Pasadena Joins Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill at 10:15 a.m. Thursday

The City of Pasadena will join the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. Thursday and is encouraging people throughout the city to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” the response the city recommends during an earthquake.

The drill, which follows the city’s observance of National Preparedness Month in September, is a chance to practice what to do before an actual earthquake. Taking a few minutes to practice can help protect people when it matters most, the city said in an Oct. 5 news release.

More than 10 million Californians are expected to take part in this year’s Great California ShakeOut, according to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. Last year, more than 10.4 million Californians practiced “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during the drill and other safety procedures, the California Department of Education told school leaders in an Aug. 28 letter.

The city advises people who are able to drop where they are onto their hands and knees, a position that protects against being knocked down by shaking and reduces the chance of being hit by falling or flying objects. They should then cover their head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, they should crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, they should crawl next to an interior wall, stay on their knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

The final step is to hold on until the shaking stops. Under shelter, that means holding on to it with one hand and being ready to move with it if it shifts. Without shelter, it means holding on to the head and neck with both arms and hands.

The city also listed adapted steps for people who have difficulty getting onto the ground or cannot get back up without help. People in a recliner or bed should cover their head and neck with their arms or a pillow until the shaking stops. Cane users can drop, cover and hold on, or sit on a chair or bed and cover their head and neck with both hands, keeping the cane nearby so it can be used when the shaking stops.

People who use a walker or wheelchair should lock the wheels, if applicable. Walker users should carefully get as low as possible. Both should bend over, cover the head and neck with their arms, a book or a pillow, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Several Pasadena Unified School District campuses list the drill on their Thursday calendars, including Pasadena High School, John Muir High School, Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, Field Elementary, Willard Elementary, Don Benito Fundamental, Norma Coombs Elementary, Octavia E. Butler Magnet and Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet Academy in Altadena. Pasadena High’s calendar lists an earthquake and evacuation drill during third period.

Schools can meet state earthquake drill requirements by taking part in the ShakeOut, according to the Department of Education letter, which said most will participate Oct. 15, though drills can be held on another day if necessary.

The Fire Department plans to bring a fire engine and an ambulance so attendees can see the vehicles up close and connect with local first responders, the listing says. Complimentary iced coffee will be offered while supplies last, and attendees can enter prize drawings.

Pasadena City College participates in the Great California ShakeOut drill each October, according to the college’s annual campus safety report. The report says all PCC campuses take part, with campuswide evacuations, an alert through the college’s Rave mass-notification system with instructions on what to do, and announcements over the public address system.

“No one can stop an earthquake, but everyone can take steps to be ready for one,” Amanda Morita, regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, said in a statement. Morita said the ShakeOut “gives people an opportunity to turn awareness into action by practicing simple skills that can help protect lives when seconds matter most.”

The ShakeOut began in California in 2008 and is held each year on the third Thursday of October as part of International ShakeOut Day. The city says the ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Statewide California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California.

Taking part is free, and the drill is open to the public, schools, businesses and other groups. The city asks individuals and organizations to register at ShakeOut.org, though registration is not required. More information is available at ShakeOut.org/California, and the city points residents to ready.gov for tips on building a preparedness plan.

People who want notice of upcoming preparedness trainings for the rest of 2026 and 2027 can subscribe to the Pasadena Fire Department Events Calendar or follow the department on Instagram at @PasadenaFireDepartment.