“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”: Worldwide ShakeOut drill to be held 20 October
What to do during the drill
Most people will hold their ShakeOut drills at 10:20 a.m. local time on 20 October (though drills can be held anytime and on other days if necessary). If you are indoors, you should “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Drop where you are onto your hands and knees, then crawl for cover under a nearby sturdy desk or table and hold on to it securely. If you are not near a desk or table, crawl against an interior wall, then protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets filled with heavy objects or glass.
During the drill, look around and see what objects could fall during a potential earthquake, and make sure to secure or move those items after the drill.
If you happen to be outdoors in a real earthquake, move to a clear and open area if you can do so. Avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and items that can fall on you. If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and set the parking brake. Do not shelter under bridges, overpasses, power lines, or traffic signs. Make sure to remain inside the vehicle until the shaking has stopped.
USGS science in ShakeOut
The USGS has created and provides information tools to support earthquake loss reduction, including hazard assessments, scenarios, comprehensive real-time earthquake monitoring and public preparedness handbooks. USGS also develops earthquake scenarios that help shape preparedness exercises such as the ShakeOut. USGS says that the agency’s earthquake research helps emergency managers understand where earthquakes occur and valuable information about the potential damages and losses.
The original ShakeOut was based on a comprehensive analysis of a major earthquake in southern California known as “The ShakeOut Scenario.” That project, completed in 2008, was led by the USGS and many partners as a demonstration of how science can be applied to reduce risks related to natural hazards. The concept and organization of a public drill came out of the collaboration between the USGS, the Southern California Earthquake Center and other partners of the Earthquake Country Alliance.
The success of the 2008 ShakeOut drill inspired other states and countries to want to participate. The third Thursday of October each year is now International ShakeOut Day, with more countries joining each year. ShakeOut’s growth is coordinated by SCEC (which also manages ShakeOut websites globally) with the support of many agencies and partners across the nation, including the USGS, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Science Foundation, the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, and several others.
Learn more
The USGS notes that it provides rapid alerts of potential impacts from an earthquake through its Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response system. Sign up to receive earthquake notices through the USGS Earthquake Notification System. If you feel an earthquake, report your experience on the USGS “Did You Feel It?” Web site.
Learn how to prepare at home using the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety from the guidebook Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, written for different areas of the country and in several languages.
News media can also find information online regarding events, contacts, and other items of interest.
Additional information on what you can do to prepare for earthquakes at work and home is available on the Great ShakeOut Web site.
