How to Survive During Landslide

When most people think about unexpected ground movement, they probably envision images of the ground below them moving from side to side or up and down during an earthquake. In the aftermath of wildfires such as the 21 blazes that comprised the Southern California Wildfire Siege in 1993, residents of steep hillsides and canyons need to include another type of ground movement in their thoughts and plans. Areas left barren of grasses, plants, shrubs and trees by fire are vulnerable to landslides through sliding, falling and flowing soil, rock, mud, brush and trees, particularly during and after heavy rains,

Although slow-moving landslides can cause significant property damage, they usually don't cause any deaths. Mudslides, how- ever, are much more dangerous. According to the California Department of Conservation, mudslides can easily exceed speeds of 10 miles per hour and often flow at rates of more than 20 mph. Because they travel much faster, mudslides can cause deaths and injuries as well as significant property damage.

According to the Department of Conservation, landslides and mudslides caused by the 1997-98 El Niño phenomenon caused three deaths and 19 injuries in Southern California alone. Such earth movement also destroyed at least 44 homes, damaged 94 others and resulted in at least the temporary evacuation of more than 1,000 people.

Wherever you live, work or play, use the following recommendations to help reduce your risk of death, injury and property losses from landslides, mudslides and other types of ground failure.

Before the Landslide

You can reduce the potential impacts of land movement by taking steps to remove yourself from harm's way:

Assume that burn areas and canyon, hillside, mountain and other steep areas are vulnerable to landslides and mudslides.

Build away from steep slopes.

Build away from the bottoms or mouths of steep ravines and drainage facilities.

Consult with a soil engineer or an engineering geologist to minimize the potential impacts of landslides.

Develop a family plan that includes:

* Out-of-state contact
* Place to reunite if family members are separated
* Routes to evacuate
* Locations of utility shut-offs

Store the following emergency supplies:

* Food
* Water
* First aid kit
* Flashlights and batteries
* Battery-operated radios
* Special medications/eye care products

Store an evacuation kit that includes:

* Cash (small bills and change)
* Important documents (Birth certificates, insurance policies, marriage certificates, mortgage documents)
* Irreplaceable objects
* Games, toys for children

Purchase supplies to protect your home:

* Hammer
* Nails
* Plywood
* Rain gauge
* Sand
* Sandbags
* Shovel

Limit the height of plants near buildings to 18 inches.

Use fire-retardant plants and bushes to replace chaparral and highly combustible vegetation.

Water landscape to promote early growth.

Eliminate litter and dead and dry vegetation.

Inspect slopes for increases in cracks, holes and other changes.

Contact your local public works department for information on protection measures.

When it Rains

Monitor the amount of rain during intense storms. More than three to four inches of rain per day, or 1/2-inch per hour, have been known to trigger mudslides.

Look for geological changes near your home:

* New springs
* Cracked snow, ice, soil or rocks
* Bulging slopes
* New holes or bare spots on hillsides
* Tilted trees
* Muddy waters

Listen to the radio or watch television for information and instructions from local officials.

Prepare to evacuate if requested to do so.

Respect the power of the potential mudslide. Remember, mudslides move quickly, can cause damage and kill.

Prioritize protection measures:

* Make your health and safety and that of family members the number one priority.
* Make your home the number two priority.
* Make pools, spas, patios and other elements the next priority.

Implement protection measures when necessary:

* Place sandbags
* Board up windows and doors

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