Wanna shake things up some? You can experience a simulated 7.0 magnitude earthquake before the campus tests its WarnMe emergency alerting system during the Great California ShakeOut next week.

The California Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, will bring its shake trailer to the West Quad on Monday, Oct. 13, on its tour to promote earthquake safety and the ShakeOut drill coming up at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16.

You’re invited to step into the shake trailer during its visit from early morning until early afternoon. Chancellor Gary S. May plans to stop by in the late morning.

As part of the ShakeOut on Oct. 16, WarnMe test messages will encourage recipients to actually drop, cover and hold on — what emergency management experts agree is the appropriate action to take in an earthquake. The drill will last a few seconds, and there will be no follow-up message.

The ShakeOut website provides guidance about the drill. The Earthquake Country Alliance, which organizes the state ShakeOut, recommends seven steps for earthquake safety including things to do before, during and after an earthquake and a version tailored to college students.

Test messages

UC Davis will send its test alerts by email to students and employees, all of whom are automatically registered to receive alerts through their UC Davis email, and by text message to those who have mobile numbers in their WarnMe contact information. 

Also receiving text messages will be groups at the Bodega Marine Lab, the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and Continuing and Professional Education as well as others who have subscribed to the alerting system.

More about WarnMe

WarnMe messages provide information and directions regarding emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life and safety. Aggie Alert messages, sent using the same system and contact information, provide notification about events on and around Davis campus facilities that may cause disruption to normal activities.

Emergency officials encourage employees and students to add up to five personal email addresses and mobile numbers and keep them up to date by clicking on “Edit My WarnMe Information” on the WarnMe website.