The Great California ShakeOut 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time, giving millions of Californians an opportunity to practice what to do during an earthquake. Residents, students, workers, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate from home, school, work or other locations. Supported by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and earthquake preparedness partners, the annual drill focuses on three protective actions that can help reduce the risk of injury when the ground starts shaking: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
What time does the Great California ShakeOut start?
The statewide Great California ShakeOut drill is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m. PT on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Participants can practice earthquake safety at home, in classrooms, at workplaces and in other everyday settings, following any instructions provided by their school, employer or organization.
The drill is a preparedness exercise, not a prediction that an earthquake will occur at that time. Its purpose is to help people rehearse protective actions in advance so they are better prepared if a real earthquake happens.
What time is the Great California ShakeOut in Los Angeles, San Diego and other cities?
The announced statewide drill time is 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time. Residents in major California cities can use this schedule as a reference when planning their participation.
| City | Drill date | Reference start time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| San Diego | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| San Francisco | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| Sacramento | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| San Jose | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| Fresno | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| Bakersfield | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
| Oakland | Thursday, October 15 | 10:15 a.m. PT |
This table reflects the announced statewide schedule, not independent confirmation of activities in every city. Schools, businesses and local agencies may organize their own drills or additional events.
How to participate in the Great California ShakeOut 2026
You do not need to attend an in-person event to take part in the statewide drill. You can practice at home, at school or at work by following the recommended earthquake safety procedures.
The central instruction is “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” Here is how to practice:
- Drop: Get down on your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you over.
- Cover: If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, get underneath it and protect your head and neck.
- Hold On: Hold on to your shelter and remain in position until the shaking stops.
If there is no sturdy shelter nearby, stay low next to an interior wall, away from windows, and protect your head and neck with your arms.
The goal is to make these protective actions familiar before an actual emergency happens.
What should you avoid doing during an earthquake?
Emergency officials warn against running toward a doorway when the ground starts shaking. Trying to move across a room during an earthquake can cause falls and injuries, and doors can swing open or shut during strong shaking.
Keep these recommendations in mind during the drill:
- Do not run toward a doorway or attempt to leave a building while shaking continues.
- Stay away from windows and objects that could fall.
- Take cover under a sturdy table or desk when possible.
- Remain in your protective position until the shaking stops and you can safely assess your surroundings.
People who use wheelchairs or walkers should also practice how to protect themselves. When possible, wheelchair users should lock their wheels, cover their head and neck, and hold on until the shaking ends.
What should drivers do during an earthquake?
If an earthquake strikes while you are driving, emergency officials recommend pulling over to a safe location, setting the parking brake and waiting for the shaking to stop before continuing.
Avoid stopping beneath overpasses, bridges, power lines or other structures that could pose a hazard. Once the shaking has ended, assess road and traffic conditions before resuming your journey.
What should California coastal residents know about tsunami risks?
Earthquake preparedness is especially important for people who live, work or spend time near the coast. A strong or prolonged earthquake, a loud ocean roar or water that suddenly recedes can be natural warning signs of a possible tsunami.
If you are at a beach, harbor or other coastal location and notice these warning signs, move inland or to higher ground. Do not wait for an official alert if you observe natural tsunami warning signs. Follow instructions from emergency officials.
How to prepare for an earthquake in California
The ShakeOut is also an opportunity to review whether your household or workplace is ready for an emergency. Cal OES recommends taking preparedness steps before an earthquake occurs rather than waiting until a dangerous situation develops.
Here are several actions to consider:
- Secure heavy furniture: Anchor bookcases, televisions and other items that could fall during shaking.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include water, nonperishable food, medication, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and other essential supplies.
- Create a family communication plan: Decide how household members will contact one another and where they will meet if separated.
- Learn about earthquake alerts: Understand California’s earthquake early-warning system and consider downloading the free MyShake app.
- Identify hazards at home: Check for unsecured objects and other risks that can be addressed before an earthquake.
Earthquake early-warning alerts may provide a few seconds of notice before strong shaking arrives. However, the system cannot guarantee that everyone will receive an alert before shaking begins.
How to register for the Great California ShakeOut 2026
Participation in the Great California ShakeOut is free. Individuals, schools, businesses and organizations can find instructions, educational materials and earthquake preparedness resources on the official website:
https://www.shakeout.org/california/
Thursday’s statewide drill is an opportunity to practice protective actions and review emergency plans. Remember the three essential steps: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
