Landslides occur when debris of wet material, including rock, soil, and trees, slides down a slope. These events can occur as a result of fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, or human activities. Landslides are very dangerous because they occur suddenly, move at very high speeds, and can cover long distances. Although landslides are usually difficult to predict, you can prepare for them by following proper safety rules, recognizing warning signs, and making contingency plans.
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Method 1 of 5: Staying Safe During A Landslide
Step 1. Stay alert and alert
Landslides can occur at any time. So you must be ready to act at a moment's notice. Many of the deaths from landslides occurred while people were asleep.
- If you are with other people, work together to keep watch in turns.
- Watch and listen for warning signs of nearby landslides, including the sound of falling material debris or changes in water clarity or flow. You should familiarize yourself with the landslide warning signs, especially if you live in an area prone to landslides. Keep reading to learn more about landslide warning signs in detail.
Step 2. Listen to the latest news from local news stations
Using a battery-powered radio or television, listen to local news stations for the latest weather. Be aware of warnings about heavy rainfall which can trigger landslides.
Step 3. Evacuate if it is safe to do so
Sometimes local authorities will order people to evacuate, but other times, they may not be aware of an imminent landslide until it is too late. If you think a landslide is imminent and it is safe to leave, evacuate immediately. Call neighbors and local police or firefighters to warn them of the danger.
- Make sure you bring your pet with you.
- Don't forget to bring emergency kits, which contain essential items such as food, drinking water, and medicines. You will find out how to prepare it in the next section.
Step 4. Be careful and alert while driving
If you need to drive to leave a dangerous area, do so with caution. Beware of flooded roads, collapsed sidewalks, falling debris, and water-swept bridges. DO NOT cross a flooded river. Instead, turn around and try to find an alternative route.
Step 5. Go up to the second floor, if possible
If you don't feel safe leaving the building, but you believe a landslide will occur, go up to the second floor of the building, if possible.
Step 6. Get out of the landslide path as quickly as possible
Landslides move really fast-much faster than the speed you walk or run. Trying to escape from a landslide is a futile act. Instead, get out of the way of the landslide as quickly as possible.
Before crossing any bridge, always look upstream to see if a landslide is imminent. If so, do not cross the bridge and stay out of the path of the landslide
Step 7. Avoid river valleys and other low areas
This area is very dangerous when a landslide is approaching. Stay away from this area.
Step 8. Curl up into a ball if you don't have time to escape
In some cases, you may not be able to escape. If you get caught in the path of a landslide, curl up into a ball and protect your head.
Method 2 of 5: Staying Safe After A Landslide
Step 1. Go to a public shelter
Local communities must have designated public shelters. Go to the shelter if your home is unsafe or the authorities have ordered to evacuate.
To find the nearest shelter in your area, contact the local Disaster Management Agency (BPDB) or National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS)
Step 2. Avoid locations where landslides occur
Landslides can occur repeatedly in the same location. Avoid this area and seek shelter.
Step 3. Check if anyone is trapped and injured
You are not allowed to enter the site of the landslide. However, if you see anyone trapped or injured in the area, notify the authorities immediately.
Step 4. Help neighbors who need special assistance
Infants, the disabled, and the elderly may experience additional difficulties in emergency situations. If it's safe to do so, help out your neighbors with special needs. Keep in mind that neighbors with extended families may also need additional help.
Step 5. Check for damage and safety of the area
Report any damage to public facilities, roads, and railroads to the authorities. If you are inside a building, check the foundation, chimney, and surrounding soil to determine if the building is stable. If the area seems unsafe, leave immediately.
Step 6. Replant the area affected by the landslide
Landslides generally destroy vegetation. Without vegetation, this area is more prone to erosion and flash floods, which can lead to another landslide. Replanting affected areas can help prevent future landslides.
Step 7. Consult a geotechnical expert
If your property is damaged by a landslide, consult a geotechnical expert to reduce the risk of a landslide. The expert will evaluate your property and determine what modifications, if any, should be made to ensure safety.
Method 3 of 5: Knowing the Warning Signs
Step 1. Watch for areas of new humidity
If you see springs or puddles in a normally dry area, this could be a sign of an impending landslide.
