Great ShakeOut

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ABOUT GREAT SHAKEOUT

Millions of people live and work in earthquake-prone regions of the United States. A major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation for one of these regions but also affect the economy of the entire country. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine how well we survive and recover.

Each year, Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills involve millions of participants worldwide through broad-based outreach programs, media partnerships, and public advocacy by hundreds of partners. The drill is held annually on the third Thursday of October. This year, International ShakeOut Day will be on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. However people and organizations can hold their drills on any other day of the year.

A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared. The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes). ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.

Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come together. It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event. We are all in this together.

To participate, go to ShakeOut.org/register and pledge your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and involve others. At the minimum practice one of the recommended protective actions listed at ShakeOut.org/dropcoverholdon. It is only a one-minute commitment for something that can save your life.

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How to Participate and Prepare

There are many ways for individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, community groups, government agencies, and others to participate in the ShakeOut, to get prepared for earthquakes, and to share what you're doing with others so they can do the same.

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Resources

What are Great SkakeOut Earthquake Drills?

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes, whether they live, work, or travel to an area where earthquakes are common.

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are annual opportunities to learn and practice earthquake safety with millions of people worldwide!

Each year, ShakeOut participants in schools, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, neighborhoods, organizations, and households all across the world practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and other aspects of their emergency plans.

The goal of ShakeOut is to encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and to recover quickly when the next big earthquake happens.

ShakeOut began in Southern California in 2008. Since then ShakeOut has grown to include participation across the United States and several other countries. More than 30 million people worldwide participated in 2021.

The 2024 International ShakeOut Day is October 17.

Participation is free and may take only a few minutes, depending on drill plans. Learn more and register to participate at ShakeOut.org.

How do we prepare to survive and recover?

Everyone should know what steps to take before, during and after an earthquake. Visit EarthquakeCountry.org/sevensteps to learn about the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety:

PREPARE (before an earthquake):

(Step 1) Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
(Step 2) Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate. Where will you meet your family? How will you get to work? Do you know how to perform CPR, or to use a fire extinguisher?
(Step 3) Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
(Step 4) Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage.

SURVIVE (during and just after an earthquake):

(Step 5) Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions such as Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On – if you feel shaking or get an alert.

If Possible

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

These are guidelines for most situations. Visit EarthquakeCountry.org/step5 to learn how to protect yourself in other situations and locations, including safety tips for people with disabilities.

(Step 6) Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.

RECOVER (after an earthquake):

(Step 7) Reconnect and Restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
- To keep phone lines accessible for emergency use, communicate via text message rather than calling.
- If you have an earthquake insurance policy and have suffered any property damage, contact your insurance agent or company for assistance.

Who organizes Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills?

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are organized by state, regional, and federal governments, and educational institutions, in your area, in coordination with the Southern California Earthquake Center, based at the University of Southern California, with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Geological Survey, and National Science Foundation. Each official ShakeOut Region may have additional or different organizers, partners, and sponsors.