Earthquakes don’t come with a warning, and preparedness shouldn’t begin when the shaking starts.

Tomorrow, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., millions of people around the world will participate in the Great ShakeOut, an international earthquake preparedness drill.

As a disaster nurse, I’ve seen firsthand that knowing what to do during an emergency can make a difference between injury and survival. Yet earthquake preparedness is often overlooked, especially in communities where earthquakes are considered unlikely.

🚨 DROP. COVER. HOLD ON.

When an earthquake strikes:

🔹 DROP to your hands and knees before the shaking knocks you down.

🔹 COVER your head and neck. If possible, get underneath a sturdy table or desk.

🔹 HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops. If it moves, move with it.

But preparedness doesn’t stop with a drill.

🏠 Have you secured heavy furniture and objects that could fall?

🎒 Do you have an emergency kit with essential medications, water, supplies, and important documents?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Does your family have a communication and reunification plan?

🏥 Are healthcare professionals prepared to maintain patient safety and essential services when infrastructure is disrupted?

For my fellow nurses and healthcare professionals: Earthquake preparedness is more than protecting ourselves. We must also consider patients who cannot independently drop, cover, and hold on, including those who are critically ill, have mobility limitations, or depend on life-sustaining equipment.

Preparedness must account for the people who cannot simply follow standard instructions.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career in disaster response is that having a plan is not the same as being prepared to execute it.

We need to practice, identify gaps, and adapt our plans to the realities of the people and communities we serve.

🌎 Join the Great ShakeOut on October 15!

Register your participation and learn more at:
🔗 https://www.shakeout.org/

Disaster preparedness isn’t about living in fear. It’s about having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act when it matters most.

Because preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and every action we take today can make a difference tomorrow.

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