What Was the Great ShakeOut 2017
The Great ShakeOut 2017 was a global earthquake drill on October 19, 2017, organized to teach Drop, Cover, and HoldOn as a practical response to shaking. It built on earlier drills in California and expanded into a multihazard exercise in the United States and internationally, emphasizing readiness at individual, organizational, and community levels. The event aligned with National Preparedness Month and highlighted the value of regular, scenario based practice for schools, businesses, and households.
Purpose and Core Objectives
Drop, Cover, and HoldOn as Standard Protocol
Drop, Cover, and HoldOn is the recommended action to reduce injury during earthquakes. The drill reinforced this behavior through timed practice and post‑exercise discussions. By repeating the routine, organizations and communities strengthened muscle memory and clarified roles.
Risk Awareness and Communication
ShakeOut events aim to make seismic risk visible, improve evacuation and shelter procedures, and test communications. Planners used the 2017 edition to review alerts, reunification plans, and accessibility considerations for people with disabilities or limited mobility.
Global Participation and Scale
Participation in the Great ShakeOut 2017 spanned multiple countries, with millions registering to practice. Registration data helped organizers estimate regional engagement and identify gaps in future outreach. While exact movement counts vary, the event is widely cited as one of the largest coordinated earthquake drills worldwide.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | October 19, 2017 | Official ShakeOut records |
| Scope | International, multi‑region drill | Participation reports |
| Primary Method | Drop, Cover, and HoldOn practice | Program guidelines |
| Context | Linked to National Preparedness Month | Coordinating documents |
Notable Details and Outcomes
ShakeOut 2017 encouraged detailed after‑action reviews, highlighting what worked well and where improvements were needed. Schools and businesses used the event to test evacuation routes, shelter capacity, and accessibility. Media coverage and partner announcements helped sustain public interest beyond the drill day.
Practical Applications for Organizations
Planning and Evaluation Checkpoints
- Define clear evacuation and shelter plans for each location.
- Assign roles for guides, first aid, and communications.
- Test accessibility for people with mobility or sensory needs.
- Schedule regular drills and document lessons learned.
Communication and Public Messaging
Organizations used consistent messaging before, during, and after ShakeOut to reduce confusion. Templates for emails, briefings, and signage helped align participants with recommended actions and reporting procedures.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
The Great ShakeOut 2017 demonstrated how large scale, low cost exercises can improve readiness without requiring specialized equipment. Its frameworks remain applicable, supporting updated protocols, new risk awareness tools, and integration with other hazard scenarios. The annual cadence of ShakeOut events sustains momentum and allows incremental improvements over time.
How to Use This Information
Communities and workplaces can reference the 2017 model to design their own drills, incorporating current guidance and local hazard information. By combining practice, evaluation, and communication, organizations turn a single event into a durable culture of preparedness.