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

Atlanta is better known for thunderstorms and summer heat than shaking ground—but earthquakes do happen in Georgia, and people in Atlanta occasionally feel them. If you live in the city, are visiting, or are just curious about earthquake risk here, it helps to understand how quakes affect Atlanta, Georgia specifically, and how to stay prepared.

Is Atlanta, Georgia in an Earthquake Zone?

Atlanta is not in one of the nation’s major earthquake hot spots, but it’s also not earthquake-free.

How earthquake risk looks in Atlanta

• Atlanta sits in the Piedmont region of Georgia, away from major active plate boundaries.
• The region experiences infrequent, generally small earthquakes, most of which are barely felt or not felt at all.
• Occasionally, quakes from elsewhere in Georgia or neighboring states are strong enough to be felt in metro Atlanta—often as a brief shaking or rattling of windows.

In simple terms:
Large, damaging earthquakes are uncommon here, but mild to moderate shaking is possible, especially from regional faults and distant seismic zones.

Where Do Earthquakes That Affect Atlanta Usually Come From?

Earthquakes that are felt in Atlanta can be:

1. Local to North Georgia

   • North Georgia has several smaller fault systems where minor earthquakes sometimes occur.
   • Cities like Dalton, Rome, and Calhoun have experienced more noticeable quakes than Atlanta itself.
   • Shaking from these quakes can occasionally be felt in the Atlanta metro area.

2. From Nearby States
   Atlanta can also feel quakes that start:

   • In eastern Tennessee (a more active seismic area)
   • In parts of Alabama or the Carolinas

These quakes may be strong enough to:

• Rattle dishes or light fixtures
• Make buildings creak
• Cause brief, mild shaking felt in mid- and high-rise buildings around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead

Has Atlanta, Georgia Had Earthquakes Before?

Yes, but they’re usually small and cause no damage.

What people in Atlanta typically report during regional quakes

Residents often describe:

• A quick jolt or rolling motion
• Rattling windows or blinds in homes and apartments
• Some people in taller buildings (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter) feeling motion more clearly than those at street level

Most events:

• Last only a few seconds
• Do not cause structural damage
• Are more of a curiosity than an emergency

How Likely Is a Major Earthquake in Atlanta?

In the Atlanta area, major, destructive earthquakes are considered low-probability events, especially compared to places like California. However:

• Experts generally consider low-probability does not mean impossible.
• Even a moderate earthquake can:
  • Knock items off shelves
  • Crack older masonry
  • Disrupt utilities or transportation for a short time

So while earthquakes are not a top daily concern in Atlanta, it’s still wise to know basic safety steps and keep your home or office reasonably prepared—similar to how you prepare for storms or power outages.

What To Do If an Earthquake Happens in Atlanta

If you feel shaking in Atlanta—whether you’re in a high-rise downtown, a home in East Atlanta, a condo in Buckhead, or a hotel near the airport—the basic guidance is the same.

If you’re indoors

Remember: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”

1. Drop

   • Get down on your hands and knees to avoid being knocked over.

2. Cover

   • Get under a sturdy table or desk if possible.
   • Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.
   • Stay away from:
     • Windows and glass
     • Heavy bookcases or shelving
     • Hanging lights or ceiling fixtures

3. Hold On

   • Hold onto your shelter (table, desk, furniture) until the shaking stops.
   • If no shelter is available, crouch next to an interior wall and protect your head and neck.

If you’re in a high-rise in Atlanta

Many people work or live in mid- and high-rise buildings in areas like Midtown, Downtown, Sandy Springs, and Buckhead.

• Stay away from windows and tall furniture that could tip over.
• Do not use elevators during or immediately after shaking.
• Expect fire alarms and sprinklers to possibly activate even without a fire.
• After shaking stops, follow your building’s emergency procedures and use stairs for any necessary evacuation.

