Atlanta, GA Earthquakes: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

Earthquakes are not the first thing most people think of in Atlanta, Georgia, but small tremors do happen in and around the region. If you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are just curious after hearing about an “Atlanta GA earthquake,” it helps to understand the local risk, what shaking might feel like, and how to stay prepared.

How Common Are Earthquakes in Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta is not in one of the nation’s major earthquake zones, but it is close enough to regional fault systems that minor earthquakes are possible.

Key points about earthquakes in and around Atlanta:

• Most tremors felt in Atlanta are small, often coming from north Georgia or neighboring states.
• Shaking is usually brief and mild, more like a jolt or a rumble than the destructive scenes people associate with major quakes.
• The region’s geology can sometimes let distant earthquakes (for example, in Tennessee or the Carolinas) be felt lightly in Atlanta high-rises or quiet neighborhoods.

If you feel shaking in Atlanta, it is more likely to be a low-magnitude earthquake rather than a major damaging event.

Why Earthquakes Happen in Georgia

Atlanta sits in the Piedmont region of Georgia, not directly on a large active plate boundary like the West Coast. However, the eastern U.S. has:

• Ancient fault lines that can still produce earthquakes.
• Solid bedrock that can allow quake waves to travel farther, meaning even a moderate earthquake some distance away can be felt across a wider area.

The main takeaway: Atlanta’s earthquake risk exists but is generally low, especially compared to places like California. Still, low risk does not mean zero, and basic awareness is useful.

What an Atlanta Earthquake Might Feel Like

If an earthquake affects Atlanta, experiences can vary depending on:

• Distance from the epicenter
• Type of building (high-rise vs. one-story home)
• Floor level (upper floors often feel more swaying)

People in metro Atlanta commonly describe small earthquakes as:

• A quick jolt, like a large truck hitting a bump nearby
• Brief rattling of windows, dishes, or light fixtures
• A soft rolling or swaying sensation, especially in taller buildings

Larger, though still uncommon, events could:

• Knock lightweight items from shelves
• Crack brittle plaster or drywall
• Cause stronger, more noticeable swaying in tall structures

What To Do If You Feel an Earthquake in Atlanta

If you are in Atlanta when the ground starts shaking, use this simple rule:

If You’re Indoors

• Drop to your hands and knees so you don’t fall.
• Cover your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table if possible.
• Hold on to your shelter and be ready for it to move.
• Stay away from windows and anything that could fall (bookshelves, TVs, hanging lights).
• Do not use elevators.

If You’re Outdoors

• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.
• Once clear, drop and cover your head and neck.
• Be cautious around older brick buildings, facades, and signs that could fall.

If You’re in a Car

• Pull over to a safe place, away from overpasses, bridges, and power lines.
• Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.

After the Shaking Stops in Atlanta

Once the shaking ends, take a moment to get oriented and then:

• ✅ Check for injuries to yourself and people nearby; call 911 only for true emergencies.
• ✅ Look for obvious damage such as gas smells, broken glass, or fallen power lines.
• ✅ Avoid using open flames if you suspect a gas leak.
• ✅ Limit phone use to essential calls; text messages may work more reliably.
• ✅ Listen to local news or official updates on battery-powered radio or your phone (if service is available).

In metro Atlanta, updates and emergency information may come from:

• City of Atlanta Office of Emergency Preparedness
• Fulton County Emergency Management Agency
• DeKalb County Emergency Management
• Local TV and radio stations

Earthquake Risk in Atlanta vs. Other Hazards

While earthquakes in Atlanta are possible, everyday risk is generally higher for:

• Severe thunderstorms
• Tornadoes
• Flooding
• Winter ice events

However, because Atlanta has many older buildings, dense neighborhoods, and major infrastructure, even a moderate regional earthquake could be disruptive. Preparing for earthquakes often overlaps with general emergency preparedness, so these efforts help for multiple types of disasters.

Simple Preparedness Steps for Atlanta Residents

You don’t need to overhaul your life to be reasonably prepared. A few Atlanta-focused steps can go a long way.

