The 2026 Great Shakeout

The Great Shakeout: Are you and your insurance ready for the next big earthquake?

The 2026 Great ShakeOut is a reminder for Washington, Oregon and Idaho residents to prepare for earthquakes — and make sure their insurance coverage is ready, too.

Earthquakes happen almost daily in the Pacific Northwest, though most are too small to be widely noticed. But what if a major earthquake struck tomorrow? Would you know what to do? And would your home, belongings or business be financially protected?

On Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. local time, people across Washington, Oregon and Idaho are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Great ShakeOut, an annual earthquake preparedness drill that reminds everyone to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

The Great ShakeOut is an opportunity for families, schools, businesses and communities to practice earthquake safety and review emergency plans. It's also an important reminder that standard insurance policies typically don't cover earthquake damage.

"Now is the time to plan and to take action before disaster strikes," said Kenton Brine, president of NW Insurance Council. "Practicing earthquake safety, having a disaster response plan for yourself and your family, and reviewing your insurance coverage can make all the difference when a major quake hits."

Earthquake Risks Across the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest faces some of the highest earthquake risks in the United States.

One of the region's most significant threats is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a major fault system stretching from Vancouver Island to Northern California. This fault is capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and devastating coastal tsunamis.

While Washington and Oregon face significant risks from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, Idaho is also seismically active, with several major fault lines running through the central and eastern parts of the state.

Scientists cannot predict exactly when the next major earthquake will occur, but residents throughout the Northwest should understand the potential risks and prepare accordingly.

"The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a serious threat to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest," Brine said. "While we can't predict when the next major earthquake will occur, we know the potential consequences could be devastating. Without adequate insurance coverage, families and small businesses could face significant financial losses."

Does Your Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?

One of the most important steps in earthquake preparedness is understanding what your insurance does — and doesn't — cover.

Many homeowners, renters and business owners may be surprised to learn that earthquake damage is not covered by most standard property insurance policies.

Here's what Northwest residents should know:

• Homeowners, renters and business insurance: Most standard policies exclude damage caused by earthquakes. Earthquake insurance may be available through a separate policy, an endorsement to an existing policy or a specialty insurer.
• Tsunami damage: Standard property insurance policies generally exclude flooding caused by tsunamis. Coverage is typically available through a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or certain private insurers.
• Auto insurance: Damage to vehicles caused by earthquakes is generally covered if the policy includes optional comprehensive coverage.

Earthquake insurance coverage, deductibles and costs vary. Contact your insurance agent or company to discuss available options and determine what protection makes sense for your home, belongings or business.

Five Ways to Prepare Before an Earthquake Strikes

Earthquake preparedness doesn't have to be complicated. Taking a few practical steps today can help protect your family and make recovery easier after a disaster.

1. Review your insurance coverage. Talk with your insurance agent or company about earthquake and flood insurance. Understand your coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions before a disaster occurs.

2. Create a family emergency plan. Identify safe places in your home, establish meeting locations and plan multiple evacuation routes. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if an earthquake strikes.

3. Build an emergency supply kit. Keep enough supplies to support your household for 3 to 14 days, including:

• Drinking water and nonperishable food
• Flashlights, batteries and a weather radio
• First aid supplies and medications
• Pet food, water, medications and essential supplies such as leashes, carriers and waste bags
• Copies of important documents and insurance policies
• Extra clothing, blankets and basic tools

4. Know how to shut off utilities. Learn how to safely shut off gas, electricity and water when necessary. Contact your utility providers for instructions.

5. Create a home inventory. Take photos or videos of your belongings and document valuable items with receipts and serial numbers. Store a digital copy somewhere you can access if your home is damaged.

During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold On

When the ground starts shaking, knowing how to react can help prevent injuries.

• DROP to your hands and knees.
• COVER your head and neck and, if possible, take shelter beneath a sturdy table or desk.
• HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops.

If you're indoors and no sturdy furniture is nearby, stay low and protect your head and neck with your arms.

If you're driving, pull over to a safe location, stop and set your parking brake. Avoid stopping beneath overpasses, bridges or power lines.

Join the Great ShakeOut on October 15

The Great ShakeOut is a simple way to practice earthquake safety at home, work or school. Residents throughout the Northwest can learn more and register to participate through their state's Great ShakeOut website:

• Washington: Great Washington ShakeOut
• Oregon: Great Oregon ShakeOut
• Idaho: Great Idaho ShakeOut

For additional emergency preparedness information, visit your state's emergency management agency:

• Washington Emergency Management Division
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Idaho Office of Emergency Management

Prepare Today, Protect Tomorrow

Earthquakes can strike without warning, but preparation can make a meaningful difference in how families and communities respond and recover.

This year's Great ShakeOut is a reminder to practice earthquake safety, update emergency plans and review insurance coverage before disaster strikes.

Don't wait for the ground to shake to find out whether you're prepared.

For more information about home, auto and business insurance, visit NW Insurance Council.