Community Invited To Participate in the “GREAT SHAKEOUT” October 16

PASADENA, Calif.- Following our "National Preparedness Month" in September, residents and businesses throughout Pasadena are encouraged to participate in the "Great ShakeOut" earthquake drill.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the International ShakeOut Day is set for Thursday, October 16, 2025. During the self-led drill, participants practice how to " Drop, Cover, and Hold On ". The recommended response to an earthquake is to:

• If possible, DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

• HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

• Or Adapt to Your Situation : If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

• If you are in a recliner or bed : Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.

• If you use a cane : Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.

• If you use a walker or wheelchair : LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

"Earthquakes can occur at any time wherever we work, live, or travel. While we cannot predict earthquakes, we can practice the best way to respond. Use this Shakeout drill as a reminder to revisit your go-bag or start building one and register for Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System ( PLEAS ). These are small steps towards a safer and more prepared Pasadena," notes Emergency Manager Nallely Procopio.

One of the best first steps anyone can take is building and practicing a plan that works for YOU. For tips on how to get started, revisit the month-long Preparedness Campaign shared in September on Instagram @PasadenaFireDepartment.

The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, schools, businesses, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate www.ShakeOut.org . Registration is not required to participate.

ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Statewide California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California. To be notified of upcoming preparedness trainings for 2026, please subscribe to the Pasadena Fire Department Events Calendar or follow us on Instagram @PasadenaFireDepartment. For more information about The Great Shakeout and earthquake preparedness, visit www.Shakeout.org/California