Thousands of Alpine School District students joined the rest of the state Thursday morning for the Great Utah ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake drill designed to instill life-saving habits. The annual event provides a coordinated opportunity for schools to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedures, ensuring both children and staff are prepared for a major seismic event.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
A typical drill will begin with an announcement over the PA system.
“We all got under our desks,” said Tevita Langi, a 7th-grader at Lake Mountain Middle School. “A couple of students didn’t until our teacher told them to join the rest of us, and then we were all under our desks.”
During a drill, and in the event of a real earthquake, students are taught to:
Drop where they are, onto their hands and knees;
Cover their head and neck with one arm and hand and crawl under a desk, table, or doorway for shelter; and
Hold On until the shaking stops.
Easy-to-remember procedures give students something to do, which helps keep them calm in times of crisis.
“Watching my students show leadership, preparedness, and control is heartwarming and inspiring as their teacher,” said Carol Winkleman, a 5th-grade teacher at Central Elementary. “They are taking responsibility for what they can control in an emergency, as well as help their classmates through it. It helps me picture what their future selves will be like when hardships come along the way.”
Student Safety is a Practiced Skill
Schools are required to conduct an earthquake drill at least annually, the the Great Utah ShakeOut is a good opportunity to practice as a district and coordinate lessons.
“Emergency drills are essential for ensuring that students and staff are familiar with standard response protocols and procedures in the event of an emergency,” said Brett Robertson, an assistant principal and safety specialist at American Fork High School. “By practicing these routines, individuals are better prepared to respond calmly, confidently, and without hesitation, helping to maintain safety for everyone on campus.”
“We all kind of know what to do in an earthquake from elementary school, but it’s good to practice,” added Langi.
“The most prepared schools are those that run through drills often, with intent, and discuss what can be improved for the next time,” said Winkleman. “I want nothing more than for my students to return home safely after every school day, so we have to have solid, effective, and intentional plans to make that happen through any situation.”
Why the Great Utah ShakeOut Matters
Ninety percent of Utah's population lives in active earthquake zones, according to state earthquake experts.
Large earthquakes are possible anywhere in Utah, but they are most likely in a seismic belt which includes Utah County. A magnitude 6 earthquake occurs once every 15 to 20 years in the state.
The Great Utah Shakeout is an opportunity to learn together as a district.
“When everyone participates in the Great ShakeOut at the same time, it creates a shared learning experience,” said Robertson. “It builds consistency, raises awareness, and creates a sense of urgency and realism.”
Emergency preparedness is an important element in the educational experience because students excel when they feel safe and welcome. By participating in the ShakeOut, schools reinforce a secure environment where safety protocols become second nature.
“We never know when life is going to unexpectedly change, but feeling prepared helps us feel empowered,” said Winkleman. “We can feel confident that if something were to change in the middle of math, my students will know how to respond and the staff can feel confident that they will care for the students at the school.”