Schools have many key roles during disasters, and when they are well prepared all Californians benefit. Also, by holding their earthquake drills on the same day, they inspire the participation of many other Californians. In 2010, nearly 5 .5 million students and staff participated!
The boxes below provide instructions for how schools and districts can plan their drill, tips for getting prepared, and suggestions for sharing the ShakeOut with others.
Letters of Support from County Superintendents
| Not a school or district? |
Which schools are participating? |
Most of the children at Escondido Christian School were at the normally scheduled recess. When they heard the sound of the "Earthquake" played on their PA, they all moved away from buildings, and dropped to the ground. When the shaking stopped everyone evacuated, just as they have practiced during regular fire drills. Every class was checked and everyone was accounted for.
ShakeOut Flyer For Schools
(1.4 MB PDF)
Today:
Between now and October 20:
October 20, 10:20 a.m.:
There are many things schools and districts can do to evaluate and increase their earthquake preparedness before the ShakeOut.
Start by downloading a self-survey for your planning purposes to check your current level of preparedness and get ideas on how to better prepare your school or district for California’s next big quake.
Then review the School Preparedness Information page for steps to improve preparedness.
Visit MyHazards (California Emergency Management Agency) to discover the hazards that exist in your area and learn how to reduce YOUR risk!
Encourage your employees to get ready at home so they can remain at school with students, or return to school quickly: The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety is a good source for things individuals and families can do to prepare.
Provide non-English speaking employees or families with written preparedness information in their language.
Learn to access and use California Integrated Seismic Network earthquake tools. CISN identifies the strength and location of earthquakes to assist you in making response decisions.