NextStop Blog

When the ground starts to shake, will you be ready? Make sure you’re prepared for an earthquake by taking part in the 2017 Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 19 at 10:19 a.m. 

The Great ShakeOut is an annual drill where schools, businesses, organizations and others conduct earthquake drills at the same time. It’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to start thinking about how they would react to an earthquake and ensure that they are prepared.

Here are a few helpful tips to stay safe during an earthquake:

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps and then Drop, Cover and Hold On:

• Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
• Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table
• Hold on to it until the shaking stops

Stay indoors until the shaking stops, and you are sure it is safe to exit.

• If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines and then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the earthquake ends.
• If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

The Great ShakeOut is coordinated by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its other member and associate states, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and dozens of other partners. Visit shakeout.org to learn more about the Great ShakeOut and earthquake preparedness.