Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies Observes Earthquake Awareness Week 18 – 23 January 2026

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19 January 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) is observing Earthquake Awareness Week, 18–23 January 2026, across the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year’s theme, “Drop, Cover, Hold: Practice Today, Protect Tomorrow”, reinforces the importance of preparedness and the simple lifesaving actions that can reduce injury and protect lives during an earthquake.

Although the Turks and Caicos Islands have not been directly impacted by an earthquake in recent history, the region is not immune to seismic activity. The Turks and Caicos Islands sits near the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, an area capable of producing earthquakes that can be felt locally. In past years, tremors originating near Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and more recently the Bahamas (Inagua), have been recorded in or near the Turks and Caicos Islands, reminding us that earthquakes can occur with little to no warning.

With many residents frequently traveling throughout the region and abroad where seismic activity is more common it is essential that every individual understands how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. Preparing today ensures that whether at home, school, work, or overseas, person would know how to respond and protect themselves.

Hence Earthquake Awareness Week aims to educate, empower, and engage individuals, communities, and organisations in building a safer and more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands. The Department therefore, encourages all residents to participate in the week’s activities and take steps to improve their awareness and readiness.

A number of activities have been planned by the department the first being:

• “DROP, Cover, Hold!” Video Challenge – Residents of all ages are encouraged to submit 10–20 second videos demonstrating the correct earthquake safety steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Participants will have a chance to win a special prize and be featured on DDME’s social media   pages. Email all videos to ddme.tci@gmail.com or WhatsApp to 243-3363 by Friday, 23 January 2026.
• National Earthquake Drill Day – Friday, 23 January 2026
• Schools, government departments, and private companies are invited to participate in Earthquake Drill Day. Organisations may submit photos and short videos of their drills to DDME for a chance to be featured on official social media channels.  Email submissions to ddme.tci@gmail.com or WhatsApp to 243-3363 by Friday, 23 January 2026.

The Department’s Week of Activities

Sunday, 18 January 2026 – Church Services on the various islands

Monday, 19 January 2026 – Morning Devotion with Students

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 – Earthquake Awareness presentations in select schools

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 – Earthquake Awareness presentations in select schools

Thursday, 22 January 2026 – Community pop-up event for Earthquake Awareness