The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is urging all residents, schools, and businesses to join millions of people worldwide for the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m.
While many believe Arizona is immune to earthquakes, the state has over 100 active faults and experiences hundreds of small tremors each year. The Arizona Geological Survey notes that a major earthquake is a low-probability but high-consequence risk for the state. This makes practicing life-saving procedures a critical part of emergency preparedness.
The risk is present here in Yavapai County, which is home to several significant fault lines, including the Big Chino Fault and the Verde Fault. The Verde Fault is considered capable of producing a magnitude 6.5 to 7.0 earthquake, which could cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
“Knowing that major faults exist right here in our county, we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County Emergency Manager. “An earthquake can happen without any warning. The Great ShakeOut provides a simple, effective way for every family, business, and school to build the muscle memory needed to react correctly and protect themselves.”
At 10:16 a.m. on October 16, participants are asked to practice the internationally recognized safety protocol:
- DROP to the ground before the earthquake drops you.
- COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk.
- HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops.
YCOEM encourages residents to use the drill as a catalyst for further preparedness, such as creating a family emergency plan, building a disaster kit, and securing heavy furniture, water heaters, and other items that could fall during shaking.
Individuals and organizations can register for free HERE
For more information on local preparedness for all hazards, please visit the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management website at www.yavapaiready.gov.
