Employee Resources - Tomorrow is the 2026 Great Utah ShakeOut!

Employee Development and Performance Information on

April 15, 2026

Tomorrow is the 2026 Great Utah ShakeOut!

The Great Utah ShakeOut is tomorrow, and we want every UDOT employee to be prepared. At 10:15 a.m., all employees will receive a message signaling the start of a simulated earthquake. Click here for a detailed overview of steps to take before, during and after a large-scale event.

What to Expect During the Drill

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: When the alert arrives, immediately DROP to your hands and knees. COVER your head and neck with one arm and crawl under a sturdy table or desk if available. HOLD ON until the shaking "stops".
Evacuate Buildings: After approximately 60 seconds of simulated shaking, employees will begin building evacuations. Follow your specific Building Evacuation Plan and wait for a re-entry signal from leadership.
Accountability Check: Wellness checks will be performed in two ways:

Managers will initiate a phone tree to contact their staff and report status up the chain of command.
All employees will receive a ReadyOp email with a link to an accountability form. (Please fill out this form no later than noon on the day of the ShakeOut.)

Assigned Field Missions: Select maintenance stations will conduct structure assessments using the EmergencyX app.

New This Year: ShakeOut Selfies!
We want to see your preparedness in action! Share your “ShakeOut Selfies” by sending a photo of you or your coworkers participating in Drop, Cover, and Hold On to Hailey Knowlton at hknowlton@utah.gov. Your photos may be featured on ScreenCloud TVs and in a future UDOT Employee Newsletter!

Prepare Yourself at Home
Are you ready if disaster strikes? This Personal Emergency Preparedness course will empower you with the essential steps to protect yourself and your loved ones at home. In just a few minutes, you'll discover how to quickly create a family emergency plan, pack a grab-and-go kit, secure your living space, and respond confidently during an earthquake. Take action now to ensure safety and peace of mind—because preparedness starts with you.

For full details about the 2026 Great Utah Shake-Out on April 16, check out the 2026 UDOT Great ShakeOut Manual, and don’t forget to submit your feedback using this form.

If you have questions, contact Emergency Management: Amber Mortensen at akmortensen@utah.gov or Joaquin Mixco at jmixco@utah.gov.

Stay safe and stay ready!