LOS ANGELES, CA – October 14, 2025 — The ground may not be shaking yet, but on October 16, 2025, millions worldwide will get ready for when it does. At 10:16 a.m. (local time), people in homes, schools and offices across the globe will hit the floor for the largest earthquake drill on the planet: The Great ShakeOut. The American Red Cross is ready for when the next big one strikes, but are you? Already, more than 22.4 million participants are registered globally, including 16.3 million in the U.S. and 9 million Californians. 

A Day of Action

Red Cross encourages all Angelenos to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m. Whether you're at home, work, or school, it’s a crucial opportunity to learn how to respond when the ground starts shaking.

“Preparedness is power,” said Taylor Johnson, Disaster Services Program Manager for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “ShakeOut isn’t just a morning drill — it’s a wake-up call. Every step we take now, from practicing how to Drop, Cover and Hold On to checking our emergency kits, can save lives when the earth moves.”

PRACTICE PREPAREDNESS: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON

We can’t predict the next earthquake, but we can be prepared to reduce our risks. Taking part in the Great ShakeOut offers an easy and practical way to rehearse important safety measures. Head to shakeout.org  to discover how you, your loved ones and colleagues can stay safe during an earthquake.

ESSENTIAL EARTHQUAKE SAFETY TIPS

During an earthquake, remain in place and avoid moving around unless absolutely necessary. Use these safety guidelines to keep yourself safe:

·       Indoors: Drop to the ground, cover your head and torso and hold on to something sturdy. If you're at a desk or table, get underneath it. If you're in bed, stay there, curl up and protect your head with a pillow.

·       Outdoors: Move to an open area, away from buildings, power lines, trees, or streetlights and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.

·       In a vehicle: Safely pull over to a clear spot, away from overpasses, bridges, or power lines and stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking ends. Avoid driving on damaged roads.

·       Mountainous areas: Be alert for landslides and falling debris, which are often triggered by earthquakes.

STAY INFORMED WITH RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for vital tips on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from earthquakes and other disasters. Additionally, the Red Cross First Aid app offers essential guidance for dealing with injuries when emergency help may be delayed. For even more peace of mind, consider getting trained in first aid and CPR/AED skills to help others in times of need.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.