Millions of people across Washington and around the globe are gearing up to participate in this year's International ShakeOut Day, an annual earthquake drill designed to enhance safety and preparedness for major seismic events. Scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Great Washington ShakeOut encourages individuals, families, schools, businesses, and government agencies to practice vital earthquake safety procedures.

At precisely 10:16 a.m. local time on October 16, participants are urged to perform the critical "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" action wherever they may be – at home, work, or school. This essential drill involves dropping to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and holding on until the simulated shaking stops, remaining in position for at least 60 seconds. While the primary drill is set for this specific time, organizations and individuals have the flexibility to register their ShakeOut drill for any day of the year and at a time of their choosing. Video conferencing can also be utilized to include people in multiple locations.

The main objective of the ShakeOut is to ensure Washingtonians are well-prepared for major earthquakes, using the event as an opportunity to learn what actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake. Participants should be aware that the drill will not include simulated effects such as freeway closures or power outages, unless specific notifications are issued by local government or utility companies.

Everyone in Washington is encouraged to participate, from single individuals at home to large companies in their offices. The ShakeOut is not an event that requires leaving work; in fact, participating at work is highly encouraged. The drill typically lasts about one minute for practicing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," though some organizations may conduct more extensive drills lasting an hour or even all day.

It is crucial to understand that the ShakeOut is a planned drill and not a prediction of an actual earthquake on October 16. However, as many areas of Washington are seismically active, preparedness remains paramount.

For those looking to prepare their children, resources like the ShakeOut guide for families are available, emphasizing teaching kids to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" and identifying "earthquake-safe" locations in every room. For safety during an earthquake, "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is described as the safest method, while concepts like the "Triangle of Life" are advised against due to potentially dangerous and exaggerated information.

To be counted in the ShakeOut Drill, receive email updates, and access additional resources such as posters, flyers, and web banners, individuals and organizations can sign up for free at www.shakeout.org/washington/register. As of 34 days prior to the 2025 Washington ShakeOut, 1.1 million participants have already registered. The Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), headquartered at USC, oversees these preparedness efforts