Participate in the National Drill 2024: Preparedness for Earthquakes in Mexico.

As every year, the National Drill 2024 will take place on September 19, a crucial exercise aimed at preparing the population for the possibility of an earthquake. The National Civil Protection Coordination has called on all citizens to actively participate in this drill, which will be conducted at 11:00 AM across the country. The significance of this event lies in simulating a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Acapulco, Guerrero, at a depth of 20 kilometers, a scenario that could have severe repercussions in several states. This exercise aims to implement the safety protocols that individuals should follow before, during, and after an earthquake. The experience gained from these drills can be decisive in real situations, and as authorities have pointed out, knowing the correct protocol could save lives. The recent history of the country highlights its vulnerability to natural disasters, and massive participation in such exercises is essential for effectively facing any eventuality. The hypothesis of the simulated earthquake indicates that the perception of the movement will be widespread, severely affecting Guerrero and having significant impacts in surrounding states such as Michoacán, Morelos, and Oaxaca, where strong shaking is expected. In other regions like Chiapas, Puebla, the State of Mexico, Colima, and Tlaxcala, the impact will be felt moderately. This fictional scenario is designed for authorities and the public to evaluate their capacity to respond to emergency situations. To maximize the effectiveness of the National Drill, the National Civil Protection Coordination has shared a series of recommendations. It is crucial for each person to participate actively, not just as a spectator, but by evaluating their surroundings and contributing to the improvement of evacuation and response strategies in their community. This involvement is key to identifying buildings and risk areas that could become vulnerable in a real seismic event. Planning an exercise of this magnitude requires meticulous organization. Families must be prepared and have a plan that includes identifying evacuation routes and safe zones. Creating maps and knowing meeting points are aspects that should not be overlooked. Additionally, it is essential for each household to understand how to react and where to go in the event of an earthquake. Identifying the Internal Civil Protection Units is another critical element in this preparation. Each institution, school, or business should have a designated team that acts in coordination during the drill and in real emergency situations. Practicing these types of exercises seriously and with commitment helps to reinforce the response capabilities of participants, resulting in a more resilient community. The National Drill also provides an opportunity to foster a culture of civil protection in the country. Sharing photos and videos of the exercise, both on social media and in the media, helps raise awareness about the importance of being prepared. These actions not only help engage more people but also serve as a reminder of the need to always be ready to act. Finally, after the drill, it is essential to hold an evaluation meeting with all members of the Civil Protection Unit. This meeting will allow for the identification of successes and areas for improvement in the drill's response, which will contribute to enhancing action plans and strengthening reaction capabilities in the event of a real earthquake. The National Drill 2024 is, therefore, an invaluable opportunity for all of us to engage in disaster preparedness. With the active participation of the population, this exercise is expected to be not just another practice, but a decisive step toward a culture of prevention and protection that safeguards our communities. In a country with the geography and seismic history of Mexico, preparation is the best tool to face the unexpected.