Prepare for a Landslide
Landslides |
Get a Landslide Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Landslide |
After the Landslide
Before a Landslide or Debris Flow
The following are steps you can take to protect yourself from the effects of a landslide or debris flow:
- Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or natural erosion valleys.
- Get a ground assessment of your property.
- Consult an appropriate professional expert for advice on corrective measures.
- Minimize home hazards by having flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid gas or water leaks, as flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage (only the gas company or professionals should install gas fittings).
- Plant ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls.
- In mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings.
- Remember: If you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages.
Be Smart - Learn about your environment
- Prepare for landslides by following proper land-use procedures - avoid building near steep slopes or along natural erosion valleys.
- Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials. Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to experience them in the future.
- Look for changes in landscape and water drainage, or new cracks in foundations and sidewalks.
- Consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business, such as flexible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage.
- Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home or business, and note especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home or business for signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees.
Pre-Disaster Preparation - Prepare Your Home
Make sure you set a timeline to complete this task! By giving yourself a deadline, you will be able to complete it in a timely manner.
Conduct a ONE HOUR INVENTORY
Inside your house:
- Go through your house/office and video tape/take pictures of your valuables
- Remember to include pictures of smaller valuables like jewelry, china, silver, etc.
- Also take pictures that include these items in the background for further proof of ownership
- Valuations
- Document serial numbers, model numbers on big ticket items for insurance purposes
- Make note of "risk reduction - elimination" (things you don't replace)
- Photograph any important paperwork - car titles - house deeds - passports - birth certificates
- Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have the proper coverage - NOTE: most homeowner's policies do not include coverage for flood damage.
- Copy of social security card, drivers license, passport
- Copies of the last 3 years of your tax returns
- SAVE the photos and list on your computer
- SAVE the photos & lists on a flash drive and keep in a safe deposit box
- Keep all of your important papers in one location so you can grab and go.
Outside:
- Take pictures of the outside of your home / other existing structures
- Take pictures of your cars and any outdoor equipment (lawn mowers, patio furniture, gas grill, bicycles, etc.)
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location