Download the MyShake App

On October 19, 2023, millions of people will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever: ShakeOut! Why? Earthquakes can happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, which is why everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. What we do to prepare now, before the next big earthquake, will determine how well we can survive and recover.

Everyone, everywhere can participate! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, government agencies and organizations are all invited to participate. Register at https://www.shakeout.org/ and join the City of Goleta in practicing how to drop, cover and hold on October 19 at 10:19 a.m.!

What To Do:

If Possible

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

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

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

HOLD ON until the 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.

Or Adapt to Your Situation

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

• If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
• If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

This is also a good reminder to download the MyShake app, a West Coast (California, Oregon and Washington) warning system that could give residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Learn more: https://earthquake.ca.gov/.