Before Intense Storms and Rainfall: 1) Assume that steep slopes and areas burned by wildfires are vulnerable to landslides and mudslides. 2) Learn whether landslides or mudslides have occurred previously in your area by contacting local authorities, a county geologist or the county planning department, state geological surveys or departments of natural resources or university departments of geology. 3) Contact local authorities about emergency and evacuation plans. 4) Develop emergency and evacuation plans for your family and business. 5) Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated. 6) If you live in an area vulnerable to landslides, consider leaving it. During Intense Storms and Rainfall: 1) Listen to the radio or watch TV for warnings about intense rainfall or for information and instructions from local officials. 2) Be aware of any sudden increase or decrease in water level on a stream or creek that might indicate debris flow upstream. A trickle of flowing mud may precede a larger flow. 3) Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences or walls, and for new holes or bare spots on hillsides. 4) Listen for rumbling sounds that might indicate an approaching landslide or mudslide. 5) Be alert when driving. Roads may become blocked or closed due to collapsed pavement or debris. 6) If you see a landslide or mudslide starting, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Getting out of the path of a mudslide is your best protection. Move to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter and take cover (under a desk, table or other piece of sturdy furniture). After a Landslide or Mudslide: 1) Stay away from the site. Flooding or additional slides may occur after a landslide or mudslide. 2) Check for injured or trapped people near the affected area, if it is possible to do so without entering the path of the landslide or mudslide. 3) Listen to the radio or TV for emergency information. 4) Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. 5) Consult a geotechnical expert (a registered professional engineer with soils engineering expertise) for advice on reducing additional landslide problems and risks. Local authorities should be able to tell you how to contact a geotechnical expert.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:32:36 +0000
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