If you are having heavy rain and snow melt in your area, be aware that landslides could occur. They can also occur after earthquakes and other natural disasters. They can move really slow or they can move faster than you can run. If you are living in an area that had a forest fire be especially aware of landslides. It doesn’t take much to get one moving. If the ground is saturated the area is more likely to have landslides.
If you are living in an area known for having landslides, talk to your family about evacuation plans, where are you going to meet, do you have someone you can all call in to in case you get separated. Practice your plan, if you have handicapped or elderly people in your group make sure that you can help them in case of emergency. Build a Go Bag or bug out bag. Something you can grab in a moments notice with some essential items in it to get you and your family through the crisis.
If you know a landslide is eminent get out of the area, call 911 so rescuers can get moving to the area. Help your neighbors if possible. In times like these everyone needs to help each other. Listen for cracking tree branches or rolling rocks, if there is water associated with it pay attention to how fast or slow it Is moving. Be aware there could be a flood behind the landslide. They can both be caused by the same weather events.
If you make it out of your house watch the road very carefully, water could have eroded underneath and taken the road out. Make sure to take your pets with you, who knows when you will be allowed back into the area. Many landslides happen at night, if you are experiencing a storm stay vigilant and alert. After the danger is over stay away from the area. There could be downed power lines, wait for the authorities to give the all clear before going back to your property.
Stay calm when facing any emergency. If you are prepared a head of time it will be a lot less stressful for you and your family.
written by Barbara Conover