International ShakeOut Day Date in the current year: October 17, 2024

It is estimated that around half a million earthquakes occur every year, although most of them are minor: only about 100,000 of these earthquakes can be felt, and only a dozen or so have a magnitude of 7 or greater. Nevertheless, it is better to be prepared for an earthquake, especially if you live in a seismically active area.

International ShakeOutDay was launched by the Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA), a grassroots partnership of people and organizations working together to foster earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Its history can be traced back to 2008, when Earthquake Country Alliance, Southern California (ECA SoCal) organized The Great Southern California ShakeOut, an earthquake drill that took place in homes, schools, places of worship, businesses, and communities across Southern California. The first drill involved 5.3 million participants.

In 2009, the ECA designated the third Thursday of October as International ShakeOut Day. This date was chosen because most schools agreed it was the best time for earthquake preparedness drills. During International ShakeOut Day, people are taught the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique that is considered the best way to keep yourself safe during an earthquake:

• Drop onto your hands and knees where you are.
• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.
• Hold on until the shaking stops.

It should be note that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is just one of the seven steps to earthquake safety, typically split into three groups: Prepare (Steps 1 to 4), Survive (Steps 5 and 6), and Recover (Step 7):

• Step 1. Secure your space by securing movable items (even and especially large or heavy) that can fall on people.
• Step 2. Plan to be safe. Create an emergency plan in case of an earthquake and decide how you will communicate with your family and/or roommates.
• Step 3. Organize emergency supplies. Collect essential supplies and store them in accessible locations (at home, in your vehicle, etc.).
• Step 4. Minimize financial hardship. Organize important documents that will be hard to replace and store them in an easily accessible location, strengthen your home if possible, and consider earthquake insurance.
• Step 5. Drop, cover, and hold on (see above).
• Step 6. Improve safety. The moment the shaking stops, grab your emergency supplies and evacuate if necessary. Once you are safe, text your family to let them know you are OK and help others if you can.
• Step 7. Reconnect and restore. In the days and weeks following an earthquake, take time to check your property for damages and contact your insurance company, check on your neighbors, and repair damage.

How can you get involved with International ShakeOut Day? You can participate in a drill, organize a drill in your community, make sure that you are prepared for an earthquake or any other natural disaster that might come your way (Steps 1 to 4), and spread the word on social media with the hashtag #InternationalShakeOutDay.