Guam will soon take part in the world’s largest earthquake drill, the Great ShakeOut. On Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:17 a.m. (ChST), participants will practice the earthquake response procedure; “Drop, Cover and Hold On” from wherever they are. The drill will last for one minute.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) encourage all residents to increase earthquake preparedness and response by practicing how to protect themselves during an earthquake and how to ensure an earthquake disaster does not become a catastrophe. The ShakeOut participation provides the opportunity to evaluate emergency plans, increase awareness of earthquake safety, and improve resiliency within your community.

To participate in this year’s ShakeOut, residents can register online at https://www.shakeout.org/guam/. The ShakeOut website provides drill manuals, tips on earthquake safety and other resources for developing a disaster plan. Residents may register as an individual, family, school, business, or other group and are encouraged to share photos of their ShakeOut experience on the Great Guam ShakeOut website.

Island residents will join nearly 50 million ShakeOut participants worldwide; from areas such as the U.S., Hawaii, British Columbia, CNMI, New Mexico, Japan, Puerto Rico, and other various regions.

For more information, contact Acting Public Information Officer Stephen Cahill at (671) 489-9517 or via email at stephen.cahill@ghs.guam.gov.