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This Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Second National Drill will take place at 12:00 PM, Central Mexico time, in the country's 32 federal entities. As part of the exercise, the seismic alert will ring on cell phones.
But will it ring the same way it does during a real emergency? Here we tell you what the alert will be like and everything you need to know about the drill.
Will the seismic alert sound the same as in a real earthquake?
Despite it being an exercise, the seismic alert on cell phones will ring the same as if it were a real earthquake. However, the message will specify that it is a drill, so it is recommended to remain calm.
"We tested different sounds, and in the end with the experts, we decided that, well, the drill should be a drill in every sense and, therefore, well, use the same sound," said President Claudia Sheinbaum during her morning conference.
Will all cell phones receive the message?
Yes. According to the National Coordination of Civil Protection, the seismic alert will ring tomorrow on all cell phones in the country.
"They are going to ring the alert via cell phone. There are more than 80 [million] cell phones... we are the third country in the American continent with this cellular telephony alert system, and all phones in the Mexican Republic will ring at 12:00 PM Central Mexico time," detailed Laura Velázquez Alzúa, head of the agency.
Do you need internet or prepaid credit to receive the seismic alert?
No. However, users are recommended to ensure their operating system is updated and unmodified.
What time will the seismic alert sound?
The seismic alert will sound tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, at 12:00 PM Central Mexico time, during the Second National Drill 2026.
Through what media will the alert be issued?
In addition to cell phones, the seismic alert will ring through loudspeakers, commercial AM/FM radio, and commercial television.
In which states will the seismic alert sound?
The seismic alert will sound in the states covered by the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX), which are the following:
- Ciudad de México
- Oaxaca
- Guerrero
- Puebla
- Michoacán
- Morelos
- Colima
- Chiapas
- Estado de México
What should you do when the seismic alert rings on your cell phone?
When the seismic alert sounds, remain calm, identify the evacuation route, and head to the meeting point previously established by your company, your home, or wherever you are.
Remember not to use elevators and stay away from furniture, windows, or objects that could fall.
At all times, follow the instructions of Civil Protection or emergency personnel and wait for them to indicate if it is safe to return to the building.
For more information, you can check the Guide on what to do in case of an earthquake published by Civil Protection and the Family Civil Protection Plan.
[Publicidad]