If you’re outdoors

• Move to an open area, away from buildings, signs, streetlights, and power lines.
• In busy Atlanta areas (Centennial Olympic Park, the BeltLine, near stadiums), move away from:
  • Brick facades
  • Glass storefronts
  • Overhangs and awnings

If you’re driving in Atlanta

• Safely pull over to the side of the road and stop.
• Avoid stopping under:
  • Bridges or overpasses
  • Large freeway signs
  • Power lines
• Set the parking brake and stay inside the vehicle until the shaking ends.
• Afterward, drive carefully and watch for:
  • Debris on the road
  • Possible damage near bridges or ramps on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA‑400, and the Downtown Connector

Earthquake Preparedness for Atlanta Residents

You already think about hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. Adding light earthquake preparedness doesn’t require a huge effort and overlaps with general emergency planning.

Build a simple emergency kit

Keep a small kit at home (and ideally at work), especially if you live in an apartment or condo where elevators may be affected.

Include:

• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable phone charger
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Copies or photos of important documents
• Cash in small bills
• Any essential personal items you rely on daily

Secure your Atlanta home or apartment

Many earthquake injuries come from falling objects, not collapsed buildings. In homes and apartments across Atlanta:

• Anchor tall furniture: Secure bookcases, tall dressers, and cabinets to the wall.
• Stabilize TVs and electronics: Use straps or stands that reduce tipping risk.
• Store heavier items low: Keep heavy pots, dishes, and decor on lower shelves.
• Check your water heater (if accessible): In some homes, strapping it to the wall can help prevent tipping.

These steps also help with other hazards, like accidental bumps or children climbing furniture.

How Atlanta’s Buildings Handle Earthquakes

Atlanta’s building environment is a mix of:

• Older brick buildings (Grant Park, parts of Downtown and historic neighborhoods)
• Mid-century construction (many intown neighborhoods)
• Modern high-rises and newer suburban development

Building codes and structural safety

• Modern buildings in Atlanta are generally designed under codes that account for some seismic forces, even though the region is not highly active.
• Larger structures—such as office towers, medical centers, and major venues—are often designed with more detailed safety considerations, including resilience to mild-to-moderate shaking.

If you live or work in:

• A newer apartment or condo (Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, etc.), it is likely built with up-to-date or more recent code requirements.
• An older building, it may not meet current standards, but many properties have been renovated or retrofitted over time.

For questions about your specific building:

• Contact your property manager, landlord, or homeowners association.
• For older or specialized structures, some owners consult local structural engineers for a more detailed evaluation.

How to Get Reliable Earthquake Information in Atlanta

If you feel shaking or hear about an earthquake in or near Atlanta, you’ll want to confirm what happened from trustworthy sources.

Where to check for earthquake updates

• Local government and emergency management

  • Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)
    • Often shares emergency updates for the City of Atlanta and Fulton County through official channels.
  • Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
    • Coordinates statewide emergency information, including earthquakes affecting Georgia.

• Local news outlets

  • Atlanta-based TV and radio stations commonly provide quick coverage when a noticeable quake is felt in the metro area.

These sources can help answer:

• Where the earthquake occurred
• How strong it was
• Whether there are any local impacts (road closures, damage, service interruptions)

Key Atlanta Agencies and Contacts for Preparedness

While you don’t report mild shaking to most local offices, knowing who handles emergencies and preparedness in Atlanta can be helpful.

City of Atlanta – Office of Emergency Preparedness

• Coordinates emergency planning for the city.

Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)

• Works on regional emergency planning and response, including Atlanta and Fulton County.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)

• State-level emergency coordination for disasters and hazards, including earthquakes.

For non-emergency questions about preparedness:

• Use the non-emergency phone numbers or general information lines of these agencies.
• For immediate emergencies or serious injury, always dial 911.

What Visitors to Atlanta Should Know About Earthquakes

If you’re visiting Atlanta—staying in a downtown hotel, near the airport, or in a short-term rental—earthquakes are unlikely to disrupt your trip, but:

• Review the emergency information card in your hotel room.
• Note stairwell locations and exits.
• If you feel shaking:
  • Follow Drop, Cover, and Hold On inside your room or the building.
  • After it stops, follow hotel staff instructions and posted emergency procedures.

Most visitors who experience a regional quake in Atlanta describe it as a brief, surprising moment rather than a dangerous event.

Quick Reference: Earthquakes in Atlanta at a Glance

Living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia means earthquakes are not a daily worry—but being aware, calmly prepared, and informed ensures that if the ground ever does shake, you’ll know exactly what to do and where to look for reliable information.