Why Should You Participate?

We all must get better prepared for major earthquakes, and also practice how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both.

While the potential earthquake hazards you will experience depend upon your location (see below), everywhere in California is considered at high risk compared to the rest of the country.

We all have reasons that we have, or have not, prepared for earthquakes. The box at lower right suggests reasons why you may choose to participate in the ShakeOut, links to how different groups can participate, and what is happening in your county.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Flyers, Posters, Videos, and other ShakeOut Materials

Designed for the original ShakeOut in 2008, the ShakeOut Scenario is a detailed picture of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake along the southern San Andreas fault. The Scenario is also the basis of 2009 ShakeOut activities in Southern California, and is a product of the United States Geological Survey, Multi-Hazard Demonstration Project, led by Dr. Lucy Jones.

Greater San Francisco Bay Area Fault and earthquake maps, shaking hazard maps, liqufaction maps, and other information
United States Geological Survey, Northern California

North Coast Earthquake and Tsunami information
Redwood Coast Tsunami Workgroup

Fault maps, historic earthquakes, how the ground is expected to shake, and much more
California Geological Survey (CGS)

Forecast of California Earthquakes
Southern California Earthquake Center, USGS, and CGS

Earthquake Shaking Potential Map of California (Dec. 2008)
California Geological Survey (CGS)

Maps of recent earthquakes, ShakeMaps for larger earthquakes, email notification, and more
California Integrated Seismic Network

Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards and Mitigation Information
California Emergency Management Agency

Why is it important to do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? As with anything, to react quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you.

You should participate if:

You know that life-saving actions that must be done instantly, such as drop, cover, and hold on, must be practiced often.
You want to use the ShakeOut as a reason for getting prepared now.
You were invited to register by someone you know, and you want to join them.
You are excited that so many people are working together to prepare California!

As a registered ShakeOut participant you will:

Be counted in the largest earthquake drill ever!
Be included on lists of who is participating in your area
Be an example that motivates others
to participate and get prepared
Be updated with ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness

How you can participate:

Information for your County:

Southern California Earthquake Center @