Gov. Gianforte, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Encourage Montanans to Participate in Great Montana ShakeOut

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte and Montana Disaster and Emergency Services today encouraged Montanans to participate in the annual Great Montana ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Currently, over 30,000 individuals and agencies in Montana have registered to participate in this year's drill.

The free, self-led drill gives Montanans an opportunity to practice the lifesaving actions of Drop, Cover, and Hold On and strengthen preparedness for earthquakes and other emergencies.

"Preparedness begins with knowing what to do before an emergency occurs," Gov. Gianforte said. "By participating in the Great Montana ShakeOut, Montanans can take a few minutes to practice earthquake safety and help protect their families, coworkers, students, and communities."

During an earthquake, Montanans should:

• Drop to their hands and knees to avoid being knocked down and reduce the risk of injury from falling objects.
• Cover their head and neck. If a sturdy desk or table is nearby, crawl underneath it. If no shelter is nearby, move next to an interior wall and protect your head and neck.
• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a desk or table, hold on to it. If no shelter is available, use both arms and hands to protect your head and neck.

Montanans who cannot safely get to the ground should adapt the drill to their circumstances.

"Earthquakes can occur without warning, and the actions people take in the first moments can save lives," said Betsy Ross, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Preparedness Bureau Chief. "The Great Montana ShakeOut is an easy, practical way for Montanans to prepare themselves, their families, and their workplaces."

Montana has a history of damaging earthquakes, particularly in the mountainous western third of the state. The 1935 Helena earthquake sequence damaged much of downtown Helena, while the magnitude 7.2 Hebgen Lake earthquake near Yellowstone in 1959 triggered the Madison Canyon landslide, created Earthquake Lake, and killed more than two dozen people.

The Great Montana ShakeOut is free and open to individuals, families, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and community organizations. Montanans can register their household, school, workplace, agency, or organization at ShakeOut.org/Montana . Registered participants receive drill-planning resources and preparedness information to help prepare for earthquakes and other disasters.

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