Individuals, businesses, schools, government agencies, and organizations are invited to participate in the annual Central US earthquake preparedness exercise at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16, part of the 2025 International ShakeOut Day of Action. This is a great time to learn and practice earthquake safety with millions of people worldwide.
In an earthquake, you may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. When the adrenaline kicks in, you may not act safely if you haven’t practiced the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill before that moment. Know what to do when the shaking starts—register for the Great Central US Shakeout https://www.shakeout.org/centralus/ and use the many resources for the drill and preparedness for schools, businesses, government agencies, families, and others.
The drill will highlight the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol:
- DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
- HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not try to run to another room just to get under a table.
You never know when you may use this knowledge anywhere in the world during your travels or future home locations.
Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, government agencies, and organizations are all invited to join in on October 16 at 10:16 a.m. local time.