Great ShakeOut – Public Outreach Event
The Great Oregon ShakeOut
October 16, 2025
About
October 16 is ShakeOut – the world’s largest earthquake drill! ShakeOut happens on the third Thursday of October every year. It is an annual opportunity to practice how to protect yourself during an earthquake. As soon as you feel shaking or get an earthquake early warning alert, you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
CRESCENT is partnering with University of Oregon Safety and Risk Services, the Oregon Hazards Lab, and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History to host a series of events during ShakeOut week.
ShakeOut Events at the University of Oregon
Monday, October 13
Drop, Cover, and Hold table
Where: Fish Bowl in the EMU
When: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
What: Stop by the Drop, Cover, and Hold table in the EMU fishbowl for quick tips, resources, and table-top earthquake simulator.
Wednesday, October 15
Lunch and Learn: Get Ready for The BIG One! Earthquake Preparedness
Where: EMU 231/232 Cedar + Spruce Room, University of Oregon, 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
When: 12:00-1:00 PM
What: A free, interactive presentation to learn about the risks posed by earthquakes and what you can do to be prepared. An interactive presentation for UO students, faculty, and staff. Participants will learn about earthquakes, the types of damage to expect, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and the steps individuals can take to be more prepared on campus and at home. It will include a brief “drop, cover, and hold” drill as part of the Great Oregon ShakeOut and interactive activities that allow participants to engage in preparedness.
No registration is needed for UO students.
Thursday, October 16
UO Alert Delivery
When: 10:16 AM
What: University of Oregon Safety & Risk Services will send a UO Alert at 10:16 AM reminding everyone to participate in the ShakeOut drill. The UO Alerts system provides emergency-related information to the campus community.To sign-up text one of the campus codes (UOEUG, UOPDX, or UOOIMB) to 333111.
It’s Time to ShakeOut!
When: 10:16 AM
What: The Great Oregon ShakeOut is officially at 10:16 AM. At this time, millions of people across the world will participate in earthquake drills at their workplace, school or home. If you have downloaded MyShake (a free app that is powered by the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System), you will also get a test alert at 10:16 am encouraging you to Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
Walk and Talk at the MNCH
Where: Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH)
When: 2:00 PM
What: What should you do when the ground starts to shake? Join Kelly Missett from the Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) for a special walk-and-talk on International ShakeOut Day. Learn about earthquake safety and how you can be ready if an earthquake strikes.
Event Sponsors
Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT), Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ), University of Oregon Safety and Risk Services, and Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
Additional Resources
The Great Oregon ShakeOut is an important reminder of the high earthquake risk in the Pacific Northwest and the other ways that people can build their resilience. Taking steps to get prepared will ensure that you are warned before a disaster occurs, stay safe while it unfolds, and have access to basic necessities and communication with loved ones after it ends. Check out these resources to learn more earthquake preparedness tips.
Local Eugene/Springfield resources for individual preparation and training:
Oregon Department of Emergency Management
City of Eugene Emergency Management
City of Eugene Preparedness Resources
City of Springfield Emergency Management
Lane County Emergency Management
Lane County Emergency Preparedness Training
Lane County Emergency Management Events and Activities
EWEB Emergency Water Stations
EWEB Preparedness Resources
Emergency preparedness news and events: check your local neighborhood association and Whole Community News.
