^[2]. With the rainy season just starting in the Philippines, when most tropical cyclones occur^[3], now is the perfect time to make those investments, too.

Mitsubishi Electric engineers its products with readiness in mind, integrating innovative features that support the continuous operations of building systems in the face of challenges. These technologies are available in the Philippines through IEE, the all-around building solutions provider.

Get in touch with IEE today for help identifying the most impactful investments you can make into disaster preparedness.

^[1]Christy Balita, “Philippines: Risk Index for Natural Disasters 2024,” Statista, August 8, 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/921036/philippines-risk-index-for-natural-disasters/

^[2]Daniel Vernick, “Is Climate Change Increasing the Risk of Disasters?,” World Wildlife Fund, January 14, 2025, https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/is-climate-change-increasing-the-risk-of-disasters

^[3]1. Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC）, “Information on Disaster Risk Reduction of the Member Countries,” Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), accessed 2025, https://www.adrc.asia/nationinformation.php?NationCode=608&Lang=en