At GOAL, the focus is on explaining the National Drill and the Seismic Alert in Mexico City. The goal is to help people understand how these important safety measures work and why they matter for daily life in the country.
Nearly six years have passed since the deadly earthquake in Puebla that sent strong shaking through Mexico City, causing fatalities and widespread damage. In the aftermath, efforts intensified to protect civilians and improve readiness for telluric movements, especially in the central region of the country. This ongoing vigilance reflects a shared commitment to preparedness that keeps communities aware and ready for action when the ground moves. GOAL highlights these preparations and the routines designed to minimize harm during earthquakes, while noting that seismic activity remains a constant reality in this part of the world. (Goal)
As part of a long-standing tradition, the country conducts a national drill each year. In Mexico City, the drill is accompanied by an amplified seismic alert, a signal informed by the national seismological system and proven as a reliable tool for alerting residents and institutions in advance of potential tremors. These drills reinforce the habit of safe behavior, ensuring that schools, workplaces, and homes respond quickly and calmly when the alert sounds. (Goal)
This year, 2023, marks a year of two scheduled drills. The first exercise is planned for April 19, with a second drill typically observed on September 19, a date that has become a significant reference point for the Mexican public as a reminder of past events and the ongoing need for preparedness. GOAL provides clear information about what to expect during these drills and how the seismic alert will function in practice, helping residents stay informed and ready. (Goal)
GOAL offers a detailed overview of the national exercise, including the timing, scope, and expected responses. The organization emphasizes that the exercise is designed not merely as a routine but as a practical opportunity to rehearse safe procedures, review emergency plans, and reinforce community resilience. The drills help civil authorities and citizens coordinate actions, from evacuation routes to safe assembly areas, and ensure that institutions test their emergency communications and response protocols. (Goal)
WHEN AND HOW WILL THE SEISMIC ALARM SOUND?
The scheduled alert for this drill is set for Wednesday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m. Central Mexico Time. The scenario involves simulating a magnitude 7.5 earthquake with an epicenter located between Puebla and Veracruz. The simulated quake is intended to test the efficiency of the alert system, the timeliness of public notifications, and the ability of people to follow safety procedures in real time. (Goal)
IN WHICH AREAS WILL THE ALARM BE HEARD?
The seismic alert will be broadcast across Mexico City and will reach several neighboring states, including Chiapas, the State of Mexico, Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. The inclusive coverage is designed to ensure broad public awareness and to assess how well regional authorities can coordinate responses as the alert propagates through adjacent regions. (Goal)
Residents are encouraged to treat the drill as a real event while remembering that the exercise’s primary aim is to improve safety. Observers note that the practice strengthens the readiness of households, schools, workplaces, and public institutions by making safety steps habitual—drop, cover, and hold on—while moving swiftly to designated safe zones. The exercise also provides data for evaluating the performance of the alert system, the clarity of public instructions, and the speed at which communities respond to the warning. (Goal)
Overall, the national drill remains a central element of disaster preparedness in Mexico. By repeatedly testing the seismic alert and the coordination between federal, state, and local authorities, it reinforces a culture of resilience. The exercise helps identify gaps, refine response plans, and ensure that people across multiple states know what to do when warnings are issued. (Goal)