Why You Should Participate in the 2026 Great Utah Shake Out
On April 16, 2026, thousands of Utahns will take part in the Great Utah ShakeOut—a
statewide earthquake preparedness drill designed to save lives.
Utah sits along the Wasatch Fault, one of the most active seismic zones in the country. Experts agree: it’s not a matter of if a major earthquake will occur, but when. The ShakeOut offers a simple but powerful opportunity to prepare.
Practice What Saves Lives
The core of the ShakeOut is learning and practicing the three essential steps:
1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
In a real earthquake, these actions can significantly reduce your risk of injury from falling objects, collapsing structures, or loss of balance. Practicing them—even once a year—helps build muscle memory so you can react quickly when it matters most.
2. Preparedness Starts with Awareness
Participating in the ShakeOut is more than a drill—it’s a reminder to take stock of your readiness. Do you have an emergency kit? A communication plan? Do you know how to support older adults, neighbors, or family members who may need extra assistance?
For communities focused on aging and caregiving, this is especially important. Older adults are often more vulnerable during disasters, and preparation can make the difference between safety and serious harm.
3. Strengthening Community Resilience
The ShakeOut brings together schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and families across Utah. When we prepare together, we recover faster together. This collective effort strengthens not just individual readiness, but the resilience of our entire state.
Take One Minute That Matters
The drill takes less than a minute—but the impact can last a lifetime.
Join the 2026 Great Utah ShakeOut on April 16 and take a simple step toward protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions © 2024 Earthquake Country Alliance
Earthquake Country Alliance: Welcome to Earthquake Country!
(What to do when you are not near a desk or table – see link above)