Office of Emergency Management urges Anchorage to join Oct. 16 ShakeOut earthquake drill

The Anchorage Office of Emergency Management asked municipal leaders on Sept. 3 to promote participation in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, recommending Oct. 16 as the day for organizations and residents to practice the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" response.

Amanda Loach (Office of Emergency Management) said earthquakes are a "no‑notice" hazard in Anchorage and that the ShakeOut campaign helps build muscle memory across workplaces, schools, houses of worship and neighborhoods. "If every municipal department, school and business knows exactly what to do, we will save lives and speed recovery," she said, noting that ShakeOut resources and multimedia materials are available at shakeout.org.

Loach said Anchorage had more than 54,000 registered participants and organizations as of the meeting and encouraged municipal departments to register and model preparedness exercises. The presentation urged simple actions — conducting a one‑minute Drop‑Cover‑Hold On practice, reviewing evacuation and business continuity plans, and promoting ShakeOut messaging in public communications.

No formal action was taken; emergency management staff said they would coordinate promotional materials and outreach with departments and community partners.