Thursday, October 16, 2025
Clear, no-nonsense updates for veterans, first responders, and prepared families. Built by a veteran-owned team.
- Drill Today Great ShakeOut earthquake drill is today at 10:16 AM — quick 1-minute “Drop, Cover, Hold On.”
- Defense Beat Major outlets vacated Pentagon press spaces over new access rules; coverage continues off-site.
- Action Use today to tighten your earthquake kit & family comms plan. We included a fast checklist below.
1) Statewide “Great ShakeOut” at 10:16 AM
Millions practice earthquake safety today. If you’re in California, set an alarm for 10:16 and run a one-minute drill with your household or team.
- Practice: Drop, Cover, Hold On
- Review: Safe spots under sturdy tables; away from glass/heavy shelves
- After the drill: Confirm your meetup point and out-of-area contact
Official resources linked below.
2) Pentagon Press Access Standoff
More than 30 U.S. newsrooms returned Pentagon credentials after rejecting new rules seen as restricting reporting. Expect continued defense coverage—just not from inside the building.
Context & updates linked below.
Policy Watch: Benefits & Bulletins
- Social Security / COLA timing: The 2026 COLA announcement is tracking with the Oct 24 CPI release window due to this month’s federal shutdown impacts. Veterans who receive SSA benefits alongside VA disability should watch this date.
- FEMA guidance refresh: Hazard Mitigation Assistance guide (v2.1) remains in effect—useful for community projects that harden infrastructure against quakes, floods, and wildfires.
Links below for the official SSA press page and FEMA guidance.
Earthquake Kit: 10-Item Quick Check
- Water: 1 gal/person/day (3+ days)
- Shelf-stable food (3+ days)
- IFAK / first-aid + prescriptions
- Flashlights + spare batteries
- Power bank + charging cables
- Whistle + dust masks + work gloves
- Sturdy shoes near bed
- Printed contacts & meetup plan
- Cash (small bills)
- Copies of IDs & insurance
After shocks? Re-check gas/electrical if trained; otherwise contact a pro.
1-Minute Drill Plan (Do This at 10:16)
- 00:00–00:20 Drop to hands/knees; cover head/neck
- 00:20–00:40 Get under sturdy desk/table; hold on
- 00:40–01:00 Scan for hazards (glass, bookshelves, appliances)
After: text your out-of-area contact one word: “OK”.
Community Spotlight
Rancho Cordova and greater NorCal agencies are participating in ShakeOut today. If you run a local team or business, consider a brief tailgate talk and post-drill gear check.
Share a photo of your drill and tag @vetsfor2a—we’ll reshare standout safety setups.
Gear Spotlight: IFAK Trauma Kit
Compact, organized first-aid designed for home, vehicle, range days, or deployments. Stocked with practical supplies you’ll actually use in a real-world injury scenario.
Shop IFAK →Always follow local laws and professional medical guidance.