Participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

04/13/2023

On International ShakeOut Day, you can join others worldwide and practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” The ShakeOut takes place once a year on the third Thursday of October.

Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows).
  • 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.

To take part in the ShakeOut, register for free at www.ShakeOut.org. Once registered, you will receive regular information on planning your drill and becoming better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

For resources and more information regarding the Great ShakeOut, visit www.ShakeOut.org.

The Southern California Earthquake Center, NEHRP Earthquake Consortia and States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and dozens of other partners coordinate the Great ShakeOut.