The Great Shake Out 2025: 16 Small Steps to Strengthen Your Family’s Preparedness

The Great Shake Out 2025: 16 Small Steps to Strengthen Your Family’s Preparedness

Posted by Ola Griffin on Oct 1st 2025

Shake It Off – 16 Preparedness Ideas for October

October 16 at 10:16 a.m. local time is the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill—a reminder that disasters can strike without warning, and preparation starts at home. Whether you live in earthquake country or not, October is the perfect time to shake things up and strengthen your emergency readiness. Here are 16 preparedness ideas to tackle this month.

Earthquake Preparedness - Drop Cover & hold on16 Preparedness Ideas for October

  1. Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
     Get the whole family to practice what to do when the ground starts shaking.

  2. Check Heavy Furniture
     Secure bookshelves, cabinets, and wall hangings to prevent tipping hazards.

  3. Update Grab-and-Go Bags 
     Swap out seasonal clothes, refresh snacks, and check expiration dates.
    1. Building a "Get Home" Bag - CAR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS / GRAB-N-GO BAGS Checklist - PackFreshUSA

  4. Water Check
     Store at least 1 gallon per person per day—minimum 3-day supply. Rotate if needed.
    1. When Every Drop Counts: Emergency Water Purification Techniques - PackFreshUSA
  5. Review Family Communication Plan
     Make sure everyone knows where to meet and who to contact if cell service is down.
    1. FAMILY COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY PLANNING (add to binder)
  6. Stock Emergency Lighting and Radio
     Test emergency radio, flashlights, solar lanterns, and headlamps. Replace batteries if needed.

  7. First Aid Refresh
     Check your kit—replace expired medicines, add supplies you’ve used up. 
    1. Beyond Food Storage: Creative Ways to Use Stand-Up Pouches in Emergencies - PackFreshUSA
  8. Test Smoke & CO Detectors
     Replace batteries and make sure alarms are working. (check two times yearly April & October)

  9. Food Storage Rotation
     Use “first in, first out” to keep your pantry fresh. Re-seal bulk items in PackFreshUSA Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

  10. Create a Document Binder
     Gather copies of IDs, insurance, and medical info. Store in a waterproof pouch.
    1. EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION SHEET
    2. FAMILY COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY PLANNING
  11. Prep for Pets
     Make sure you have food, water, leashes, and meds for your furry family members.
    1. June is National Pet Prepareness Month - PackFreshUSA
    2. Pet Emergency Disaster Preparedness - PackFreshUSA
    3. Prepping For Your Pets - Dehydrating and Freeze Drying Pet Food - PackFreshUSA

  12. Cook Without Power
     Try one meal using only a grill, camp stove, or solar oven.

  13. Earthquake Safety Hunt
     Walk through your home with the kids and spot safe places (under sturdy tables, away from windows).

  14. Check Gas & Water Shutoff Tools
     Know how to turn off utilities in an emergency—keep the right wrench nearby.
    1. Shutting off gas valve - for an emergency #prepping #shtf #earthquake #viral #beprepared #shorts
  15. Test Backup Power
     Run your generator or solar charger. Make sure cords and fuel are ready.

  16. Host a “Preparedness Dinner”
     Cook a meal entirely from your food storage—then talk as a family about what worked and what you’d add.

Final Thought

Preparedness is about small, simple steps that add up to peace of mind. On October 16 at 10:16 a.m., join millions worldwide in practicing earthquake safety—and keep the momentum going with these 16 practical ideas for the month. Click the link to participate and get your job involved too. Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills - ShakeOut Social Media 

Pro Tip: Store your essentials in PackFreshUSA Mylar Bags & Oxygen Absorbers to keep them safe, organized, and ready when you need them.

Let's get shakin' and preppin',

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA

YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube 

Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos 

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