1. Secure Your Home

Even in a low-risk area like Atlanta, it’s smart to:

• Anchor bookshelves and tall furniture to wall studs.
• Use quake putty or museum gel for fragile items on shelves.
• Ensure TVs and heavy wall decor are well-mounted, not balanced or loosely hung.
• Keep beds away from heavy frames, mirrors, or shelving that could fall.

These steps also protect against strong winds or accidental bumps.

2. Build a Small Emergency Kit

In Atlanta, an emergency kit is useful for storms and power outages as well as earthquakes. Consider having:

• Bottled water and nonperishable food
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Basic first aid supplies
• Copies of important documents
• A backup phone charger or power bank
• Any essential medications

Store a kit at home, and consider a smaller version in your car if you commute around the metro area.

3. Know Your Building’s Plan

If you work, live, or stay in a high-rise or large complex in Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, etc.):

• Ask about the emergency response plan.
• Learn where stairwells and exits are.
• Understand any assembly areas for evacuations.
• Know who to contact for building safety concerns (property management, HOA, or building engineer).

Earthquake Preparedness for Visitors in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and feel an earthquake:

• Follow the same Drop, Cover, and Hold On guidance indoors.
• In a hotel, follow staff instructions and posted emergency procedures, usually located on the back of room doors.
• Avoid using elevators until the building is cleared by staff or authorities.

If your business trip or event is in a major venue (Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, etc.), these facilities typically have established emergency protocols. Listen for announcements and follow directions from staff and security.

Who Handles Earthquake and Disaster Response in Atlanta?

Several local agencies play a role in planning and response. Their office information is useful if you want to learn more, join community preparedness programs, or ask about local hazards.

Key Atlanta-Area Emergency Management Contacts

You can usually reach these agencies through:

• Main county or city government phone lines
• Their public offices in downtown or county seats
• Public-facing information desks at city halls and county administration buildings

For urgent, life-threatening emergencies in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, call 911.

How to Stay Informed About Earthquakes Affecting Atlanta

If you feel shaking or hear about an “Atlanta GA earthquake,” you can:

• Check regional earthquake listings from recognized national geological organizations.
• Listen to Atlanta news stations and radio for confirmation of any local impacts.
• Follow official county and city emergency management social media or alert systems for updates.

Many Atlanta-area residents also sign up for:

• County-level emergency alert services (for Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.)
• Workplace or school-specific notification systems

These tools typically focus on weather and other emergencies, but may also carry messages about any significant earthquake impacts.

Earthquakes and Atlanta’s Buildings and Infrastructure

In the eastern U.S., many buildings were originally designed with more focus on wind, storms, and humidity than on earthquakes. That said:

• Modern construction in Atlanta, especially large commercial or institutional buildings, usually follows up-to-date building codes that consider a range of forces, including seismic.
• Older structures, especially unreinforced masonry, can be more vulnerable to shaking.
• Critical facilities such as hospitals, airports, and major utilities in the Atlanta area generally have higher safety and resilience requirements.

If you own property in Atlanta and are concerned:

• A licensed structural engineer or qualified building professional can evaluate how well your specific building might handle shaking.
• Local building departments in areas like Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Decatur can provide information about permits and code requirements if you plan structural work.

Practical Takeaways for People in Atlanta

For everyday life in Atlanta, GA:

• Expect small, occasional tremors at most. Strong earthquakes are not common here, but minor ones can be felt.
• Use simple safety actions (Drop, Cover, and Hold On) if you feel an earthquake anywhere in the metro.
• Treat earthquake prep as part of overall emergency readiness, alongside storms, floods, and power outages.
• Secure your home and make a small emergency kit suited to Atlanta’s climate and common hazards.
• Know your building and local contacts, especially if you live or work in a multi-story structure.

By understanding how earthquakes relate specifically to Atlanta, Georgia, you can stay calm, respond safely if shaking occurs, and be generally better prepared for a wide range of emergencies in the city.