Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 AM is the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill. All over the state of Washington, schools, offices and families can practice the protocol to protect lives during earthquakes: drop, cover and hold on. When an earthquake hits some people will try to start moving to exit the building, but a safer strategy is to immediately seek cover underneath something sturdy, such as a desk. Practicing and being prepared can reduce injury and death in case of an earthquake.