All colleges and universities within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) will take part in the 2025 Great Nevada ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake preparedness drill scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 AM. The annual event is part of an international campaign to encourage readiness and safety during earthquakes.
The participating NSHE institutions include the University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Nevada State University; College of Southern Nevada; Great Basin College; Truckee Meadows Community College; and Western Nevada College. The Desert Research Institute (DRI) will conduct its own drill on Tuesday, October 14, at 10:14 AM.
Nevada ranks as the third most seismically active state in the country. Earthquake preparedness is emphasized for all students, faculty, and staff at these institutions. During the ShakeOut drill, campuses will issue alerts through emergency communication systems instructing participants to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
The recommended actions include dropping to the ground, covering one's head and neck—ideally under sturdy furniture—and holding on until shaking ceases. The guidance also provides adaptations for individuals with mobility challenges.
Participants are encouraged to prepare by identifying evacuation routes and assembly points, securing heavy objects that might fall during an earthquake, and assembling emergency kits with essential supplies. More information about preparing such kits can be found on Ready.gov's kit guide at https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.
Students and employees are also advised to keep their contact information current in university systems such as Workday or PeopleSoft and download their campus-specific safety apps for timely updates.
Further details about the Great Nevada ShakeOut are available at https://www.shakeout.org/nevada.
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