UCSD - University of California - San Diego

10/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/14/2026 14:25

Are You Prepared for an Earthquake

Published Date

October 14, 2026

Article Content

Two powerful earthquakes struck Panama last week - the latest in a series of devastating quakes to hit Latin America this year and a reminder to us here in California that our state is home to hundreds of active fault lines including the massive, 800-mile long San Andreas fault.

In 2025, UC San Diego conducted research using the tallest steel-framed building ever tested on an earthquake simulator. The 10-story, 100-foot structure experienced simulations of real earthquakes to help determine if height limits for cold-formed steel buildings could be increased.

While the risk of an earthquake happening in the Golden State is high, take comfort in knowing we're safer from earthquakes thanks to research using UC San Diego's shake table. Our earthquake simulator is one of the largest in the world and has helped to design and build safer and more resilient infrastructure.

"The UC San Diego shake table has accelerated the discovery of the knowledge engineers need to design safer new buildings, bridges, power plants, dams, levees, telecommunication towers, wind turbines, retaining walls, tunnels, and to retrofit existing structures vulnerable to earthquakes," said Joel Conte, a professor in the Department of Structural Engineering and one of the co-principal investigators at the shake table. "Ultimately, it contributes to making our communities safer and more resilient."

Research like this is absolutely critical to protecting lives. But, it's also important for everyone to actually prepare for earthquakes. One way to do this is by participating in the Great California Shakeout Drill happening on campus today, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. As part of the exercise, you can practice "Drop, Cover and Hold On" - the recommended protective action to take during an earthquake. You can also stop by the Great ShakeOut and Gear Up event at Marshall Field today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where you can learn lifesaving skills, connect with emergency management staff and find tools and resources to help you prepare for emergencies.

"I encourage everyone to stop by the Great Shakeout event and take advantage of the resources available," said Julie Jeakle, director of Emergency Management and Preparedness. But, she reminds us that preparedness isn't limited to a single event. "Simple actions, like practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On or discussing emergency procedures with coworkers, can also make a real difference," she added.

Here are four other key steps to take to help you become more earthquake-ready:

1. Create a "Go Bag" with essential supplies including food, water, medicine and personal hygiene items.

2. Assess your space. Consider how you could improve safety by securing objects that might fall, overturn or slide during shaking.

3. Develop or update your department Emergency Action Plan. These plans are integral to campuswide emergency preparedness with many procedures in the UC San Diego Emergency Guide dependent on departments following their Emergency Action Plan.

4. Sign-up to receive emergency notifications and alerts. Your UC San Diego email account is already registered to receive Triton Alert notifications but you must add your phone number if you want to receive SMS (text messaging). You can also download the free MyShake app - the statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking.

For more information on how to prepare for an earthquake or other emergencies, contact the Emergency Management Team at [email protected].

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on October 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 14, 2026 at 20:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]