Preparing for the Great ShakeOut: Beyond Duck, Cover, and Hold

Why Participate in the Great ShakeOut?

The Great ShakeOut is the world’s largest earthquake drill, and it’s designed to be more than a simple practice of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” While this basic action remains at the center of earthquake response, the ShakeOut also offers schools and organizations an opportunity to integrate broader preparedness strategies into their routines. This year’s International ShakeOut Day is on October 17, 2024, and it offers a perfect chance for schools to make earthquake drills a valuable learning experience.

Why Is the Great ShakeOut so Important?

The idea behind the ShakeOut is to create a sense of urgency around earthquake preparedness, using decades of research to promote actionable safety steps. The science behind earthquakes tells us that while we can’t predict when the next big one will hit, we know they are inevitable – particularly in regions like California, which sits on an active fault line.

The Great ShakeOut serves as a reminder that being unprepared isn’t an option. And while drills with only a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” element are still worth practicing, the most successful drills incorporate real-world challenges that help schools identify gaps in their emergency plans.  

How Can Your School Make the Most of the Great ShakeOut?

For schools looking to upgrade their ShakeOut experience, here are some ideas to consider:

• Create a Scenario: Introduce a scenario for the drill that challenges students and staff to think critically. For example, incorporate blocked exits, injured classmates, or a loss of power. Use your best judgment to keep these elements trauma-informed and age appropriate while adding an extra layer of complexity and skill development. 
• Practice Reunification: This is a great opportunity to practice, or at least discuss, how students will be reunited with their families after an earthquake. Schools can set-up their reunification stations, practice the flow of communication and verification procedures, and help staff learn their roles during reunification.
• Integrate Technology: Add a test of your emergency notification system (ENS) into the drill to explore how they might be used during and after an earthquake. Testing mass notification systems, parents alerts, and mobile incident management apps can help to identify any gaps in your emergency communication plan.
• Learn About Earthquake Science: Incorporate the drill into a unit on the science of earthquakes. Bring in local geologists, show videos on tectonic plate movements, or have a science class discuss earthquake probabilities and faults specific to your region. This can provide context for students that helps emphasize why preparedness is so important. 
• Review Post-Earthquake Protocols: Some schools may need to evacuate following an earthquake based on the characteristics of, and impact to, school buildings. This is a good time for key decision makers (think Incident Commanders) to review the evacuation criteria and the building’s earthquake readiness. Conduct a walk-thru of your post-emergency building inspection protocols and make sure that multiple evacuation locations have been identified. 

Getting Involved

Participating in the ShakeOut is simple, yet profoundly impactful. Schools can register at ShakeOut.org and pledge their involvement. Registered participants receive free resources, including planning tips and ideas for making the drill more engaging. On October 17, 2024, schools around the world will drop, cover, and hold for one minute, but that’s just the start. Use this year’s ShakeOut as a teachable moment for your school community, and reach out if you’d like to learn more!