Great California ShakeOut Tour Brings an Earthquake Simulator to Four Cities Before the Statewide Drill

Californians have four public opportunities to practice earthquake safety before the statewide Great California ShakeOut drill. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will take its 2026 ShakeOut Tour to San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego from October 12 through October 15.

Each stop runs from 6 a.m. to noon and includes a trailer that can simulate shaking up to a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Cal OES staff and subject-matter experts will also explain earthquake early warning technology and practical steps households can take before strong shaking begins.

2026 tour schedule

San Francisco — Monday, October 12: San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue.
Sacramento — Tuesday, October 13: Sacramento State University, 6000 J Street.
Los Angeles — Wednesday, October 14: UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue.
San Diego — Thursday, October 15: Plaza de Panama, 1350 El Prado.

The tour is separate from the statewide drill, so Californians do not need to visit one of the four locations to participate.

The statewide drill starts at 10:15 a.m. on October 15

At 10:15 a.m. local time on Thursday, October 15, households, schools, workplaces and organizations can practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” People who use mobility devices can practice “Lock, Cover and Hold On.” Registration is available through the official California ShakeOut website.

A five-minute check before the drill

Confirm that Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone.
Install or update MyShake if you use the app.
Identify a sturdy table or another safer spot away from windows.
Secure bookcases, televisions and other heavy items that could fall.
Review family contacts, medication needs and emergency supplies.

Earthquake early warning is not earthquake prediction. The system detects an earthquake after it has started and can provide additional time to take protective action before stronger shaking reaches some locations.

California58 maintains a guide to official California apps and digital tools, which can help residents find government services without relying on look-alike websites.

Official sources

Cal OES: The Great California ShakeOut Tour 2026
Earthquake Warning California
Cal OES MyHazards

Schedule and preparedness guidance verified against Cal OES materials on October 7, 2026. Featured graphic: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.