What do I have to do to participate in the ShakeOut?
Where is the ShakeOut being held?
What will happen on ShakeOut day?

The Central U.S. ShakeOut Drill is scheduled for 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2024. This means that wherever you are at that moment—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. There will not be any freeway closures, power outages, or other simulated effects of the hypothetical earthquake, unless your local government or utility company specifically notifies you about something of this nature. The ShakeOut is not something you need to leave work to participate in—in fact, participating at work is encouraged! Businesses, organizations, schools, and government agencies can register and have their employees practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On or have a more extensive emergency drill.

The main goal of the ShakeOut is to get everyone prepared for major earthquakes, so use the ShakeOut as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Visit www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps for tips on how to prepare, protect, and recover.

Anyone can participate, from a single individual at their home to a major company at the office. Talk to your coworkers, neighbors and friends about the ShakeOut and encourage their participation.
Sign up for free at www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/register to be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, get email updates, and more.

How long does the ShakeOut last?

Most people will practice how they will Drop, Cover, and Hold On during a large earthquake, which only takes about one minute. Some organizations conduct more extensive drills, which may take an hour or even all day. How to participate is your choice.

I’ve heard about alternate ways of staying safe during an earthquake, like the "Triangle of Life" concept. What should I do?

The safest thing to do during an earthquake is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," as described at www.earthquakecountry.org/dropcoverholdon. This special report describes how the "Triangle of Life" is promoted with greatly exaggerated or wrong information, and is potentially very dangerous.

I want to put up posters or other advertising relating to the ShakeOut. How can I order some?

For posters, flyers, web banners, and other promotional items you can print or use, and for text of articles you may reprint in your newsletter or website, visit www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/resources.

Is an earthquake going to hit the Central U.S. on October 17?

The ShakeOut is only a DRILL. We are not predicting an earthquake to occur, though because the Central U.S. is a seismic region it's not impossible.

Who can participate in the ShakeOut?

Everyone! We want everyone to participate in the drill. You can register just your family, or your school, business, or organization. The best way to ShakeOut is to personalize the experience for oneself. If you will be at work at 10:17 a.m. on ShakeOut day, have your entire office practice what they would do in an earthquake. If you are at school, have your class drill. Make a plan with your family. Designate an out-of-state contact. Imagine a real earthquake and how you would actually react to it! Check out www.ShakeOut.org/centralus/register and register to participate.

Can I volunteer to help with the ShakeOut?

Yes, we will be looking for volunteer help. If you are interested, please email shakeout@cusec.org and provide contact information and what skills or resources you can provide.

How can I teach my kids to prepare?

Visit the ShakeOut guide for families. Teach your kids to Drop, Cover, and Hold On. You can also play the ‘Earthquake Game’ where when anyone says “earthquake!” everyone has to pretend an earthquake is happening and practice their response. Teach your children that they should go under a table and hold on if one is near. If they are in a room without a table, crouch against an interior wall, away from windows. Find an “earthquake-safe” location in every room of the house so they don’t try to run during an earthquake.

My company is interested in sponsoring the ShakeOut, where can I learn about sponsorship opportunities?

Please email shakeout@cusec.org and you will be contacted shortly.

Will you be utilizing ham radio? At what frequency will you be broadcasting?

If you are in the ham radio community, the real question is, what will YOU be doing? What can you organize for your community? We ask that everyone interested in participating in the ShakeOut use every tool available to them to get the word out about earthquake safety and to take the steps they would take during an earthquake as a part of the drill.

I want to reprint information found on the ShakeOut website. May I do this?

Yes, you may. However, we do ask that you send us what you’re interested in reprinting if you are interested in republishing information to a large audience, so that we can make sure that nothing is taken out of context or misrepresented. Email your request to shakeout@cusec.org.

I haven’t received anything about the ShakeOut. Am I registered?

Unfortunately you may not have received information because your email software may consider the ShakeOut emails to be "spam" and block your receiving them. The emails may be in your "junk" folder. Look for emails from shakeout@cusec.org.

I'm a reporter. Who may I call for an interview?

Please email shakeout@cusec.org or call (901) 544-3570.