The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has issued a routine message for American citizens about a nationwide earthquake response drill scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) is running the exercise across the entire country.

Cell phones may receive automated messages and loud sounds through the AlertaRD emergency alert system. Sirens could also sound. This is a planned test, not a real earthquake.

The Dominican Republic sits on or near several active fault lines. Earthquakes happen regularly. Many buildings do not fully meet modern earthquake-resistant standards. The drill helps people practice the right response before a real event occurs.

What Exactly Happens During the Nationwide Drill?

The COE runs a full earthquake response exercise at 10 a.m. local time. Participants include public institutions, private companies, schools, communities, and families.

You can expect:

• Sirens, whistles, and loudspeakers activating across the country
• Automated cell phone alerts through the AlertaRD system
• Evacuation practice from buildings to designated meeting points
• Coordination tests between emergency response agencies

The goal is simple. Practice the plan so that when a real earthquake hits, people already know what to do.

Hotel staff and local authorities will give instructions during the drill. Follow them. Do not treat the alerts as a real emergency.

Why the Dominican Republic Runs These Drills

Earthquakes are a regular part of life here. The country lies near the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. Historical records show roughly one noticeable earthquake each year on average.

Buildings vary widely in how well they handle shaking. Older structures and some informal housing face higher risk. Regular drills reduce panic and improve survival rates when the ground actually moves.

The AlertaRD system and the alertaCOE mobile app give authorities a direct way to reach people quickly. Testing them during a scheduled exercise builds public familiarity with the alerts so that real warnings get taken seriously.

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What Should You Do If You Are in the Dominican Republic Today?

Follow all instructions from local authorities or hotel staff during the 10 a.m. drill. Treat it as practice.

Basic earthquake actions that apply both during the drill and in a real event:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel shaking
• Move away from windows, heavy furniture, and exterior walls when safe
• Exit the building calmly once shaking stops and go to the designated meeting point
• Do not use elevators
• Check for injuries and help others if you can do so safely

After the drill ends, normal activity resumes. No further action is required unless local authorities say otherwise.

Helpful Preparation Steps for Residents and Visitors

Good preparation turns a scary situation into a manageable one. Consider these practical steps:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov so the U.S. Embassy can reach you with updates.
• Download the alertaCOE mobile app and follow the COE WhatsApp channel for Spanish-language alerts.
• Visit http://www.coe.gob.do/ for official Dominican emergency information.
• Identify safe spots in your hotel room or home: under a sturdy table or against an interior wall.
• Keep a small emergency kit with water, flashlight, phone charger, and basic first-aid supplies.
• Agree on a family or group meeting point outside the building in case you get separated.
• Know the emergency numbers: U.S. Embassy emergencies at (809) 567-7775.

Travelers who stay in resorts often receive briefings from hotel staff. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Staff usually know the exact evacuation routes for their property.

What It Feels Like During These Drills

The first time many visitors hear the sirens or get the phone alert, the sound is startling. The loud tone on the phone and the sudden activity in the streets can feel intense. Once you realize it is a scheduled drill, the tension drops.

Hotels often pause operations for a few minutes. Guests walk to assembly points. Staff count people and wait for the all-clear. The whole process usually lasts a short time. Afterward, life returns to normal and the day continues.

People who practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” response a few times find it becomes automatic. That automatic reaction is the real value of these exercises.

Bottom Line for Americans in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. Embassy has notified American citizens about the nationwide earthquake drill and emergency alert test taking place at 10 a.m. on September 8, 2026. Expect phone alerts, sirens, and organized evacuations as part of the exercise.

Follow local instructions. Use the drill as a chance to review your own emergency plan. Enroll in STEP and keep official contact numbers handy.

Earthquakes remain a real possibility in the Dominican Republic. Preparation and calm practice reduce the risk when the ground actually moves.

For official information, review the U.S. Embassy message and the Dominican Emergency Operations Center resources at http://www.coe.gob.do/.