The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill unites millions worldwide to practice essential safety, reinforcing preparedness in seismic zones from Alaska to California.
Every year, millions of people across the globe pause their day to participate in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest annual earthquake preparedness exercise. This vital event, observed on the third Thursday of October, serves as a crucial reminder that while earthquakes strike without warning, preparation can significantly mitigate risks and save lives.
On October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m. local time, individuals, schools, and organizations once again practiced the essential “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” safety action. This drill is not just a momentary exercise; it’s a cornerstone of building a resilient society capable of responding calmly and effectively when seismic events occur, as reported by USA Today.
The Core Action: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
The foundation of earthquake safety promoted by the Great ShakeOut is the simple yet profoundly effective action: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Practicing these three steps builds muscle memory, enabling a quicker and more instinctual response during a real earthquake, which can be the difference between safety and injury.
- Drop to the ground onto your hands and knees before the earthquake can knock you down. This position protects you from being thrown off balance.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table, desk, or other furniture for shelter. Move away from windows or objects that could fall.
- Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.
Participants are also encouraged to consider specific scenarios, such as how to respond in a laboratory, outdoors, or while using mobility aids, with comprehensive guidance available on the official ShakeOut website.
A Global Movement for Local Resilience
The Great ShakeOut originated in Southern California in 2008, founded at the Southern California Earthquake Center, based at the University of Southern California (USC). What began as a regional initiative quickly expanded, evolving into a global phenomenon with over 59.9 million participants worldwide registered in previous years.
This widespread participation underscores the universal need for earthquake preparedness, particularly in seismically active regions around the world.
The Alaskan Experience
Alaska, recognized as the most seismically active region in the United States, sees thousands of earthquakes annually. Institutions like the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) actively participate in the Great Alaska ShakeOut, often coinciding with their annual emergency notification system tests. This dual approach ensures both practical safety drills and effective communication during a real event.
British Columbia’s High-Risk Landscape
Across the border, British Columbia is considered a high-risk region for earthquakes, with potential hazards depending on location but widespread vulnerability throughout the province. The BC Earthquake Alliance (BCEA) organizes the Great British Columbia ShakeOut, encouraging close to a million British Columbians to build muscle memory for earthquake safety. The historical magnitude 9 earthquake in 1700, which impacted the entire province along with Washington, Oregon, and California, serves as a potent reminder of the region’s seismic history, as detailed by the BC Earthquake Alliance.
California’s Constant Preparedness
As the birthplace of the ShakeOut, California remains a focal point for preparedness. Cities like Long Beach actively engage residents, testing emergency messaging systems like “Alert Long Beach” and conducting educational outreach to vulnerable populations. Notably, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake centered in Berkeley once jolted the area less than an hour before a scheduled Great California ShakeOut drill, highlighting the ever-present need for readiness.
Oregon’s Integrated Approach
In Oregon, the ShakeOut is often complemented by initiatives like The Great Oregon Camp-In, which encourages residents to simulate life after a major disaster. As Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, states, “The ShakeOut is more than a drill — it’s a reminder that preparedness saves lives. By practicing together, we are less likely to panic in the moment.”
Beyond the Minute: Long-Term Preparedness
The Great ShakeOut is more than just a single drill; it’s a catalyst for ongoing preparedness. Experts and emergency managers encourage a holistic approach to readiness, extending beyond the immediate “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” action:
- Secure Your Space: Fasten heavy furniture, appliances, and items on shelves to walls and ceilings to prevent falling objects, which are a common cause of injury during earthquakes.
- Review & Update Plans: Regularly update personal and departmental emergency plans, including evacuation routes and family communication strategies.
- Organize Emergency Kits: Ensure “go-bags” and emergency supply kits are fully stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and necessary medications, capable of sustaining individuals and families for several days.
- Engage Your Community: Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to prepare at home, work, and school, fostering a broader culture of readiness.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency notification systems like “Alert Long Beach” or download apps like “MyShake” to receive earthquake early warnings, providing crucial seconds to take precautionary measures.
Why Participate? The Imperative for Readiness
Participating in the Great ShakeOut is a proactive step towards safety and resilience. As Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach emphasized, “An earthquake can happen at any time, anywhere, and without warning. The great shakeout serves as a yearly reminder of the personal protective measures that we can take in the event an earthquake strikes.”
Reggie Harrison, Director of Long Beach’s Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications Department, further explains that the natural inclination to evacuate or run outdoors during shaking can be dangerous. Instead, sheltering in place with overhead protection is often the safest course of action, as most injuries occur from falling objects, not structural collapse.
By engaging in these drills, communities demonstrate a collective commitment to safety, building confidence and reducing panic when a real event inevitably occurs. This shared experience creates a knowledgeable populace better equipped to protect themselves and assist others.
Registration for the Great ShakeOut is encouraged through the official ShakeOut.org website, ensuring participation is counted and providing access to valuable resources and updates. Furthermore, sharing your ShakeOut experience on social media using #shakeout inspires others to prioritize preparedness, amplifying the message of readiness.
