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International ShakeOut Day

International ShakeOut Day

International ShakeOut Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of October every year. ShakeOut Day is a reminder to practice and prepare for earthquakes, as they usually strike when the general public is least expecting them. In the State of California where earthquakes are extremely common, it’s even more important to consistently practice earthquake safety drills.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

The common and early refrain learned in school-age children in earthquake-dense regions is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This means as soon as you start feeling the beginning rumble of an earthquake:

  1. DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees
    1. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby
  2. COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand
    1. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
    2. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
    3. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
  3. HOLD ON until shaking stops
    1. Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
    2. No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands

Practice Safety

Make sure your personal safety kit (ideas on what to put in your kit can be found at this resource from Ready.gov) is prepared and in an easy-to-find location.

Prepare a communication plan with your friends and/or family in case members become separated during a larger earthquake event. If it is possible, plan a central safe location where everyone can join up in the event of widespread cellphone disruption.

Create safety in your home. Secure heavy furniture or picture frames that may become a toppling hazard during intense shaking. Move heavier objects to ground level to prevent unnecessary danger in case it gets knocked off a shelf or countertop. American PERMALIGHT® has home safety solutions to fit your needs.

Additional Resources

Want more ideas on how to practice earthquake safety for International ShakeOut Day? Click the links below for printouts and guides for your family, work, and beyond.

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