Preparing For
Landslides and Mudflows
Landslide and
mudflows usually strike without warning. The force of rocks,
soil, or other debris moving down a slope can devastate anything
in its path. Take the following steps to be ready.
BEFORE
Get a ground assessment of your property.
Your county geologist
or county planning department may have specific information on
areas vulnerable to landsliding. Consult a professional geotechnical
expert for opinions and advice on landslide problems and on corrective
measures you can take.
Minimize home
hazards.
- Plant ground
cover on slopes and build retaining walls.
- In mudflow
areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow
around buildings.
- Remember:
If you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands
on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages.
Learn to recognize the landslide warning signs.
- Doors or windows
stick or jam for the first time.
- New cracks
appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
- Outside walls,
walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
- Slowly developing,
widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such
as streets or driveways.
- Underground
utility lines break.
- Bulging ground
appears at the base of a slope.
- Water breaks
through the ground surface in new locations.
- Fences, retaining
walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
- You hear a
faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide
nears.The ground slopes downward in one specific direction
and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.
Make evacuation plans.
Plan at least two evacuation routes since roads may become blocked
or closed.
Develop an emergency
communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
a landslide or mudflow this is (a real possibility during
the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After a
disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure
everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
person.
Insurance
Mudflow is covered
by flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance
Program. Flood insurance can be purchased through a local
insurance agency.
DURING
If inside a building:
- Stay inside.
- Take cover
under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture.
If outdoors:
- Try and get
out of the path of the landslide or mudflow.
- Run to the
nearest high ground in a direction away from the path.
- If rocks and
other debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter such
as a group of trees or a building.
- If escape
is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.
Sinkholes
A sinkhole occurs
when groundwater dissolves a vulnerable land surface such as
limestone, causing the land surface to collapse from a lack of
support. In June 1993, a 100-foot wide, 25-foot deep sinkhole
formed under a hotel parking lot in Atlanta, killing two people
and engulfing numerous cars.
AFTER
Stay away from the slide area.
There may be danger of additional slides.
Check for injured
and trapped persons near the slide area.
Give first aid if trained.
Remember to help
your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly
people, and people with disabilities.
Listen to a battery-operated
radio or television for the latest emergency information.
Remember that
flooding may occur after a mudflow or a landslide.
Check for damaged
utility lines.
Report any damage to the utility company.
Check the building
foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
Replant damaged
ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground
cover can lead to flash flooding.
Seek the advice
of geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing
corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.
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