Are You Ready for the 2024 Great Oregon ShakeOut?

On October 17th millions of people across the globe will participate in International ShakeOut Day, the world’s largest earthquake drill. To learn more about it and how you can participate, read on.

What is the Great Oregon ShakeOut?

At precisely 10:17 am, join fellow Oregonians in practicing earthquake safety with the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique. Wherever you are at that moment—home, work or school—simulate the actions you would take if a major earthquake hit. To really immerse yourself in the experience, stay in position for at least 60 seconds.

Why is it Important to Participate?

The main goal of the Great Oregon ShakeOut is to prepare us for major earthquakes. Because they strike with little to no warning, knowing what to do before, during and after is crucial for ensuring safety. By practicing in a realistic setting, you can evaluate your preparedness and make necessary improvements. Here’s some good things to know about how the drill works:

• Timing and Participation: While the official ShakeOut time is 10:17 am on October 17, you can register your drill for any day of the year, at a time that suits you. You can even include participants from multiple locations via video conferencing!
• Who Can Participate? Anyone in Oregon can join—from single individuals at home to major companies. Schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies and faith-based groups are all encouraged to join.
• Integration with Daily Activities: You don’t have to leave work or school to participate. Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On wherever you are and encourage others to do the same.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

Your preparation can also go beyond the drill itself. Here are a few tips from the Earthquake Country Alliance’s Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety guide to help you prepare before the next big earthquake:

• Secure Your Space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
• Plan to Be Safe by creating an emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate during and after an earthquake.
• Organize Emergency Supplies in convenient locations around your home or workplace.
• Minimize Financial Hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property and considering insurance coverage.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

The Great Oregon ShakeOut is more than just a drill; it’s an opportunity to foster a culture of preparedness, ensure the safety of yourself and others and demonstrate leadership within your community. We’ve marked our calendars for October 17 so that we can join this worldwide movement toward greater earthquake readiness.

To learn more about how you can participate, go here. Together, we can make Oregon a safer place for everyone.