The global coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and go to school. Every day, we are confronting old and new challenges. But earthquakes are still happening all around us.

Did you know that more than 4,000 earthquakes have struck the continental United States since Jan. 1, 2020? Most of these earthquakes have occurred in the West, but also in other parts of the country as well.

One thing is for certain: ShakeOut is also still happening on Oct.15, and we are all in this together!

If you’re not familiar, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) ShakeOut is an annual global earthquake drill targeting more than 20 countries, and it is aimed at preparing individuals to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake.

The 2019 AKDN ShakeOut campaign reached over 1.5 million people with live “Drop, Cover and Hold On” drills, preparedness messages on earthquake hazards, and guidelines to secure the property against damage. Participating AKDN countries include Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United States.

This year, Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA is encouraging the community to participate in the largest global earthquake drill by registering at www.shakeout.org and joining over 28.1 million people across the world as we “Drop, Cover and Hold On!”

Remember, earthquakes can happen at any time—even during a pandemic. It is vital to be prepared!

Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind:

• Hazard Hunt: Do a “hazard hunt” around your home or workspace for items that might fall during earthquakes and secure them. Identify and correct any issues in your home’s structure.
• Make a Plan: Complete or update your family emergency plan’s evacuation routes. If an earthquake occurs, you may need to evacuate your home or building.
• Build a Kit: Organize or refresh your family emergency kits and a go-bag in case you need to evacuate.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for local and national emergency alerts including: FEMA & RedCross
• Practice, practice, practice: “Drop, Cover and Hold On”
• More information on preparedness actions are at www.focus-usa.org/shakeout

This year, whether you will be conducting the ShakeOut drill at home, work, or school, ensure you are following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, and implement any other necessary protective measures. 

The AKDN has been participating in the ShakeOut Drill since 2011. This initiative was conceived as part of AKDN's collaboration with California's Office of Emergency Services under the Agreement of Cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of California. It is coordinated through FOCUS.

Let’s ShakeOut together online at www.shakeout.org and www.focus-usa.org/shakeout.