On October 17, join FEMA and millions of people worldwide in the annual [ShakeOut](https://www.shakeout.org/) earthquake drill. Designed to promote earthquake preparedness and safety, this international event takes place at 10:17 a.m. local time, allowing participants to practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique.

FEMA enters its 15th year supporting ShakeOut through its National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program partnership with the Statewide California Earthquake Center. Your participation in these drills increases earthquake resilience and reinforces a collective commitment to safeguarding our communities.

Because you don’t know where you will be when an earthquake happens, it’s important to practice earthquake safety in different locations when possible. The general guidance for most situations is three key steps:

1. Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
2. Cover your head and neck to protect yourself from falling debris, and if available, take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture.
3. Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.

The ShakeOut drill is not only about practicing earthquake safety but also serves as a reminder to check and update [emergency plans](https://www.ready.gov/plan) and [emergency supply kits](https://www.ready.gov/kit). Register at https://www.ShakeOut.org/register and be sure to include your family, friends, and colleagues! You can also find out who else is participating in your community at https://ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating.

In addition to registering, you can also text “ShakeOut” to 43362 to receive Great ShakeOut updates from FEMA. You will receive information on how to prepare for earthquakes and what actions to take during and after the shaking.

Earthquakes are an ever-present threat, and everyone has the responsibility to be well-prepared for the unexpected. With over 335 million people living and working in the United States, the potential devastation from a major earthquake cannot be understated. With millions of lives potentially affected by a major earthquake, knowing what to do before, during, and after such an event can make all the difference in survival and recovery. By participating in ShakeOut, individuals and organizations can ensure they are better prepared for an earthquake, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries when an earthquake occurs.

Visit the [National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program website](https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake) to learn more about earthquake risk.