On October 15 at 10:15 AM, emergency alerts will be activated on cell phones and regular radio and television programming will be interrupted as part of the 2026 Gran ShakeOut de Puerto Rico. The exercise, which aims to prepare people for earthquakes, will also activate the Wireless Emergency Alert system, sending a test message to cell phones.
The public is invited to participate by practicing the 'Agáchate, Cúbrete y Sujétate' method, while immediate response agencies will test their communication and mobilization mechanisms. The event is supported by FEMA, which encourages families, schools, and organizations to use the drill to test their emergency plans. According to Puerto Rico Seismic Network seismologist Dr. Elizabeth Vanacore, about 50 earthquakes have been registered in the Puerto Rico region in October, and preparation is essential due to the region’s seismic activity.
The Government has also created the Comité de Preparación ante Terremotos de Puerto Rico through Executive Order 2026-053, which will coordinate matters related to earthquake sciences, structural monitoring, and emergency response.