About International Shakeout Day

DESCRIPTION:

INTERNATIONAL SHAKEOUT DAY PROMOTES EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

International ShakeOut Day is a global earthquake preparedness drill to educate the public on protecting themselves during an earthquake. The event, organized by the ShakeOut campaign, seeks to instill lifesaving practices through the simple yet effective "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" protocol. Around the world, at the local time coinciding with the date (e.g., 10/17 = 10:17 AM), businesses and schools run an earthquake drill.

The primary goal of International ShakeOut Day is to increase awareness about earthquake safety and preparedness. Participants practice taking immediate protective actions to minimize injuries and fatalities during an earthquake. This annual drill also encourages individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations to review and update emergency plans and supplies.

"Earthquakes can happen without warning, and knowing how to react can save lives," said Sarah Thompson, spokesperson for the ShakeOut campaign. "International ShakeOut Day is a crucial opportunity to practice and reinforce these protective actions."

BEST PLACE TO SHELTER DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

Indoors—Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over, cover your head and neck with your arms, and take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk. Hold on until the shaking stops. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows and cover your head and neck.

Outdoors—Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck.

If you are in a vehicle, Pull over to a clear area away from overpasses, bridges, and buildings. Stay inside the car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.

The importance of International ShakeOut Day extends beyond the immediate actions during an earthquake. It serves as a reminder to prepare in advance to limit the impact of earthquakes. Preparation steps include:

Securing heavy items—Fasten bookshelves, mirrors, and other heavy objects to walls to prevent them from falling.

Creating an emergency kit—Assemble supplies such as water, food, medications, and first aid materials to sustain your household for at least 72 hours.

Developing a family emergency plan: Ensure all family members know how to communicate and where to meet if they are separated.

Practicing the drill—Regularly practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique to reinforce muscle memory.

"Preparation is key to reducing the risk of injury and damage during an earthquake," Thompson added. "By participating in ShakeOut drills and taking preventive measures, communities can enhance their resilience and safety."

For more information on International ShakeOut Day and resources on earthquake preparedness, visit the ShakeOut campaign website or follow #ShakeOut on social media platforms.

TEN MOST POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES RECORDED BASED ON THEIR MAGNITUDE

1960 Valdivia Earthquake - Magnitude 9.5

—Location: Valdivia, Chile
—Date: May 22, 1960

1964 Great Alaska Earthquake - Magnitude 9.2

—Location: Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
—Date: March 27, 1964

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami - Magnitude 9.1

—Location: Off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia
—Date: December 26, 2004

2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami - Magnitude 9.1

—Location: Near the east coast of Honshu, Japan
—Date: March 11, 2011

1952 Kamchatka Earthquake - Magnitude 9.0

—Location: Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
—Date: November 4, 1952

2010 Maule Earthquake - Magnitude 8.8

—Location: Offshore Maule, Chile
—Date: February 27, 2010

1906 Ecuador-Colombia Earthquake - Magnitude 8.8

—Location: Offshore Esmeraldas, Ecuador
—Date: January 31, 1906

1965 Rat Islands Earthquake - Magnitude 8.7

—Location: Rat Islands, Alaska, USA
—Date: February 4, 1965

2005 Nias–Simeulue Earthquake - Magnitude 8.6

—Location: Off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia
—Date: March 28, 2005

1957 Andreanof Islands Earthquake - Magnitude 8.6

—Location: Andreanof Islands, Alaska, USA
—Date: March 9, 1957

These earthquakes are some of the most devastating in recorded history, causing significant loss of life, property damage, and lasting impacts on the affected regions.