Join Millions: Practice Safety with the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

Earthquakes are natural phenomena that can strike without warning, causing significant damage and endangering lives. The key to surviving an earthquake lies in preparation. This is where the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill comes in. This annual event is designed to help individuals, families, organizations, and communities practice earthquake safety and ensure they know what to do when the ground starts shaking. This blog will tell you when the next earthquake drill will be held, share some statistics on participation, and provide crucial information on what to do during an earthquake, including a link to comprehensive guidelines on earthquake safety.

What is the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill?

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is a global initiative. It aims to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness and encourage people to practice what to do during an earthquake. The drill is organized by various earthquake and disaster preparedness organizations and is held annually on the third Tuesday of October. Whether at home, work, school, or anywhere else, this is your chance to practice earthquake safety and ensure you are prepared.

Participation in the Earthquake Drill

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is a global event that engages millions of people every year in practicing earthquake safety. This massive turnout reflects a growing awareness of the importance of being prepared for seismic events.

In 2024, over 56.6 million people worldwide participated in the earthquake drill, including:

• 2,334 people in British Columbia
• 17,531 participants across Quebec and Eastern Ontario
• 2,851 from the Yukon

As of April 21, 2025, more than 1.8 million people have already registered for the upcoming October ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, with over 56,000 registered participants in British Columbia alone.

These numbers show just how widespread the commitment to earthquake preparedness has become. Earthquake drills like the Great ShakeOut are not just for people living near known fault lines they’re for everyone, everywhere. Because earthquakes can strike without warning, being ready is essential no matter where you live.

Why You Should Participate in the Earthquake Drill

Participating in an earthquake drill like the Great ShakeOut is more than just a symbolic gesture, it could save your life. Earthquakes can happen at any time and in any place. The moments immediately after the shaking begins are critical, and knowing exactly what to do can mean the difference between safety and serious injury.

The ShakeOut drill teaches three simple, proven steps that can protect you during an earthquake:

• Drop to the ground
• Cover your head and neck
• Hold on until the shaking stops

These actions are recommended by emergency management experts worldwide. Practicing them regularly ensures that your response becomes automatic in a real emergency. But earthquake preparedness goes beyond a single drill. It’s about:

• Understanding the risks in your region
• Taking steps to secure your environment
• Preparing emergency supplies
• Creating a communication plan with your loved ones

After a major earthquake, emergency services may be delayed or overwhelmed. That’s why preparing in advance is so important. By participating in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, you’re helping to build a culture of preparedness just for yourself, but for your family, workplace, and community.

What to Do During an Earthquake Drill

At the heart of the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill are three simple but life-saving actions: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. These steps help protect you from the most common causes of earthquake injuries—falling objects, flying debris, and structural hazards. Whether you're at home, school, or work, practicing these actions during an earthquake drill helps you build muscle memory that can make all the difference in a real emergency.

1. DROP – Get Down Immediately

As soon as the shaking starts, DROP to the ground. This helps you maintain stability and prevents you from being thrown off your feet. Dropping reduces your risk of falling and getting injured.

2. COVER – Protect Your Head and Neck

While on the ground, COVER your head and neck to shield yourself from falling debris. If possible, get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk. If no shelter is nearby, crouch next to an interior wall, away from windows, and use your arms to shield your head and neck.

3. HOLD ON – Stay Put Until the Shaking Stops

HOLD ON to your shelter (e.g., table or desk) and stay in position until the shaking ends. If you're not under a shelter, hold your head and neck firmly with both hands and remain in place. Earthquakes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, so it’s crucial to stay protected the entire time.

What to Do Depending on Your Location

During an earthquake drill, it’s important to adapt your actions based on where you are. While Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the universal guideline, your surroundings may call for slightly different responses:

• If you're in Bed - Stay there. Cover your head and neck with a pillow to protect yourself from falling objects.
• If you're Driving - Pull over safely away from buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• If you're Outdoors - Move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and utility poles. Then drop to the ground and cover your head and neck.
• If you're in a High-rise - Stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. Take cover under a desk or sturdy furniture if possible.
• If you're in a crowded Public Space - Avoid items that could fall, such as display shelves or light fixtures. Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck, even if cover isn’t available.

Practicing these situational responses during an earthquake drill helps ensure that no matter where you are when the ground shakes, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Want to take your Earthquake Preparedness further? Check out this complete earthquake safety guide: Understanding Earthquakes: Safety Tips, Preparedness, and What to Do

The Role of The Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills in Community Safety

Earthquake drills are not just about individual safety. These drills play a vital role in community preparedness as well. When entire communities participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, they create a culture of preparedness that can save lives and reduce injuries when an earthquake does occur.

Schools, businesses, and organizations can use the earthquake drill as an opportunity to review and improve their emergency plans, conduct evacuation drills, and ensure that everyone knows what to do when the ground starts shaking. By practicing together, communities can identify potential weaknesses in their preparedness plans and take steps to address them before an earthquake strikes.

• Schools and Earthquake Drills - Schools are important settings for earthquake drills, as they are responsible for the safety of large numbers of children during an emergency. The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill provides an opportunity for them to practice their emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures and communication with parents and guardians. Teachers and staff can use the drill to educate students about earthquake safety and ensure they know how to protect themselves during an earthquake.
• Businesses and Earthquake Drills - The earthquake drill is a chance for businesses to test their emergency plans and ensure that employees are prepared to respond to an earthquake. This includes practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On, reviewing evacuation routes, checking emergency supplies, and ensuring all employees know their roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Businesses that are well-prepared for earthquakes can reduce the risk of injuries, protect their assets, and minimize downtime after an earthquake.
• Communities and Earthquake Drills - Communities that participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill are better equipped to respond to an earthquake and support each other in the aftermath. Practicing together will build trust and cooperation within the community, which are essential for effective disaster response and recovery. The drill also provides an opportunity for local emergency services to coordinate their efforts and ensure that they are ready to respond when an earthquake occurs.

How to Get Involved in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

Getting involved in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is easy and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re participating as an individual, with your family, or as part of an organization, there are many ways to participate in the drill and contribute to earthquake preparedness.

Register for the Earthquake Drill

The first step to participating in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is to sign up for the drill. By registering, you join millions of others who are committed to earthquake safety and preparedness. Registration is simple and can be done online through the Great ShakeOut website. Once registered, you’ll receive resources and updates to help you prepare for the drill.

Spread the Word About the Earthquake Drill

One of the most effective ways to increase participation in the earthquake drill is to spread the word. Share information about the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to register and participate, and explain the importance of being prepared for an earthquake. You can also use social media to promote the drill and raise awareness about earthquake safety.

Prepare for the Earthquake Drill

In the days leading up to the earthquake drill, take the time to review your emergency plans and ensure that you have the necessary supplies and equipment. This might include:

• Emergency Supplies - You have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials.
• Communication Plan - Review your family’s communication plan in case of an earthquake. Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other and where to meet if you’re separated during the event.
• Home Safety Check - Conduct a safety check of your home or workplace to secure heavy objects, identify potential hazards, and ensure that your building is earthquake-resistant.

Participate in the Earthquake Drill

When the day of the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill arrives, be ready to participate. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in the community, take the opportunity to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On at the designated time. Treat the drill as if it were a real earthquake, and use it to identify any areas where you might need to improve your preparedness.

The Importance of the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is more than just an annual event; it’s a crucial part of our collective efforts to be prepared for earthquakes. By participating in the drill, you’re taking an important step toward ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Earthquakes are unpredictable, but with the right preparation, we can all be ready to respond effectively when they occur.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—get involved in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, practice earthquake safety, and be prepared for the next big shake.