Get ready to ShakeOut!
ShakeOut Earthquake Drills
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills offer an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes.
Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 a.m. on October 19, 2025 during Great ShakeOut Earthquake drills.
Everyone, everywhere, is encouraged to participate in the largest earthquake drill in the world. Register for the Great California ShakeOut drill today!
More than 10.7 million Californians participated in the 2016 Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill and practiced how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." More than 55 million participated globally. In 2015, the ShakeOut had over 10.5 million California participants, and over 43.9 million people participated globally. Each year's drill creates new record numbers, and the registration numbers are expected to continue to grow for 2017.
You may only have seconds to protect yourself during an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down – or drops something on you. Practicing helps you be ready to react.
for the Great California ShakeOut.
Read CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy's letter to Californians about ShakeOut!
The Earthquake Country Alliance is the organizer of California’s annual earthquake drill. Is your school, workplace, community group, city, or other organization registered?
ECA is a statewide public-private partnership of people, organizations, and regional alliances that work together to improve preparedness, mitigation and resiliency.
The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
PREPARE
Step 1: Secure Your Space
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
Step 2: Plan to be Safe
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
Step 3: Organize Disaster Supplies
Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
Step 4: Minimize Financial Hardship
Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.
SURVIVE
Step 5: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
Drop, cover, and hold on when the earth shakes.
Step 6: Improve Safety
Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further damage.
RECOVER
Step 7: Reconnect and Restore
Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position.
