Key Takeaways
- Practice transforms knowledge into reflex — during an earthquake, you have 5–15 seconds to react before shaking intensifies. People who have drilled respond faster and more effectively than those who haven't.
- The Great ShakeOut is the world's largest earthquake drill, held annually on the third Thursday of October. Over 65 million people participated worldwide in 2023. Registration is free at ShakeOut.org.
- Effective drills include evaluation — a drill without a post-drill assessment is a missed opportunity. Use a checklist to identify gaps in your plan, kit, and response.
- Home drills are just as important as school and workplace drills — FEMA recommends practicing earthquake response at home at least twice per year.
- Drills should test the full sequence: Drop, Cover, and Hold On → hazard assessment → evacuation → communication plan → reunification.
- Accessibility matters — drills must account for people with disabilities, young children, elderly family members, and non-English speakers.
Introduction
An earthquake drill is a rehearsal for the real thing. It sounds simple — Drop, Cover, and Hold On — but under stress, people freeze, panic, or make dangerous decisions. They run for doorways. They try to dash outside. They stand and look around instead of taking cover.
Research from the Earthquake Country Alliance and FEMA consistently shows that practiced responses are faster and safer. The point of a drill isn't perfection — it's building the muscle memory and situational awareness that kick in when thinking clearly becomes difficult.
This guide covers how to conduct earthquake drills in three settings — home, school, and workplace — with step-by-step procedures, evaluation tools, and links to established programs like the Great ShakeOut.
The Great ShakeOut: The World's Largest Earthquake Drill
What Is the Great ShakeOut?
The Great ShakeOut is an annual, international earthquake drill organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance in coordination with FEMA, USGS, state emergency management agencies, and participating countries. It began in 2008 in Southern California and has since expanded to all 50 U.S. states and over 20 countries.
ShakeOut.org — Official Registration and Resources
When Does It Happen?
The Great ShakeOut is held on the third Thursday of October each year. In 2024, it fell on October 17. The drill officially begins at 10:17 a.m. local time, though organizations can conduct their drills at any time during the day or week.
Who Participates?
Anyone. Registration is free and open to individuals, families, schools, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. In 2023, over 65 million people registered worldwide, including:
- Over 10 million in California
- Millions across the Central U.S. (New Madrid Seismic Zone states)
- International participants in Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and elsewhere
How to Participate
- Register at ShakeOut.org/register. Registration is free and takes 2 minutes. You'll receive resources tailored to your setting (home, school, business, etc.).
- Prepare by reviewing the drill procedure, testing your emergency kit, and communicating the drill plan to everyone in your household or organization.
- Drill on ShakeOut day (or any day that works for you). Follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedure, then practice your full emergency response.
- Evaluate using the post-drill checklists provided by ShakeOut.org and in this guide.
ShakeOut Registration Statistics (Selected Years)
| Year | U.S. Participants | Global Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5.4 million | 5.4 million |
| 2012 | 19.4 million | 19.4 million |
| 2018 | 46.9 million | 65.1 million |
| 2023 | 36.8 million | 65+ million |
Source: ShakeOut.org participation data
How to Conduct an Earthquake Drill at Home
Most earthquake preparedness resources focus on schools and workplaces, but home drills are equally critical. FEMA data shows that a significant percentage of earthquake injuries and deaths occur in residential buildings, often during nighttime or early morning when people are sleeping and least prepared.
Step 1: Briefing (10 Minutes Before Drill)
Gather your household and explain the drill. For families with young children, keep the tone calm and matter-of-fact. This is practice, not fear-mongering.
Cover these points:
- We're going to practice what to do if an earthquake happens.
- When I say "earthquake," everyone will Drop, Cover, and Hold On wherever they are.
- After the shaking stops (I'll say "all clear" after 60 seconds), we'll do a safety check, then meet at our designated spot.
- Does everyone know where the safe spots are in each room?
Walk through the house and identify safe spots in every room:
- Kitchen: Under the kitchen table, away from cabinets and the stove.
- Living room: Under a sturdy desk or table. If none, against an interior wall away from windows and bookshelves.
