The event happens the third Thursday of every October and is a reminder to be earthquake ready.
MAP: Significant San Francisco Bay Area fault lines and strong earthquakes
Here in the Bay Area, one of the most notable events took place on the Cal campus.
"Protecting your head, protecting your neck and then if you have a few seconds, you can actually get under a table," said Lori Nezhura of Cal OES.
This year's shakeout holds an especially important significance.
Taking place on the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
"It is sobering because at the same time we're planning for the future earthquake, we're thinking back to the Loma Prieta and the devastation in families, in communities, our infrastructure," Nezhura said.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: ABC7's Peabody Award winning coverage of 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
From the Archives: Peabody Award winning coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake
A key part of the shakeout is the state's earthquake early warning system and MyShake app.
Rolled out just a few years ago, it uses sensors in the ground to detect earthquakes early and give people alerts on their phones.
An amazing piece of technology that shows how far we've come since the 1989 quake, says Peter Roopnarine, the Cal Academy of Sciences curator of geology.
"Even 10 seconds, or 20 seconds is enough for you to alter whatever you're doing, to get to a safe place," Roopnarine said.
Roopnarine says while the alerts are important, it's also good to be prepared with a more traditional go bag.
ABC7 ORIGINALS DOCUMENTARY: 'The Earthquake Effect' provides in-depth coverage on Bay Area's readiness for the next major earthquake
ABC7 Originals Documentary: 'The Earthquake Effect' provides in-depth coverage on Bay Area's readiness for the next major earthquake
At Cole Hardware in San Francisco, manager Kevin Gralewski says the shop always sees an uptick in people buying essential items for their go bags around this time of year.
"We do see spikes whenever there's a relevant event. Whenever there's a notable earthquake that happens, it's suddenly on the front of everyone's mind." Gralewski said.
Despite the progress we've made in terms of being prepared for quakes, Dr. Roopnarine says staying vigilant is still critical.
Because we never truly know what's about to happen.
"At the end of the day, earthquakes are surprising," Roopnarine said. "And there is nothing that is 100% proof against an earthquake."
VIDEO: What to pack in your earthquake emergency kit
What to pack in your earthquake emergency kit