- Millions Worldwide Participate in Annual Earthquake Drills
- Record Participation in 2025 ShakeOut Drills Across Non-Official Regions
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Expert Guidance
- Preparation Extends Beyond the Drill: Build a Critical Supplies Kit
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Annual ShakeOut Drills Strengthen Global Emergency Readiness
Great ShakeOut Drill Unites Millions
- Millions Worldwide Participate in Annual Earthquake Drills
- Record Participation in 2025 ShakeOut Drills Across Non-Official Regions
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Expert Guidance
- Preparation Extends Beyond the Drill: Build a Critical Supplies Kit
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Annual ShakeOut Drills Strengthen Global Emergency Readiness
The Great ShakeOut has grown from a regional preparedness exercise into one of the world’s largest earthquake drills. Every year, millions of participants across the world practice simple steps that could save lives when the ground starts to move. The 2025 drill continued that momentum, uniting communities, schools, organizations, and households in a coordinated effort to improve readiness. Since earthquakes strike without warning, preparation is the most effective way to stay safe.
Millions Worldwide Participate in Annual Earthquake Drills
The Great ShakeOut started in Southern California in 2008 to help residents prepare for “The Big One.” Californians are no strangers to natural disaster preparation, and in this case, the world has taken a cue from them, making the Great ShakeOut a global event.
This annual drill now attracts millions of participants globally. As of 2025, there have been 58,520,059 (~58.5 million) participants, with over 19.3 million of those from the USA.
Globally, 59 countries have registered, including countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Greece, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, Turkey, and many more. Each country performs the drill in its local time, connecting emergency preparedness within its time zone and with the rest of the world through registration and participation.
More and more individuals are participating as people become increasingly aware of the need for emergency preparedness at home. Practicing annual drills, having an emergency kit on hand, and securing your home with a whole-home generator to keep your essential appliances running are critical steps that could save you or a loved one’s life during any natural disaster.
Record Participation in 2025 ShakeOut Drills Across Non-Official Regions
While this now world-famous drill officially originated in California, the “official ShakeOut region” was extended some time ago to include other areas of the USA, parts of Canada, and New Zealand. However, the popularity of this event has grown so much that in 2025, there are now more participants in the “non-official” regions than in the official regions.
In 2025 so far, there have been 36,512,479 participants registered in the 2025 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills in the non-official regions.
This leaves 58,520,059 - 36,512,479 = 22,007,580 from the official ShakeOut regions.
No matter where you live, if your area is prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters, you should be prepared and practice annual drills. Part of this preparation is having access to emergency power like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max. This compact, lightweight portable power station can be carried wherever needed to run lights, routers, recharge devices, and even power small appliances. This will help ensure your home and family stay safe and connected when it matters most.
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Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Expert Guidance
Earthquake drills are relatively easy and take about a minute. All the experts say the same thing: as soon as you feel the ground start to shake, all you need to remember is to “drop, cover, and hold on.” When the earth starts shaking, you don’t have time to seek interior rooms or basements as they instruct you to in tornado-prone regions. Instead, all you really can do is get down on your knees, hopefully under a sturdy desk or table, and cover your head and neck with your hands. Then, hang on to something sturdy, such as a heavy piece of furniture, a wall, or another structure, for at least one minute after the shaking stops.
When the shaking stops and your surroundings appear safe, check yourself and those around you for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. Then, check for hazards like gas leaks, fires, downed power lines, and structural damage. Stay alert for aftershocks and listen to local emergency news. If your phone battery dies, use your EcoFlow RAPID Pro X Power Bank to quickly recharge your phone, tablet, or laptop. It even has enough power to charge multiple devices at once, so you can stay connected.
Preparation Extends Beyond the Drill: Build a Critical Supplies Kit
Every household anywhere, but especially in earthquake-prone environments, should have emergency supplies on hand to keep its families safe. Each year, when you practice your earthquake drill, practice your family emergency plan and ensure everyone knows where the emergency kit is, what it contains, and what to do with it in an emergency.
3 days’ worth of non-perishable foods for every family member, including pets.
1 gallon of water per person per day, including pets.
Complete first aid kit.
Prescription medications for each family member.
Surgical masks (for first aid and dust).
Emergency whistle.
Blankets and a change of clothes for each family member.
Rechargeable LED flashlights and lanterns, or battery-operated flashlights with extra batteries.
Moist towlettes and garbage bags for sanitation.
Whole-home backup power to keep your house running when the power goes out.
Cash in case you need to evacuate.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max compact portable power station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Day Is the Great ShakeOut 2025?
The Great ShakeOut event happens on the third Thursday of October each year. In 2025, it was held on October 16, 2025, at 10:16am (local time). Next year, it will happen on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15am (local time).
How Long Does the Great Shakeout Last?
The Great ShakeOut itself only lasts about one minute, with a "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" exercise to ensure everyone knows what to do during an earthquake. However, the event usually lasts an hour or more, as there are often evacuation drills and announcements.
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Annual ShakeOut Drills Strengthen Global Emergency Readiness
The Great ShakeOut continues to highlight how simple, coordinated drills can strengthen community readiness at a global scale. With over 58 million participants in 2025, the event reinforces the value of practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” reviewing family emergency plans, and maintaining reliable supplies. Having access to reliable backup power helps keep households connected and informed during emergencies. Explore portable power solutions like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max for dependable energy when it matters most.