The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Prep Day

On Thursday, October 15, many thousands of Washington residents will practice how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in the state's largest earthquake drill ever:  The Great Washington ShakeOut. 

This year, due to COVID-19, the City will not be holding its own staff training events, but you can still have your own event at home or work, or even by video. Learn how to hold your own COVID-safe event here.

Major earthquakes can happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in Washington, and we all need to be prepared. The annual ShakeOut drill is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves when an earthquake strikes, with a goal of preventing a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your family, and your community. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, so frequent practice results in more successful outcomes.

The City encourages individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, and other organizations to practice their emergency plans and prepare. Learn more about the statewide ShakeOut program.