Practice Earthquake Safety with Millions Around the World
Earthquakes may not be the first hazard that comes to mind in Montana, but they can and do occur throughout our state. The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to know what to do before the ground starts shaking.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations across Montana are encouraged to participate in the Great Montana ShakeOut, part of the world’s largest earthquake preparedness drill. Participants practice a simple, life-saving action: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
Why Participate?
Earthquakes can happen with little or no warning. While Montana is not known for frequent large earthquakes, the state has experienced damaging seismic events throughout its history, including the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake NW of West Yellowstone in Gallatin County.
The Great ShakeOut helps people develop muscle memory and confidence so they can react quickly and appropriately when an earthquake occurs. Practicing these actions reduces confusion, improves safety, and helps build a more resilient community.
What Should You Do During an Earthquake?
If you are indoors when shaking begins:
DROP
Get down on your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down.
COVER
Protect your head and neck and take shelter under a sturdy desk or table if available.
HOLD ON
Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with it if it shifts.
If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility lines. If you are driving, safely pull over and remain in your vehicle until the shaking stops.
Make Preparedness a Family Conversation
The ShakeOut is more than just a drill. It is an opportunity to review your household’s emergency plans and supplies.
Consider taking time to:
- Build or update an emergency preparedness kit.
- Identify safe locations in your home, workplace, and school.
- Review emergency communication plans with family members.
- Secure heavy furniture, televisions, bookshelves, and water heaters.
- Learn how to shut off utilities if necessary.
- Ensure important documents are backed up and accessible.
Preparedness actions completed today can make a significant difference during an emergency tomorrow.
Earthquake Risk in Montana
Montana experiences thousands of small earthquakes each year, though most are too small to be felt. Areas in southwestern Montana, including regions near Yellowstone and the Hebgen Lake fault system, are among the most seismically active in the state. Even communities located far from fault zones can experience shaking from earthquakes occurring elsewhere in the region.
Preparing for earthquakes is an important component of an all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness. Many of the same actions that help individuals prepare for earthquakes, such as maintaining emergency supplies and communication plans, also improve readiness for wildfires, winter storms, flooding, and other emergencies.
Register and Participate
Everyone can take part in the Great ShakeOut, including:
- Individuals and families
- Businesses
- Schools and universities
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community groups
Participation is free, and organizations can register their drills and access educational resources through the ShakeOut program. The 2026 Great ShakeOut will take place on October 15, 2026, with participants across Montana and around the world practicing earthquake safety at 10:15 a.m. mountain time.
Be Ready Before the Ground Shakes
Emergencies rarely happen when it is convenient. Taking just a few minutes to practice earthquake safety can help protect you, your family, coworkers, and community.
This October, join millions of people worldwide in the Great ShakeOut and take one simple step toward a safer, more prepared Montana.
When the ground shakes: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
For more preparedness information and resources, view more on ReadyGallatin.com.