How to Survive a Landslide
Landslides, mudslides, and debris flows pose danger for people and buildings. Will you be ready to respond?
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We are like the little branch that quivers during a storm, doubting our strength and forgetting we are the tree—deeply rooted to withstand all life’s upheavals. —Dodinsky |
10 Tips to Prepare for Landslide Danger
Landslides can happen any time, but most often they occur during a period of heavy rain. Sometimes landscapes can be anticipated days earlier by changes in fences, land shape, or retaining walls. Windows or doors may stick or jam. New cracks may appear in the walls or in a driveway. Before a Landslide
1. Contact Authorities If you see signs a landslide may happen, contact your local fire, police, or public works department. Authorities who are familiar with the area will need to asses the danger. 2. Let Your Neighbors Know
If your neighbors are home, they may be in danger as well. Contact nearby homes or residences. Find out if any neighbors need assistance in evacuating. Elderly neighbors or people with disabilities may need special help. During a Landslide
3. Inside a Home If you are inside your home during a rapid landslide, move to an interior space in the strongest part of the building. 4. Outdoors, Slow Flow
If you are outside and the landslide is slow, move to the side, out of the path. Don’t try to outrun the flow. 5. Oudoors, Rapid Flow
If it is a surprise quick landslide and you cannot escape, curl into a tight ball and protect your head with your arms. After a Landslide
6. Don’t Go Back Beware of additional flows. The debris or mud flow may not come all at once. It can happen in random bursts. Do not return to the debris field right away, even if you think it is over. Wait for emergency personnel to give an all clear. 7. Watch For Flooding
Flooding or unusual water flow may occur after a slide or later as rainwater builds up. 8. Check for Victims
Look for injured or trapped people near the slide, but don’t enter the debris or mud field. Wait for first responders or rescue crews and direct them to the victims. 9. Plan Ahead for Pets
Have an emergency plan set up for your pets. Do not tie up pets outside if flooding is at all possible. Don’t rely on the animals to know to move to higher ground. They may be fearful and panic. 10. Report Damage
Look for immediate danger from broken utility lines and damaged roadways. Report to the local emergency, police, or fire personnel. |
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Landslides usually occur in predictable areas. You should know in advance if you are in a risky area such as steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near streams, or drainage ways, or close to natural drop off areas due to erosion. Have emergency plans in place and be sure that all members of your family know what to do and where to meet if separated. Follow the directions of emergency personnel.
Did you find this Simple10s article about landslide danger helpful? You might also want to read these articles about How to Prepare for a Tsunami, and also How to Survive an Earthquake. |
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