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2021 International Shakeout Day

2021 International Shakeout Day

International ShakeOut Day is observed on the third Thursday every October. This is the day to practice earthquake safety drills so that you are prepared when the ground starts shaking. Earthquakes can strike at any time, from varying intensities, so it never hurts to know what to do when the ground starts shaking.

There are three simple steps for an Earthquake drill.

Drop. Cover. Hold on.

What does this mean? Let’s break it down.

Drop - Cover - Hold On

Drop.

This simply means to safely drop to the floor if the shaking starts while you’re indoors. If you are sitting or standing somewhere, get down on your hands and knees at floor level. Why drop to the floor? This is to prevent yourself from getting knocked down by any especially intense shaking. Stay down while the shaking is going on, and don’t get up again until the shaking has stopped.

Cover.

If you can, get cover under a sturdy table or desk. Otherwise, cover your head and neck with your arms tightly until the shaking has completely stopped. This is to protect you from items falling on you from the ceiling, walls, or nearby furniture. 

Hold on.

If you are under a desk or table or near another heavy piece of furniture, hold onto it for the entire duration of the shaking.

For an earthquake drill, it is recommended to perform these three actions together for an entire minute. During an intense earthquake, the shaking can last for this length of time. Following these steps gives you the highest chance of emerging from an earthquake unscathed.

Check out this helpful video from the official ShakeOut Youtube channel:

Stay Safer

Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies for everyone in your household, and make a communication plan with your friends and family in case of disaster. Secure any taller, top-heavy furniture to the walls they lean against to prevent any toppling in case of heavy shaking. Make your home and workspace safer with safety solutions from American PERMALIGHT®.

Emergency Kit

At American PERMALIGHT® we believe in preparedness and life safety. We hope this information helps you be prepared for a future earthquake. 

Resources

Get more ideas and sign up to participate in the Great Shakeout Event at Shakeout.org.

Want to see the latest earthquakes that have been happening all over the world? Check out the USGS earthquake map here.

American PERMALIGHT® - Guide & Protect - Since 1988