On October 20 at 10:20am (local time) people all over the world will take part in the Great Shake Out.

It is a time to purposefully practice what you should do if you find yourself in an earthquake. Schools, business, households – everyone can participate because you never know where you might find yourself when an earthquake strikes.

Today, first responders and safety experts have the following advice if you experience an earthquake and that is to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Your instinct might be to leave a building, but the falling debris will put you and your children at greater risk. Think about it, buildings today, especially those built along earthquake fault lines, are built to withstand earthquakes of certain magnitudes so staying inside. The marvel of modern technology and advances!   

Part of preparing for the Great Shake Out is also having an emergency supply kit. Depending on the severity of the earthquake, your home may withstand the disaster but other things you need access to may be limited.   

You can also secure objects within your home and office to help you prepare. There are no cost (moving furniture and heavy items) to low cost (securing furniture and loose items) things you can do make your family safe in the event of an earthquake. 

If you aren’t sure if your child’s school, childcare center, or if your work will be participating, be sure to ask. And if they aren’t, you can register here and join the millions of others around the world who will be participating.