- Bedrooms: Under a desk or beside the bed (use the bed as a shield if no desk is available). Not under a ceiling fan or near heavy wall-mounted objects.
- Bathroom: Against an interior wall, protecting head. Bathrooms are generally small and structurally compact.
Step 2: Initiate the Drill
Use a verbal cue — shout "Earthquake!" — or, for a more realistic experience, use an audio recording. ShakeOut.org provides free audio and video drill broadcasts that simulate earthquake sounds and provide timed instructions.
Step 3: Drop, Cover, and Hold On (60 Seconds)
Everyone practices the response from wherever they are at the moment the drill starts:
- DROP to hands and knees.
- COVER — crawl under a sturdy desk or table. If none is available, move to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- HOLD ON to the legs of the desk or table with one hand. Be prepared to move with it if it shifts.
- Stay in position for 60 seconds. This simulates realistic shaking duration. Use a timer.
Observe how each family member responds. Note whether children follow instructions or panic, whether everyone reaches safe cover, and how long it takes.
Step 4: Post-Shaking Assessment (2–3 Minutes)
After calling "all clear," practice these steps:
- Check yourself for injuries (simulated — narrate what you'd do).
- Check for hazards: Call out potential hazards you'd check in real life — gas smell, water leaks, structural damage, broken glass.
- Practice utility shutoff: Walk to your gas meter and rehearse (but don't actually turn off) the shutoff procedure. Do the same at your electrical panel and water main.
- Grab your go-bag/emergency kit if you'd be evacuating.
Step 5: Evacuate to Meeting Point (5 Minutes)
Practice walking to your designated meeting point outside the home. For home drills, this is typically:
- Nearby meeting point: Front yard, a neighbor's driveway, or a specific spot away from structures and power lines.
- Neighborhood meeting point: A school, park, or community center within walking distance.
Step 6: Communication Practice (5 Minutes)
Practice your emergency communication plan:
- Each family member "texts" (or actually texts) the out-of-area contact.
- Practice accessing the Red Cross Safe and Well registry.
- Verify that everyone has the emergency contact card with key phone numbers.
Step 7: Debrief (10 Minutes)
Sit down together and discuss:
- What went well?
- What felt confusing or slow?
- Does everyone know where the safe spots are?
- Is the emergency kit complete and accessible?
- Does everyone know how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity?
Review the full guide: what to do during an earthquake
How to Conduct an Earthquake Drill at School
Schools in seismically active states conduct earthquake drills regularly. California Education Code §32282 requires schools to include earthquake preparedness in their safety plans, and most districts mandate at least one earthquake drill per semester.
Before the Drill
Administrator Responsibilities:
- Notify staff at least one week in advance (unless conducting an unannounced drill to test readiness).
- Ensure every classroom has a posted evacuation map with two exit routes.
- Verify that each classroom has an emergency kit with first aid supplies, student roster, and emergency contact information.
- Brief custodial staff to unlock gates and check utility shutoffs.
- Coordinate with local fire/emergency services if they'll be observing.
Teacher Responsibilities:
- Discuss earthquake safety with students before the drill. For elementary-age children, use age-appropriate language. The ShakeOut website provides free curriculum materials.
- Identify the safe spot for each student — under desks, away from windows and heavy shelving.
- Ensure students with disabilities have individualized plans (e.g., wheelchair users may need to lock wheels and shelter in place; students with hearing impairments need visual cues).
During the Drill
Recommended Sequence:
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alarm sounds (PA announcement or school alarm) | 0:00 |
| 2 | Students and staff Drop, Cover, and Hold On | 0:00–1:00 |
| 3 | "All clear" announcement | 1:00 |
| 4 | Teachers take roll call, check for simulated injuries | 1:00–3:00 |
| 5 | Evacuate to assembly area via designated routes | 3:00–6:00 |
| 6 | Teachers report attendance to site coordinator | 6:00–8:00 |
| 7 | Site coordinator accounts for all students and staff | 8:00–10:00 |
| 8 | "Return to class" signal | 10:00 |
Key protocols during the drill:
- Teachers should carry their class roster and emergency kit when evacuating.
