Stay Safe in an Earthquake with the Great ShakeOut

Earthquakes can happen any time, anywhere around the world. But do you know what to do should one occur? Many people don’t, which is why the Great ShakeOut is so incredibly important.

What is the Great ShakeOut?

The Great ShakeOut is a day of awareness that promotes emergency preparedness and earthquake safety. This year, it takes place on Thursday, October 17, 2019. The national event encourages participants to partake in an earthquake safety drill to understand what to do in the event an earthquake strikes. More than 14 million people in the U.S. alone are already registered for the Great ShakeOut.

Why participate?

Places all over the world are prone to earthquakes, and it’s important to know what to do if one should occur. Many people either do not know what to do during an earthquake, or they have received false or misleading information on what to do to stay safe. The Great ShakeOut aims to spread awareness of the best way to stay safe in an earthquake.

Earthquake Safety Drill - Drop, Cover, Hold On

To reduce your chances of being seriously injured during an earthquake:

• Drop to the floor on your hands and knees.
• Cover the back of your neck and head with your hands.
• If possible, crawl to take cover under a nearby desk or table. Keep one hand on the back of your neck as you crawl.
• Hold on to a table leg with one hand and continue covering the back of your neck and head with the other until shaking stops. Close your eyes and mouth to prevent dust inhalation.
• If no table is nearby, take cover next to an interior wall and remain bent over to protect vital organs. Again, close your eyes and mouth and continue protecting the back of your neck and head.

How can I get involved?

People all over the nation are partaking in this national day of awareness to promote public health and safety. Visit ShakeOut.org to register for the event. You can register as an individual, as a family, or as a business or organization.

What else can I do?

Knowing what to do during an earthquake can save your life. However, there are some other things you can do to ensure you and your family stay safe.

• Prepare an emergency kit. Especially if you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes, you should assemble an emergency kit that contains food, water, first aid items and other necessities in the event you have to evacuate due to an earthquake. Ensure all emergency supplies are in an accessible location in your home.
• Communicate a disaster plan with your family and colleagues. Review the “drop-cover-hold on” drill and let others know where to find your emergency supplies after an earthquake.
• Review your home and auto insurance policies. Make sure your insurance policies are up to date and offer adequate coverage for natural disasters.
• Secure hazardous items in your home. Large items such as water heaters and bookcases can topple over during an earthquake. Identify and secure these items to prevent injury.

Great Products for Disaster Preparedness

For all your emergency preparedness needs, you can count on Mountain House to have your back. Our meals can be made with boiling— or, in a pinch, cold water — in minutes and provide you and your family with the proper nutrition to power through the aftermath of an earthquake. Stock up on our emergency food kits today, and ensure you’re always prepared by participating in the Great ShakeOut on Thursday, October 18!