What and When is the Great ShakeOut?
The Great ShakeOut is an international initiative for earthquake preparedness. Millions of people worldwide will participate in this annual earthquake drill at work, school, and even home. This scheduled drill is a great way to practice and prepare for what to do when an earthquake strikes. Coast Community College District is a proud participant in the Great ShakeOut.
This year's Great ShakeOut is on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th, 2026, at 10:15 a.m.
How will this be communicated beforehand?
OCC Public Safety has partnered with our Marketing department to provide information regarding the Great ShakeOut via the following avenues:
- Creation of a dedicated Public Safety webpage for the Great ShakeOut
- Email notification using appropriate listserv information
- Posters in common areas of campus buildings
- Social media posts
- Messaging through Slate
- RAVE Alert’s on the day of the event
How will I be notified?
RAVE Alert is the emergency notification system utilized by the Coast Community College District (including Orange Coast College). RAVE gives OCC Public Safety the ability to send out mass notifications regarding emergency situations and/or other important information via text and/or email. OCC Students, Faculty, and Staff are automatically enrolled in RAVE Alert using the contact information listed in their self-service employee portal. All staff and students currently enrolled in a class at Orange Coast College will receive "RAVE Alerts".
What will happen during the Great ShakeOut?
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in the state-wide earthquake drill whether you are on campus or at home.
The campus community will receive a “RAVE” alert message on their cell phones and email. This alert message will prompt everyone to “DROP, LOCK, COVER, and HOLD ON”. Hold in place for a minute from when you received the message. You will remain in place until an “ALL CLEAR” message is received. Upon receiving the “ALL CLEAR“ message, you will safely evacuate the building and will be directed to your designated assembly area on campus by your instructor and/or designated Building Marshals. (Message delivery time may vary depending on location, WiFi connection, and cell phone service provider.)
What will happen during the evacuation drill?
At 10:15 a.m., “RAVE“ Alert System will send out mass messaging prompting the start of the drill. Messages will be sent via email, text message and Campus Wide Public Address System announcement will be made to all students, faculty, and staff. In addition, Building Marshals will assist students, faculty, staff, and visitors in evacuating the buildings as they make their way to the exit. After safely evacuating the building, all individuals should go the assembly areas, as directed by the Building Marshals.
At approximately 10:25 a.m., a second mass message will be sent out indicating an “ALL CLEAR” to conclude the evacuation drill, and normal activities can resume.
The evacuation drill will include a test of the Orange Coast College “RAVE” Alert System and engaging fire alarms in instructional and select administrative buildings across campus. The drill will help students, faculty and staff become more familiar with Orange Coast College emergency preparedness and emergency procedures.
What does "Drop, Cover, Hold On" Look Like?
What to do in the event of an Earthquake (videos)
- Earthquake Guidance When Near a Sturdy Desk or Table
- Earthquake Guidance When in Stadium or Theater
- Earthquake Guidance When You're Driving
- Earthquake Guidance for People with Mobility Disabilities
How can I prepare for an Earthquake?
The Earthquake Country Alliance has developed 7 steps to help you prepare, survive, and recover from an earthquake.
- Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items
- Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate.
- Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations
- Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage.
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions such as Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On - if you feel sharking or get an alert
- Improve Safety, after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
- Reconnect and Restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
To learn more, go to Earthquake County Seven Steps for more details.
View a one-page Seven Steps guide [PDF].