Landslide Safety & Preparedness Tips

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Landslides are rocks, soil, and mud falling down a slope. They can happen suddenly or develop slowly over time. They are deadly and can sweep away homes and roads. Landslides can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rain, melting snow, volcanic eruptions and wildfires. Mudflows, debris flows, mudslides and avalanches are all types of landslides. The climate crisis is causing more intense rain events, earlier snow melt, rising sea levels and larger wildfires, increasing landslide risk. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home.

What Should You Do Before a Landslide

Know Your Risk

Learn about landslide risks in your area. Landslides happen in every US state and territory. Any mountain or hill can have a landslide.
A previous landslide is the biggest risk factor for another landslide.
Even a few inches of slope movement can damage your home, break septic, sewer, water lines and crack your home’s foundation.
Know the causes and signs of landslides:

Causes of Landslides

Natural causes

Heavy rain
Waterlogged soil
Wave or river erosion
Steep slopes
Earthquakes
Wildfires

Human causes

Drainage onto steep slopes
Unsafe excavation
Poor placement of septic tank
Too much weight on a slope
No drainage from pavement
Unsafe fill zones
Poorly monitored irrigation systems
Wildfires

Signs of Landslide Activity in Your Area

Tilted or bent trees
Sagging utility lines
Springs that develop in new places or streams that stop flowing suddenly
Cracks in ground
Earthen mounds on a slope
Sunken or broken roads
Cracks in the streets, walls, floors, and around windows or doors
Leaking or broken pipes
Floors, posts, or walls that are tilted
Windows or doors that suddenly begin to stick
Movement of soil away from foundation
Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home. Note the places where runoff water converges. This may indicate an area prone to landslides.

Reduce Your Risk

Consider consulting with a professional to have your land surveyed. There are ways to reduce your landslide risks.
Avoid making cuts in steep slopes.
Plant more native trees and plants on slopes, avoid cutting them down.
Direct rainwater that falls on your roof or driveway away from slopes at risk of landslides.

Make Plans to Stay Safe

Learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area.
Develop your own emergency plan for your family or business.

If You Think a Landslide Could Happen

Evacuate! Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
Once you are safe:
- Call 9-1-1 to report emergency.
- Inform affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of the danger.

Understand Landslide Alerts

Landslide Advisory: An advisory states the potential for landslides in a certain area.
Landslide Watch: A watch means that landslides are possible. People in a Landslide Watch area should monitor weather conditions and consider avoiding the area.
Landslide Warning: Warnings indicate that landslides are occurring. Avoid the area. If you are in the landslide area, evacuate.

What About Avalanches?

An avalanche is a large amount of snow moving quickly down a mountain. When an avalanche stops, the snow becomes packed. People who are trapped may not be able to dig out. People can die from suffocation, trauma, or hypothermia.

Prepare for an avalanche before one happens:

Learn about your local avalanche risk.
Avoid areas of increased risk.
Know the signs of increased danger, including recent avalanches and shooting cracks across slopes.
Get training on how to recognize hazardous conditions.
Sign up for alerts from the U.S. Forest Service Avalanche Center. Your community may also have a local warning system.

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

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What Should You Do During a Landslide

The only way to stay safe is to evacuate the area before a landslide happens. Closely follow guidance from local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If you feel you are in danger, don’t wait for an official announcement, evacuate now.
Monitor weather conditions. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may cause landslides.
Never cross a road with water or mud flowing. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas during times of danger.

What Should You Do After a Landslide

Stay Safe

Stay away from the site. Additional slides are likely.
Without entering the direct slide area, check for injured and trapped people. Direct trained rescuers to their locations.
If you evacuated, listen to authorities to find out if it is safe to return.
Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you.
Check your home and property for damage. Consult with a professional if needed.
Stabilize your land with landscaping and plants.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety after a disaster or other emergency.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.