LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2026 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region will join earthquake scientists, emergency management officials, educators and preparedness partners for Southern California’s flagship Great California ShakeOut media event at Fremont High School in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

As more than 10 million Californians are expected to participate in this year’s Great California ShakeOut, the Fremont High School event will provide media with powerful visuals, live interview opportunities and hands-on demonstrations showcasing how schools, families and communities can better prepare before the next major earthquake strikes.

“No one can stop an earthquake, but everyone can take steps to be ready for one,” said Amanda Morita, regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “At the Red Cross, we work every day to help communities prepare for the worst before it happens. The Great ShakeOut gives people an opportunity to turn awareness into action by practicing simple skills that can help protect lives when seconds matter most. The more we prepare today, the more resilient our communities will be tomorrow.”

Hosted by the Earthquake Country Alliance in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, the event will feature a campus-wide earthquake drill, student evacuation exercise, preparedness exhibits, expert interviews and ReadyAmerica’s popular Big Shakerearthquake simulator.

Event Information
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026Location: Fremont High School, 7676 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90003Event Hours: 4 a.m. to noon
Why This Event Matters

The Great California ShakeOut is the nation’s largest earthquake preparedness drill, bringing together millions of Californians each year to practice life-saving earthquake safety actions. This year’s Southern California flagship event at Fremont High School will showcase how students, families and communities can prepare for earthquakes before disaster strikes. Participants can learn more and register at ShakeOut.org/california.

Event Highlights

The event will feature:

Live interview opportunities with Red Cross preparedness experts, earthquake scientists and emergency management leaders beginning at 4 a.m.ReadyAmerica’s Big Shaker earthquake simulator, available throughout the morning for demonstrations and interviews.A multiagency press conference from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.A schoolwide ShakeOut exercise at 10:15 a.m., featuring a Drop, Cover and Hold On drill and campus evacuation.Preparedness exhibits and resource booths offering practical earthquake safety information and emergency planning tools.
Red Cross Preparedness Resources

The Red Cross will be on-site throughout the event, helping attendees learn how to prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies through emergency planning, preparedness education and disaster readiness resources.

English and Spanish speaking Red Cross representatives will be available to discuss earthquake preparedness, family emergency plans, preparedness kits and community readiness initiatives.

To arrange interviews with a Red Cross preparedness specialist, contact:

Mimi Teller at mimi.teller2@redcross.org or (213) 347-4775.

About the Great California ShakeOut

The Great California ShakeOut encourages people to practice earthquake safety and take simple steps to prepare before the next major earthquake. Through drills, training and preparedness education, participants learn how to protect themselves and build more resilient communities.

Earthquake Safety

We can’t predict the next earthquake, but we can be prepared to reduce our risks. Taking part in the Great ShakeOut offers an easy and practical way to rehearse important safety measures. Head to shakeout.org to discover how you, your loved ones and colleagues can stay safe during an earthquake.

Essential Safety Tips

During an earthquake, remain in place and avoid moving around unless necessary. Use these safety guidelines to keep yourself safe:

Indoors: Drop to the ground, cover your head and torso and hold on to something sturdy. If you’re at a desk or table, get underneath it. If you’re in bed, stay there, curl up and protect your head with a pillow.Outdoors: Move to an open area, away from buildings, power lines, trees, or streetlights and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.In a vehicle: Safely pull over to a clear spot, away from overpasses, bridges, or power lines and stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking ends. Avoid driving on damaged roads.Mountainous areas: Be alert for landslides and falling debris, which are often triggered by earthquakes.
Stay informed with the Red Cross Emergency App

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for vital tips on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from earthquakes and other disasters. Additionally, the Red Cross First Aid app offers essential guidance for dealing with injuries when emergency help may be delayed. For even more peace of mind, consider getting trained in first aid and CPR/AED skills to help others in times of need.