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Awareness Information
Areas that are generally
prone to landslide hazards include existing
old landslides; the bases of steep slopes; the bases of drainage
channels; and developed hillsides where leach-field septic systems are
used.
Areas that are typically
considered safe from landslides include
areas that have not moved in the past; relatively flat-lying areas
away from sudden changes in slope; and areas at the top or along
ridges, set back from the tops of slopes.
Learn what to watch for
prior to major landsliding. Look for
patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, noting
especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow
over soil-covered slopes. Check hillsides around your home for any
signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or
progressively tilting trees.
Plan
for a Landslide
Develop a Family Disaster Plan
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
How
to Protect Your Property
- If your property is in a
landslide-prone area, contract with a private consulting company
specializing in earth movement for opinions and advice on landslide
problems and on corrective measures you can take.
- Install flexible pipe
fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.
What
to Do Before Intense Storms
- Become familiar with the
land around you. Learn whether landslides
and debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local
officials, state geological surveys or departments of natural
resources, and university departments of geology. Knowing the land
can help you assess your risk for danger.
- Watch the patterns of
storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and especially the
places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over
soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides
around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small
landslides or debris flows, or progressively tilting trees. Watching
small changes could alert you to the potential of a greater
landslide threat.
What
to Do if You Suspect Imminent Landslide Danger
- Contact your local fire,
police, or public works department. Local
officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.
- Inform affected
neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware
of potential hazards. Advising them of a potential threat may help
save lives. Help neighbors who may need assistance to evacuate.
- Evacuate.
Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best
protection.
What
to Do During a Landslide
- Quickly move out of the
path of the landslide or debris flow.
Moving away from the path of the flow to a stable area will reduce
your risk.
- If escape is not
possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.
A tight ball will provide the best protection for your body.
What
to Do After a Landslide
- Stay away from the slide
area. There may be danger of additional
slides.
- Check for injured and trapped
persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area.
Direct rescuers to their locations.
- Help a neighbor who may
require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with
disabilities. Elderly people and people
with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care
for them or who have large families may need additional assistance
in emergency situations.
- Listen to local radio or
television stations for the latest emergency information.
- Watch for flooding, which
may occur after a landslide or debris flow.
Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may
both be started by the same event.
- Look for and report
broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as
quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
- Check the building
foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you
assess the safety of the area.
- Replant damaged ground as soon
as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to
flash flooding.
- Seek the advice of a
geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing
corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.
A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to
prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.
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