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International ShakeOut Day

Join millions around the world and participate in International ShakeOut Day - practice your earthquake drills, stay safe, and spread awareness!

Thursday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in October

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your dancing shoes on and join the world in celebrating International ShakeOut Day on the third Thursday of October! This day is dedicated to raising awareness about earthquake safety and preparedness. It was first launched in 2008 and has since grown into a global movement, with more than 28 million people taking part in the annual event each year. So take a moment to shake it out and learn some essential tips for staying safe during an earthquake. It's never too late to be prepared!

TIMELINE

International ShakeOut Day Timeline

Inception of ShakeOut Day

International ShakeOut Day was first launched to inform the public about earthquake safety and the importance of disaster preparedness.

International Expansion

The event expanded internationally, encouraging global participation in earthquake drills and safety education.

Japan Earthquake Awareness

After a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, the significance of ShakeOut Day was highlighted to promote readiness for such disasters.

Record-Breaking Participation

A record number of over 55 million global participants joined in earthquake drills, making it the largest ShakeOut Day event to date.

Virtual ShakeOut

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, International ShakeOut Day was marked with virtual drills and online safety workshops, further marking its adaptability and significance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International ShakeOut Day

Learn about earthquakes

Research the history of earthquakes and how they occur. Understand what to do if one should happen in your area.

PRACTICE

Practice earthquake drills

Practice “drop, cover, and hold on” with your family, friends, and coworkers to be prepared for an earthquake.

MAKE

Make a plan for earthquakes

Develop an emergency plan for you and your family. Include meeting places and communication plans.

SECURE

Secure items in your home

Anchor tall furniture and other heavy items in your home that may be at risk of falling during an earthquake.

CHECK

Check your supplies

Make sure you have enough food, water, and other necessary supplies to last at least three days in the event of an earthquake.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International ShakeOut Day is Important

Promotes community involvement

International ShakeOut Day encourages everyone to participate and come together as a community. By having everyone actively participate worldwide not only helps spread awareness but also strengthens our sense of collective responsibility and builds stronger ties between people which increases overall preparedness levels should a natural disaster occur.

It educates and raises awareness

International ShakeOut Day is a great opportunity to educate individuals on earthquake safety. It promotes awareness around the world about the importance of preparing for an natural disaster, such as an earthquake and staying safe during one.

Prepares people for an emergency

International ShakeOut day provides an opportunity for people to practice various responses that would need to be taken in the event of an earthquake. This includes dropping to the ground, taking cover underneath furniture, or moving away from windows or other hazardous areas.