- Students should walk, not run, in single file to the assembly area.
- Students who are in hallways, restrooms, or the cafeteria at drill time should Drop, Cover, and Hold On where they are, then proceed to the assembly area.
- If exits are blocked (simulated), teachers should use alternate routes.
Post-Drill Evaluation for Schools
Administrators should debrief with staff using this checklist:
| Evaluation Criteria | Met? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm was audible in all areas of campus | ☐ | |
| All students achieved Drop, Cover, Hold On within 10 seconds | ☐ | |
| Teachers carried rosters and emergency kits | ☐ | |
| Evacuation was orderly and used designated routes | ☐ | |
| Full student/staff accounting completed within 10 minutes | ☐ | |
| Students with disabilities were appropriately accommodated | ☐ | |
| Simulated hazards (blocked exits, injuries) were handled | ☐ | |
| Communication system (PA, radios) functioned properly | ☐ | |
| Parents/guardians were notified of drill results | ☐ |
Resources for Teachers
- ShakeOut School Resources: ShakeOut.org/schools provides free lesson plans, drill guides, and student activities organized by grade level.
- FEMA Youth Preparedness: Ready.gov/kids offers age-appropriate materials including games, videos, and discussion guides.
- Earthquake Country Alliance: Provides the "Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety" poster series in multiple languages.
Complete guide to earthquake preparedness for schools
How to Conduct an Earthquake Drill at Work
Workplace earthquake drills are both a safety measure and, in many jurisdictions, a legal requirement. OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to maintain a safe workplace, and in seismically active regions, this includes earthquake preparedness.
Before the Drill
Emergency Coordinator Responsibilities:
- Develop or review the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP), required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.38 for most workplaces.
- Appoint and train floor wardens — one per floor or per zone, with alternates.
- Identify safe zones, evacuation routes, and assembly points on each floor.
- Ensure emergency supplies are stocked: first aid kits, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and megaphones.
- Coordinate with building management if your company is a tenant (shared buildings require building-wide plans).
- Schedule the drill and notify employees. Consider running at least one unannounced drill per year for realistic assessment.
Floor Warden Responsibilities:
- Know the locations of all emergency equipment on your floor.
- Know the evacuation routes and assembly points.
- Maintain a roster of personnel on your floor, including visitors.
- Know the locations of employees with disabilities who may need evacuation assistance.
During the Drill
Recommended Workplace Drill Sequence:
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drill alarm or PA announcement | 0:00 |
| 2 | All employees Drop, Cover, and Hold On | 0:00–1:00 |
| 3 | "All clear" announcement | 1:00 |
| 4 | Floor wardens sweep their areas, check for hazards | 1:00–3:00 |
| 5 | Evacuation via stairwells (no elevators) | 3:00–8:00 |
| 6 | Assembly at designated outdoor point | 8:00–12:00 |
| 7 | Floor wardens report headcount to coordinator | 12:00–15:00 |
| 8 | "Return to work" signal | 15:00 |
Special workplace considerations:
- Employees on the phone or in meetings should still participate — this tests realistic conditions.
- Employees in server rooms, labs, or manufacturing areas may need specialized protocols (e.g., securing hazardous materials before evacuating).
- High-rise buildings should practice floor-by-floor evacuation to prevent stairwell crowding. In buildings over 10 stories, full evacuation can take 20–30 minutes.
- Designate a media/visitor staging area separate from the employee assembly point.
After the Drill: Workplace Evaluation
| Evaluation Criteria | Met? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All employees knew to Drop, Cover, and Hold On | ☐ | |
| Floor wardens performed sweep within 2 minutes of all clear | ☐ | |
| Evacuation routes were clear and usable | ☐ | |
| No one used elevators | ☐ | |
| Complete headcount achieved within 15 minutes | ☐ | |
| Employees with special needs were assisted appropriately | ☐ | |
| Emergency supplies were accessible and functional | ☐ | |
| Communication equipment (radios, PA) functioned | ☐ | |
| Visitors and contractors were accounted for | ☐ | |
| Assembly point was safe and clearly marked | ☐ |
Resources for Employers
- OSHA Emergency Action Plans: OSHA Emergency Preparedness provides standards and templates.
