Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta will take part in the Second National Macro-Drill 2025 on Friday, September 19, at 12:00 noon, simulating an 8.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of La Huerta. The statewide effort aims to strengthen the culture of prevention and reinforce emergency response skills among citizens, businesses, and institutions.
A Legacy of Preparedness
The tradition of conducting drills in Mexico began after the devastating September 19, 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. According to Salvador Zamora Zamora, the Secretary General of the Government, this event reshaped the nation’s approach to prevention. He noted that the 1985 earthquake led to the creation of National Civil Protection Day and established drills as a regular practice throughout the country.
Jalisco has a long history of leadership in civil protection. In 2010, the state held its first major drill during State Civil Protection Week, an exercise that served as a model for the current national format. This commitment has continued to grow.
Proving Our Commitment
The state’s dedication to safety is evident in its past participation. During a similar drill in April 2025, over 2 million people and 10,432 buildings in Jalisco were evacuated. This high level of participation demonstrates the community’s commitment to a culture of prevention.
The state also pioneered large-scale drills in 2010 during its Civil Protection Week, inspiring the current national format. By 2011, more than 1.6 million people across schools and businesses were actively involved. In 2016, Jalisco marked the 30th anniversary of the National Civil Protection System with a simulation of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cihuatlán.
Since 2023, state law has required at least three evacuation drills per year in government agencies, organizations, and private companies, solidifying prevention as a year-round priority. “Drills have become institutionalized as an essential part of the culture of prevention and the strengthening of our response capabilities,” Zamora affirmed.
How to Join and Prepare
The upcoming drill is open to everyone, including schools, public offices, businesses, and private homes. Commander Sergio Ramírez López, Director General of the Jalisco State Civil Protection and Firefighters Unit, encourages all institutions and families to register their properties on the official website: uepcbj.com/macrosimulacro to ensure the broadest possible participation. Each exercise should be tailored to a property’s own risk analysis, following either workplace or family civil protection plans.
Authorities also remind participants of basic safety measures during an earthquake: remain calm, use established exit routes, avoid elevators, stay clear of windows and unstable objects, and wait for instructions once in a safe area.
Jalisco’s consistent and proactive approach to emergency preparedness ensures the community is well-equipped to face potential challenges.
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