What is a
Landslide?

Picture a waterfall – except instead of water, you’ve got mud, rocks, sand and stones. A flood of earth headed downhill, engulfing and destroying everything in its path. Landslides can move quite quickly but are also known to be slow movers of carnage. They are generally caused by natural events but deforestation and wildfires can also contribute to the loosening of the earth.

BEFORE

1

Be familiar with your family and neighborhood’s evacuation plans. Go over them until every member of your household is familiar

2

Landslides usually happen during rainstorms so take note of the direction storm water drainage flows.

3

Get ready to bug out if the authorities advise to do so.

4

Have a stock of disaster rations and supplies ready.

5

If you are holidaying abroad or in an unfamiliar area, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation protocols.

How To
Prepare for a Landslide

DURING

You need to Evacuate AT ONCE! Take your Bug Out Essentials kit with you and don’t abandon your pets.

If driving, watch out for debris on the road. Rocks, mud, crushed pavements and damaged roads are all indicators of a landslide.

When to Be ALERT?

Heavy rain or storms

A change in waterflow of a stream or river

Unusual sounds – could be moving debris

HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND!

AFTER

  • Stay tuned in to a weather radio/ local radio or television station to stay updated on emergency information.
  • Return home only AFTER you’ve been given the go ahead by the authorities.
  • Soil erosion due to landslides is a major contributing factor to flash floods – try to replant/replace lost ground cover as soon as possible.
  • Watch out for flooding – a common byproduct of landslides.
  • Check for injuries and seek first aid for yourself first before moving to help out.
  • Wear protective clothing when cleaning up.
  • Before entering your home, look out for health and safety hazards (contaminated water, loose power-lines, damaged gas lines, structural integrity of the building)
  • Call the fire department or other authorities if you need help disposing of hazardous items.
  • Wear necessary safety gear when cleaning up and dispose of any consumables or toiletries that have been in contact with flood or muddy water.