- FEMA Business Preparedness: Ready.gov/Business includes free planning guides and toolkits.
- ShakeOut at Work: ShakeOut.org/business offers workplace-specific drill guides and registration.
Running Effective Drills: Best Practices
Frequency
FEMA recommends at least two earthquake drills per year for households and workplaces. Schools in California are required to conduct them more frequently. The key is regularity — annual drills allow skills to deteriorate.
| Setting | Recommended Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Twice per year | Once during day, once at night or early morning |
| School | Per state requirements (typically 1–2 per semester) | California requires quarterly safety drills |
| Workplace | Twice per year minimum | Include at least one unannounced drill |
| High-hazard workplace (labs, manufacturing) | Quarterly | Include specialized shutdown procedures |
Make Drills Realistic
The more realistic the drill, the more useful it is. Consider adding these elements after your household or organization has mastered the basics:
- Night drill: Conduct a drill with lights off and flashlights only. This simulates a nighttime earthquake with power outage.
- Blocked exit drill: Designate one exit as "blocked" and require use of alternate routes.
- Simulated injury: Assign someone a simulated injury (broken arm, unable to walk) and practice carrying or assisting them.
- Communication blackout: Practice your plan without cell phones to simulate network failure.
- Full kit deployment: Actually open your emergency kit, test the flashlight, check water and food expiration dates, and test the NOAA radio.
Include Everyone
Drills must be accessible and inclusive:
- Young children (ages 2–5): Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On as a game. Use the "turtle" metaphor — curl up like a turtle going into its shell. Repeat practice builds familiarity and reduces fear.
- People who use wheelchairs: Lock wheels, bend forward, cover head and neck. If possible, move under a sturdy desk.
- People with visual impairments: Pair with a buddy during evacuation. Keep emergency supplies in a consistent, known location.
- People with hearing impairments: Use visual cues — flashing lights, vibrating alerts, or physical taps to signal the drill.
- Non-English speakers: Provide drill instructions in relevant languages. The ShakeOut website offers materials in over 10 languages.
Post-Drill Assessment: The Step Most People Skip
A drill without assessment is practice without improvement. After every drill, complete an evaluation. The following master checklist combines home, school, and workplace elements — use the sections relevant to your setting.
Universal Post-Drill Evaluation Checklist
| Category | Question | Yes/No | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Response | Did everyone Drop, Cover, Hold On within 10 seconds? | ||
| Response | Did everyone know their nearest safe spot? | ||
| Response | Did anyone run for a doorway or outside? (These should be corrected.) | ||
| Evacuation | Were evacuation routes clear and functional? | ||
| Evacuation | Did evacuation happen in an orderly manner? | ||
| Evacuation | Were all people (including visitors) accounted for? | ||
| Communication | Did the communication plan work (texts, contact calls)? | ||
| Communication | Does everyone have the out-of-area contact number? | ||
| Supplies | Is the emergency kit accessible and in its designated spot? | ||
| Supplies | Are all supplies within expiration date? | ||
| Supplies | Are flashlights working and batteries fresh? | ||
| Utilities | Does everyone know how to shut off gas, water, electricity? | ||
| Utilities | Is the gas shutoff wrench accessible? | ||
| Special needs | Were people with disabilities appropriately assisted? | ||
| Special needs | Were young children calm and following instructions? | ||
| Documentation | Has the drill been recorded/logged for future reference? |
Sources
- Earthquake Country Alliance. "The Great ShakeOut." ShakeOut.org
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Earthquakes." Ready.gov — Earthquakes
- FEMA. "Ready Kids: Earthquakes." Ready.gov/Kids
- FEMA. "Ready Business." Ready.gov/Business
- United States Geological Survey (USGS). "Earthquake Hazards Program." USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). "Emergency Preparedness and Response." OSHA Emergency Preparedness
- American Red Cross. "Safe and Well." Red Cross Safe and Well
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "Earthquake Preparedness." Cal OES
- Earthquake Country Alliance. "Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety." Seven Steps
- California Education Code §32282 — Comprehensive School Safety Plans.