During a landslide, the key actions to take focus on ensuring personal safety and minimizing risk:
During a Landslide
- Be prepared to evacuate immediately if you suspect imminent danger. Inform neighbors if possible and contact emergency services
- If you are indoors:
- Take cover in the part of the building farthest from the landslide.
- Shelter under a strong table or bench.
- Hold on firmly and stay put until the movement stops
- If you are outdoors:
- Move quickly away from the landslide path toward higher ground.
- Avoid embankments, trees, power lines, and poles.
- If escape is impossible, curl into a tight ball protecting your head
- If you are in a vehicle:
- Watch for signs of debris flow like collapsed pavement or fallen rocks.
- Avoid driving through landslide areas
- Listen for unusual sounds such as cracking trees or knocking boulders, which may indicate moving debris
- Stay away from the landslide area after the event, as additional slides may occur for hours or days
After a Landslide
- Continue to follow instructions from local authorities via radio, TV, or social media
- Stay away from the slide area until officials declare it safe
- Check for injuries and trapped persons near the slide without entering the hazardous zone; direct rescuers to their locations
- Report broken utility lines, damaged roads, or hazards to authorities promptly to prevent further injury
- Inspect your home for structural damage but do not enter if unsafe. Look for foundation, chimney, electrical, and water line damage
- Replant damaged ground quickly to reduce erosion and flash flooding risk
- Avoid using phones except for emergencies to keep lines open for critical communication
- Help neighbors who may need special assistance
Following these steps can greatly improve safety during and after a landslide event
