10/14/2026
Join us for the Great Washington ShakeOut tomorrow, Oct. 15th @ 10:15 a.m.! See the post below for alerts you may receive tomorrow - the list includes, but is not limited to, testing the Emergency Alert System on radio and television. Around the same time as the ShakeOut, over 120 tsunami sirens will be tested (inner/outer coast) using the actual wailing sound of a tsunami warning instead of the Westminster Chimes used during monthly tests.
On Oct. 15, 2026, students, families, neighbors and employees will drop, cover and hold on for the Great Washington ShakeOut, part of the country’s largest earthquake drill. The event also includes siren tests and evacuation drills in some schools.
At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, you’re invited to drop, cover and hold on wherever you are – whether it’s at work, home or school. Practicing builds muscle memory for when the real earthquake comes. This will help you react quicker and be safer. A drill recording is available to help with the experience.
At about the same time, more than 120 Washington tsunami sirens along the inner and outer coast will be tested using the real wailing sound of a tsunami warning, not the Westminster Chimes that are typically used during the monthly tests. PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911.
There WILL be a test of the Emergency Alert System on radio and television this year.
The Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cell phones will NOT be tested.
Those who have downloaded the free MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App on their phones will get a test. Sirens related to the Columbia Generating Station will be tested in the Tri-Cities areas and some local jurisdictions will test their reverse 911 and opt-in text alerts. NOAA Weather Radios will also sound an alarm. To make sure you’re signed up for alerts, visit https://mil.wa.gov/alerts
Lahar sirens in Pierce County will not be tested.
This year’s ShakeOut theme is “Prepared Neighbors.” After a major earthquake and/or tsunami, there will be help coming in the forms of first responders and assistance coming in from all over the country. But in the immediate aftermath of a quake, individuals and neighbors in local communities will be the first ones responding. In addition to practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On this ShakeOut, everyone is encouraged to do at least one more thing to help their neighborhood become more prepared. Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods
Registration isn’t required but it helps the state understand how effective its outreach is. It’s also free and easy to register at https://www.shakeout.org/washington
