SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is finalizing preparations for its eighth National Drill 2026, scheduled for Thursday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. The nationwide exercise adopts a multi-hazard approach aimed at testing emergency protocols, response times, and evacuation readiness across all sectors of the country.

Organized by the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE), the drill encourages individuals, private businesses, public institutions, and local communities to participate actively in disaster management planning.

Addressing Multi-Hazard Threats Across the Country

Unlike single-event exercises, the 2026 Costa Rica National Drill focuses on a wide array of potential natural and technological risks. According to the CNE, the exercise addresses threats including:

• Earthquakes and Tsunamis
• Floods and Landslides
• Volcanic Eruptions
• Hurricanes and Tornadoes
• Fires and Structural Emergencies

Participants are instructed to execute evacuation procedures tailored to the specific hazards most likely to impact their immediate geographic location or facility type.

3 Simple Steps to Participate

The CNE has outlined three straightforward steps for anyone in Costa Rica to join the event:

1. Register Online: Sign up through the official platform at simulacro.cr. As of August 3, over 350,000 citizens and entities had already registered.
2. Prepare or Update an Emergency Plan: Establish clear evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency protocols for homes, workplaces, or school classrooms.
3. Evacuate and Report: Perform the evacuation at 10:00 a.m. on August 12, then log participation via the Simulacro CR mobile app.

Technology and Public Safety Engagement

To streamline participation and reporting, authorities have made the dedicated mobile app Simulacro CR available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to receive real-time updates regarding the exercise and submit post-drill evaluation reports instantly.

“Let’s take as an example the emergencies that happen in other countries. We know that we live in a country where emergencies happen every day, and it is our duty as citizens to prepare ourselves to know how to act if an event occurs,”

— Alejandro Picado, President of the CNE

National participation in safety drills has grown significantly in recent years. In the 2025 edition, more than 1.4 million people took part across the country. Authorities hope to match or exceed those figures in 2026, reinforcing Costa Rica’s culture of proactive risk management.

- Advertisement -