This commemoration is also a call to action: by practicing simple, proven safety steps and strengthening preparedness ahead of time, we can help prevent future tragedies and reduce losses when earthquakes strike.
In an earthquake, if one must think about what to do, it can be already too late. Under stress, the thinking tends to slow or shut down completely, hence it’s crucial to have the training reflex bypass the thinking. This campaign operationalizes preparedness by transforming simple yet life-saving advice into instinctive action through habit building. Simpler said, it will help to build muscle memory together with awareness.
“Drop. Cover. Hold On” campaign is supported by the ”Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills”, annual drills organized locally around the world, designed to educate and prepare individuals for earthquake safety. ShakeOut is coordinated by the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), based at the University of Southern California.
We invite participation from governments, schools, educational institutions, workplaces, civil society organizations, and communities worldwide.
Display the “Drop. Cover. Hold on” visual signs in classrooms, workplaces and public spaces.
Illustration credits: Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills
After conducting the drill, complete the short reporting template (see below)
