Clark County is leading the effort to prepare Nevadans for a potential earthquake by promoting the Great Nevada ShakeOut drill scheduled for Thursday at 10:15 a.m. The county’s public‑safety office has asked every household to set aside a minute to practice the proven “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method.
Why the drill matters
Nevada ranks among the nation’s most seismically active states, and a sudden tremor can catch people off guard. By rehearsing the simple steps—dropping to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy table or desk, and holding on until the shaking stops—residents dramatically increase their chances of staying safe.
How to participate
The drill will last exactly 60 seconds. When the clock strikes 10:15 a.m., anyone who is indoors should immediately get under a solid piece of furniture, stay away from windows, and remain in place until the timer ends. The exercise is designed to be quick, easy, and effective for families, seniors, and schoolchildren alike.
Registration numbers show strong community response
More than 680,000 Nevadans have already signed up for the statewide event, with nearly 520,000 of those registrations coming from Clark County alone. Those figures reflect a growing awareness of earthquake risk and a willingness to act on safety recommendations.
Expert advice from the Nevada Seismological Laboratory
Dr. Kyren Bogolub, a seismologist with the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, joined News 3 to stress the importance of preparedness. He explained that while earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty, the damage caused by a sudden jolt can be mitigated when people know how to protect themselves.
“The best defense against injury is a simple, practiced response,” Dr. Bogolub said. “When you instinctively drop, cover, and hold on, you reduce the risk of being struck by falling objects or glass.
Community leaders back the initiative
County officials highlighted that the drill aligns with broader public‑safety goals, including emergency‑services coordination and school‑district readiness. By encouraging participation now, the county hopes to embed the safety routine into daily life, making it second nature when an actual quake occurs.
What families can do next
Residents are urged to review their home’s safety plan, identify sturdy tables or desks in each room, and discuss the drill steps with children. Local schools and businesses are also encouraged to incorporate the practice into their daily schedules.
For more information on how to register or to access safety resources, visit the Clark County official website or follow the county’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
