The Great ShakeOut is a global earthquake readiness program that encourages millions of people worldwide to participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. 

As the control agency for earthquakes, VICSES is leading the initiative to promote these drills in Victoria.

We encourage everyone to plan a ShakeOut drill for 15 October and practise the steps that can help you, your family and your workplace prepare. 

Practising DROP - COVER - HOLD ON could save lives.

If you feel the ground shaking:

• DROP to the ground.

• COVER your head and neck with your arms and move under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture.

• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.  
   

Geoscience Australia data suggests Victoria experiences:

• 6 earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 every year in Victoria

• 1 earthquake above magnitude 5.0 every 5 years in Victoria

• 179 earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 since 1994 in Victoria

On 21 September 2021, a magnitude 5.9 quake with epicentre in Woods Point in Northeast Victoria caused approximately $113 million in damage, including damage to shopfronts on Chapel Street in Melbourne. VICSES volunteers responded to over 100 calls for emergency assistance.  

Analysis from Geoscience Australia of felt reports showed many people did not know, or did not take, the recommended actions during an earthquake.

In the 2021 Woods Point earthquake, only 3.1% of people acted to DROP, COVER, and HOLD.

Plan your drill today, register with VICSES, and encourage others to take part. Join the worldwide readiness program the Great ShakeOut to help people learn what to do in an earthquake.

Register your ShakeOut drill so VICSES and the global ShakeOut program can track participation and share the impact of earthquake preparation.

By registering your earthquake drill with VICSES, you will also be part of the global ShakeOut movement – helping communities stay safe in earthquakes!

Our quick registration form takes just a minute to complete. 

Register Now:

VICSES and the Great ShakeOut provide a range of free resources to make planning your drill simple:

• Great ShakeOut simple drill guide

• Geoscience Australia social tiles

• Geoscience Australia: digital assets and background information

All resources are designed to support volunteers, staff, and community members to run safe and effective drills.

By joining the ShakeOut this October, you will be part of a global movement to prepare for earthquakes. No matter where you are – at school, at work, with your unit, or in the community – you can make a difference.

Start planning now: Where will you ShakeOut on 15 October?