California emergency officials are taking proactive measures to boost disaster readiness by bringing a mobile earthquake simulator to four major cities across the state. Organized by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the Great California ShakeOut Tour runs from October 12 through October 15, 2026. This initiative educates residents on seismic safety and highlights the importance of earthquake early warning technology ahead of a statewide drill.
The interactive mobile tour gives the public a firsthand experience of intense seismic activity. According to Cal OES, the specialized earthquake simulation trailer reproduces violent shaking comparable to a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Alongside the physical demonstration, emergency specialists and subject matter experts are on-site to provide guidance on protective actions and showcase the state’s Earthquake Early Warning system.
Tour Schedule and Locations
Public activities and simulator experiences for all four city stops are scheduled from 6:00 a.m. to noon. The 2026 tour route includes university campuses and public spaces to ensure accessibility for students, families, and local communities:
- San Francisco: Monday, October 12, 2026, at San Francisco State University (1600 Holloway Avenue).
- Sacramento: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Sacramento State University (6000 J Street).
- Los Angeles: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the University of California, Los Angeles (405 Hilgard Avenue).
- San Diego: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park (1350 El Prado).
Leading Up to the Great California ShakeOut Drill
The four-city tour directly precedes the annual Great California ShakeOut, a massive statewide earthquake drill scheduled for 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. During the drill, millions of Californians practice critical, life-saving protective actions such as “Drop/Lock, Cover and Hold On.”
State officials stress that because California is located in an active tectonic region, public awareness and daily preparedness are vital. The tour also highlights tools like the free MyShake app, smartphone-based alerts, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) that deliver seconds of advance warning before strong seismic waves arrive.
Residents interested in participating in the statewide drill or accessing educational resources can register their participation and download preparedness toolkits through the official ShakeOut website at ShakeOut.org/california.
