World’s largest earthquake drill slated for Oct. 15
Media Contact: Steven Friederich, Public Information Officer for Washington Emergency Management Division at steven.friederich@mil.wa.gov or (253) 344-0253
On Oct. 15, 2026, students, families, neighbors and employees will drop, cover and hold on for the Great Washington ShakeOut, part of the country’s largest earthquake drill. The event also includes a tsunami siren test and evacuation drills in some schools.
As of Oct.6, 1.4 million people have registered for the drill.
At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, you’re invited to drop, cover and hold on wherever you are – whether it’s at work, home or school. Practicing builds muscle memory for when the real earthquake comes. This will help you react quicker and be safer. A drill recording is available to help with the experience.
At about the same time, more than 120 Washington tsunami sirens along the inner and outer coast will be tested using the real wailing sound of a tsunami warning, not the Westminster Chimes that are typically used during the monthly tests. PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911.
There WILL be a test of the Emergency Alert System on radio and television this year.
The Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cell phones will NOT be tested.
Those who have downloaded the free MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App on their phones will get a test. Sirens related to the Columbia Generating Station will be tested in the Tri-Cities areas and some local jurisdictions will test their reverse 911 and opt-in text alerts. NOAA Weather Radios will also sound an alarm. To make sure you’re signed up for alerts, visit https://mil.wa.gov/alerts
Lahar sirens in Pierce County will not be tested.
This year’s ShakeOut theme is “Prepared Neighbors.” After a major earthquake and/or tsunami, there will be help coming in the forms of first responders and assistance coming in from all over the country. But in the immediate aftermath of a quake, individuals and neighbors in local communities will be the first ones responding. In addition to practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On this ShakeOut, everyone is encouraged to do at least one more thing to help their neighborhood become more prepared. Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods
Registration isn’t required but it helps the state understand how effective its outreach is. It’s also free and easy to register at https://www.shakeout.org/washington
Locate a local school, business or agency participating using this searchable database.
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