Emergency Preparedness Program

Landslide

 

Prepare for a Landslide:

• Determine your risk for landslides. They generally happen where they have occurred in the past, and in identifiable hazards locations.  Areas prone to landslides include the bases of steep slopes, the bases of drainage channels, and developed hillsides where leach-filled septic systems are used.
• Consult an expert to correct potential problems.
• Watch the patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near your home.  Be alert to patterns and changes in the land.
• If at risk, develop and evacuation plan and prepare members of your household for landslides.
  

 

What to Do During Severe Storms, Which Can Trigger Landslides:

• Stay informed.  Listen to local radio and television stations for updates.
• Consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
• Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water.
• Be especially alert when driving.
• Bring pets indoors.
• Consider a precautionary evacuation of large or numerous animals.
• If you are ordered to or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.
  

 

If a Landslide is Occurring or About to Occur:

• Contact local officials.
• Inform affected neighbors.
• Leave.
  

 

During a Landslide:

• Quickly move out of the path of the landslide.
  

 

After a Landslide:

• Stay away from the slide area until authorities say it is safe.
• Check for injured or trapped persons and animals near the slide, without entering the slide area.  Direct rescuers to their location.

• Help people who require special assistance.
• Stay informed.  Listen to local radio and television stations for updates.
• Watch for flooding.
• Look for and report broken utility lines and other hazards to appropriate authorities.
• Check your home's foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible.  Erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.
  

 

Learn More:

• Landslides and Debris Flow (Ready America)
• Landslide and Debris Flow (Mudslide) (FEMA)
• Landslide and Debris Flow (Mudslide) (American Red Cross)
• Landslides and Mudslides (CDC)
  

 

 

Source: Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Washington, D.C., 2007

Information is not intended to be a substitute for appropriate medical advice.  Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by Macomb County.

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