Great Montana Shake Out-Earthquake Preparedness

The main goal of the ShakeOut event is to get Montanans prepared for major earthquakes, so use the ShakeOut as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Each time an earthquake occurs in Montana, the news media and public asks, “Does Montana have earthquakes?” Short answer: Yes!  In comparison with California, Nevada, and Utah, major earthquakes here are infrequent. But each year, hundreds of earthquakes do occur in and around Montana. Taking steps now to prepare your family and home will help mitigate the effects of moderate to severe earth shaking.  The Great Montana ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes

The ShakeOut Drill is scheduled for 10:21 a.m. on October 15 (International ShakeOut Day). This means that wherever you are at that moment—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.  To learn more about the Great Montana Shake Out – click here.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations all agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. The ShakeOut is our opportunity to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes. This page explains what to do– and what not to do.

Lewis and Clark County Disaster and Emergency Services

DES mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment through preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation planning and activities.