Annual earthquake simulation drill scheduled for Oct. 15
An international earthquake simulation drill is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15. Campus community members in West Lafayette and Indianapolis are encouraged to participate in this voluntary activity that is part of 2026 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.
The drill will take place at 10:15 a.m. and is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to practice what to do in the event of an actual earthquake.
“While significant earthquakes are not common in Indiana, they can still happen with little or no warning. Knowing what to do before one occurs is essential for campus community members,” said Jefferson Howells, director of Emergency Preparedness. “The annual drill provides an opportunity to practice the appropriate response and reinforce important procedures.”
Howells says during an earthquake, DROP to the floor under a desk or table or in a doorway, COVER your head and face with your arms and HOLD on. Stay away from windows, shelves and heavy equipment. If outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, overhead wires, parking garages and other structures. More information is available in the Emergency Procedures Guide.
A PurdueALERT will not be issued during the drill.
Those unable to participate in the drill are encouraged to hold discussions about earthquake procedures to help spread awareness.
Emergency Preparedness is part of Administrative Operations. The organization supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Ensuring campus community members are prepared for the event of an actual earthquake is just one of the ways the organization helps power Purdue. To learn more about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Purdue Administrative Operations on Facebook.