International ShakeOut and 20th Annual Communitywide Disaster Drill

Published on September 29, 2025

ShakeOut TM

Following the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) "National Preparedness Month" in September, individuals and communities throughout California and internationally will participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.

Held annually on the third Thursday of October, International ShakeOut Day is set for Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:16 AM.  During the self-led drill, participants practice the life-saving “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique. 

The Proper Earthquake Response

Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake follows three critical steps: 

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying debris.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until shaking stops.

  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

"While damaging earthquakes here may be fewer in number when compared to other areas of the world, they can occur at any time wherever we work, live, or travel within the region and beyond," explains Deputy Fire Chief Roger Braum. "Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves from an earthquake."

Culver City's Enhanced Community Response

The City of Culver City is going to take the “ShakeOut” one step further by conducting their Annual Communitywide Disaster Drill, now in its 20th year of operation, at 7 PM on October 16. 

For several years, the City has led a comprehensive campaign to educate and inform residents about the critical importance of emergency preparedness and disaster planning. This Annual Communitywide Disaster Drill, held on the same day as the California Great ShakeOut, represents the culmination of these ongoing efforts and provides an invaluable opportunity for collaboration between professional first responders and community volunteers. The drill allows the Culver City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Culver City Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CCARES) team to practice their emergency protocols alongside community members, creating a coordinated citywide response.

How to Participate in the Evening Drill

To join the 7 PM community drill on October 16:

  1. Simulate an earthquake by practicing "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"
  2. Activate your family or business disaster plan (if you don't have one yet, visit the Culver City Emergency Preparedness webpage and download a preparedness checklist — it's never too late to start!)
  3. Signal your status once you've confirmed your family is safe by placing an "OK" sign(PDF, 313KB) in a window or door most visible from the street or public right-of-way

This visual system enables first responders to quickly identify which households and businesses are secure and which may need assistance.

Additional Training Opportunities

Residents interested in expanding their emergency preparedness skills can take advantage of a FREE Hybrid CERT course offered through the University of Utah School. This flexible program allows participants to complete portions of the training from home while gaining valuable skills for emergency response. For questions about the CERT program, contact CulverCityCERT@culvercity.org.

Learn more about the Annual City-Wide Disaster Drill

Tagged as:
Back to top