Step 2. Pay attention to the slope in your home
Pay attention to whether your deck, patio, or concrete floor is tilted, sticking out of the building, or cracked. Doors and windows that stick together can also indicate a slope that preceded a landslide.
A broken drain or other public facility may also be a warning sign
Step 3. Watch for slope and movement in the surrounding area
Submerged road surfaces and sloping fences, telephone poles and trees can signal an impending landslide.
Step 4. Notice any unusual sounds
A faint rumbling sound that gets louder and louder can signal the approach of a landslide. Sounds such as trees cracking or rocks rubbing together may signal the movement of debris from a landslide.
Step 5. Observe the change in water level
A sudden rise in river water level is a warning sign, as is a sudden drop in water level even though it has just rained.
If you live near a stream, check the clarity of the water. A change from clear to cloudy can signal an impending landslide
Method 4 of 5: Preparing the House
Step 1. Follow proper land use procedures
Proper land use procedures prohibit you from building your house near mountain edges, steep slopes, or valleys of natural erosion. This area is prone to landslides.
Step 2. Contact local officials to inquire about the history of past landslides
Landslides tend to occur in the same areas as before. Ask local officials about the history of landslides in your area. If you are in a risky area, consider doing a property location analysis. This step will help you determine the corrective action needed.
You should be familiar with landslide warning signs if you live in a risky area
Step 3. Consider building a retaining or deflection wall
Retaining walls, drains, and deflection walls can protect your property from landslide debris and divert the flow of debris. If you live in an area prone to landslides, consult a professional to find out what to do.
Caution, if your drain or bend wall causes debris to flow onto neighboring property, you may have to pay compensation
Step 4. Talk to an insurance agent if your area is at risk
If your area is prone to landslides, talk to your insurance agent to see if your insurance covers landslide damage. Although landslide insurance is usually not available, some flood insurance policies cover landslide damage.
Step 5. Prepare emergency equipment
Emergency kits contain the essentials your household will need during an emergency. Prepare your equipment in advance so that it is ready when needed. Your kit should contain enough food and drinking water to last for at least 72 hours, as well as supplies such as medicine, flashlight, batteries, cell phone, copies of personal documents, and cash.
- Remember that landslides can cut off public services such as electricity, sewage treatment, gas, drinking water and telephones. Have provisions in your prepare that will enable you to overcome this annoyance.
- Choose foods that are not perishable and can be prepared during a power outage.
- Pack any essential items that will be difficult or impossible to replace.
Method 5 of 5: Making an Emergency Plan
Step 1. Discuss safety rules in the event of a landslide
Talk to your family about appropriate measures to take to stay safe during a landslide, especially if you live in a vulnerable area. Make sure you discuss evacuation procedures, as well as safe locations and areas to avoid.
Step 2. Think about how to get an emergency alert
Make sure everyone knows how to get emergency alerts from local officials, whether by telephone, television or radio. Talk to your local disaster management agency to find out how to get alerts in your area.
Don't forget to stress the importance of listening to news broadcasts to get the latest emergency information in case of a landslide
Step 3. Gather the contact information of family members
Record phone numbers, emails, social media, medical facilities, and each family member's school or workplace. Having this information will make it easier for family members to get in touch in the event of a landslide or other emergency.
Step 4. Determine the place of the emergency meeting
In the event of a landslide or other emergency, choose a place where the family will meet to regroup. Choose a location in your neighborhood and city. Make sure everyone knows the location.
- Choose a location that is accessible to everyone in your family, especially family members with special needs.
- If you have pets, choose a pet-friendly area.
- You can choose to meet at a neighbor's house or at the mailbox for locations in your neighborhood, and at a community center or place of worship for locations in your city.
Step 5. Compose and share your plan
Organize contact information, landslide safety management, and emergency meeting places into one document. Here's your contingency plan. Give a copy to each family member and make sure they carry it with them at all times.
- Put a copy somewhere in your home, such as in the refrigerator.
- You may also want to make contingency plans for your place of business.
Step 6. Put your plan into practice
Meet with family members periodically to review your plans and practice landslide safety management. This step is important if you live in an area where landslides are common.
