Santa Barbara County encourages all community members to participate in this year’s Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness event, 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.
The annual drill is a chance for everyone to practice simple, protective actions and strengthen personal and household earthquake readiness, organizers said.
ShakeOut is an opportunity for residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to refresh their plans: securing living and workspaces; practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On; and ensuring emergency kits and communication plans are up to date, organizers said.
“Recent activity across California and beyond remind us that earthquakes don’t give warnings, and preparedness can start with small actions practiced consistently,” said Stacy Silva, interim director of the County Office of Emergency Management.
“The Great ShakeOut on Oct. 15 is a hands‑on way to build the habits that keep us safe when the shaking begins,” she said.
The Earthquake Country Alliance outlines key steps that all residents should take before an earthquake:
- Identify hazards in your home or workspace and secure items that could fall or cause injury.
- Create an emergency plan, including how you’ll communicate with family members if separated.
- Organize emergency supplies in a place that is accessible after a disaster.
- Reduce potential financial impacts by securing important documents, reinforcing your home, and considering earthquake insurance.
- If you feel shaking or receive an alert, take action immediately: Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On, or Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On for anyone using mobility devices.
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management urges all residents to use earthquake early warning tools. Even alerts received without noticeable shaking can provide critical seconds to prepare and protect yourself, the county said.
The county encourages residents to sign up for and share trusted warning systems: California uses the Earthquake Early Warning System, to notify the public seconds to tens of seconds before the shaking starts, allowing users the opportunity to take life-saving actions.
• MyShake App – A free app (Google Play and Apple App Store) that sends alerts based on your “Home Base” location, even without active location services.
• Android Earthquake Alerts – Android phones with updated operating systems are automatically subscribed to Android Earthquake Alerts, which uses the same technology as the MyShake App.
• iPhone Government Alerts – Enable Emergency Alerts in Settings → Notifications to receive earthquake warnings.
• ReadySBC Alerts – Local notifications issued when additional hazards or protective actions may follow an earthquake. Sign up at ReadySBC.org.
Learn more about California’s Earthquake Early Warning tools at California Earthquake Early Warning Information. Sign up for local alerts and find earthquake preparedness information at ReadySBC.org.
Those not already registered for emergency alerts can sign up at ReadySBC.org and receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.