Puerto Rico to Hold Earthquake Drill on Thursday
The Gran ShakeOut 2026 will test protective measures across homes, schools, businesses and government agencies at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15.
The short version
- NotiCel reports the drill is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. to allow families, schools, universities, companies and agencies to practice earthquake safety
- Governor Jenniffer González Colón urged everyone to register and participate according to NotiCel and La Perla
- Participants will practice the Drop, Cover and Hold On method and adapt it to mobility needs, Periódico La Perla reported
- The exercise will also review emergency plans, identify safe spaces and assess assistance for children, seniors and people with disabilities, according to NotiCel
Islandwide Drill Set for Thursday
Puerto Rico will conduct the Gran ShakeOut 2026 earthquake simulation on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. NotiCel reported. The activity is intended for families, schools, universities, businesses and government agencies to practice protective actions during a seismic event.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón issued a written statement on Wednesday encouraging participation. The governor said preparation begins at home and should extend to schools, communities and workplaces. The drill will focus on the “Agáchate, Cúbrete y Sujétate” method, which involves dropping to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy table or desk when available, and holding on until shaking stops. Recommendations must be adapted to each person’s mobility needs.
According to Periódico La Perla, the exercise will also allow participants to review emergency plans, identify safe spaces and evaluate assistance that may be required by children, older adults and people with disabilities. Individuals and organizations can register at the ShakeOut website.
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
La preparación comienza en cada hogar y debe extenderse a nuestras escuelas, comunidades y lugares de trabajo
Our translation: Preparation begins in each home and must extend to our schools, communities and workplaces.
The source's own statement, as quoted by NotiCel. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Officials Stress Importance of Practice
The governor told reporters through a written statement that dedicating a few minutes to practice can make a significant difference in protecting lives. She invited every family, employer and community leader to promote participation and complete registration. Both NotiCel and La Perla carried the governor’s remarks.
Ángel Jiménez, commissioner for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration, was also cited in coverage of the announcement. The simulation aims to increase public knowledge of how to respond safely to seismic emergencies.
Where the sources differ
All three sources agree on the date, time and purpose of the Gran ShakeOut 2026 drill, the governor’s encouragement to participate, and the Drop, Cover and Hold On method. NotiCel and Periódico La Perla provide nearly identical coverage including the full text of the governor’s written statement and mention of Ángel Jiménez. NotiUno confirms the event but its available content adds no unique facts beyond the headline. No conflicts appear in the dates, times or procedures reported.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify how many people or organizations have already registered for the drill. They also do not detail any specific role for the mayor of Camuy or the Federation of Mayors beyond a passing reference, nor do they mention whether municipalities will conduct additional local activities after the 10:15 a.m. islandwide moment. Expected duration of the exercise and any follow-up evaluation process are not addressed.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Simulacro de terremoto pondrá a prueba medidas de protección este jueves
- Reporting Simulacro de terremoto pondrá a prueba medidas de protección este jueves
- Reporting Puerto Rico celebrará este jueves un simulacro sísmico
How we checked this
NotiCel and Periódico La Perla reported the governor’s written statement in detail and described the drill’s objectives and method. NotiUno carried a shorter version confirming the event. All information on the simulation’s goals and procedures rests on the governor’s office statements as presented by these outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.