Manual How to Survive an Emotional Landslide

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Landslides or Debris Flow: Before, During, and After

Before The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a landslide or debris flow: To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Prepare for landslides by following proper land-use procedures - avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways 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. Get a ground assessment of your property. Consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business, such as flexible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage. Protect your property by planting ground cover on slopes and building retaining walls. In mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings.

Be aware, however, if you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages. If you are at risk from a landslide talk to your insurance agent. During During a severe storm, stay alert and awake. Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings of heavy rainfall. Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. Move away from the path of a landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible.

The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching. Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy.

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Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly. Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible. After Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides. Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information. Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.

Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations. Look for and report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities.

Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury. Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.

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Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future. It might be too late to leave your house if you can hear the approaching mudslide, so stay inside and prepare as well as you can. Go upstairs or on the roof to avoid the main flow of the mudslide. Getting to a higher level in your house can help you avoid getting stuck in or swept away by the mud. Move quickly but carefully and stay calm.

Curl up on the floor and cover your head as the slide passes through. Crouch down tightly and protect your head from debris. Get out of your car if you were hit by a mudslide while driving.

Landslides or Debris Flow: Before, During, and After

Keep your windows rolled up and remember that your car will protect you from the mud, water, and debris. Continue covering your head to protect from rushing debris. Once the mud stops moving, try to shift around and get your head free or create an air pocket around yourself. The mud will start solidifying as it dries, so do this as quickly as possible.

You can survive days without water, and rescue crews are likely already out and looking for survivors. Call out to rescuers when you hear them. Rescue crews might be coming by car, on foot, or even by helicopter, so keep an eye out for them. When you hear or see them, call out or wave your hands. Stay calm and follow their instructions as they work to free you. Call for help and stay updated on the news. Check the news on your phone to get updated on potential subsequent slides or other dangers. Flag down a rescue crew if you see them in the area.

You might trap yourself or get hurt. Volunteer if you want to help even more. Call your local police or fire department on their non-emergency phone number, which you can find online. Ask if you can volunteer to serve on a rescue crew.

How to Survive an Emotional Landslide - Kindle edition by Dr. Andrew M. Goodman. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. How to Survive a Mudslide. Mudslides, also called debris flows, can be destructive and deadly natural disasters. If your area is at risk, reviewing safety.

If you have relevant experience, such as medical first aid or military service, mention it. Donating to the Red Cross. Offering to shelter animals at your local Humane Society. Donating food and other necessary items, like underwear, socks, and hygiene supplies, to shelters. Boil any tap water in your home before using. Mudslides often break or contaminate pipelines, so drink bottled water or boil tap water when you return to your home. Follow the news or call local authorities to see when the tap water has been confirmed safe to use again.

Call your home insurance company to report damage.

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Look for broken appliances, furniture or decoration. Take pictures of your entire house before touching or moving anything. Then, call your home insurance company to file a claim and get help to start repairing or rebuilding. Report broken utility lines. Broken power and utility lines can add a further threat of injury to an already dangerous situation. If you see a damaged line, call your power company or police department right away. The utilities will be turned off to prevent further danger, like a gas leak or electrocution.

Replant the soil as soon as you can. Plant trees and bushes to stabilize the ground and prevent flash flooding, which can often occur after major erosion, as well as future mudslides. Come up with an emergency plan for your family for future emergencies. Give different family members different tasks. One person could gather up the family in case of a mudslide, another could call the emergency services, and another could be in charge of food.

Gather water and non-perishable food in a safe room, in the second story, an attic, or an easily-accessible room on the first floor. Put together a first aid kit and emergency pack with a phone and charger, a flashlight, a blanket, and a whistle. Talk to a geotechnical expert for ways to make your home safer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Already answered Not a question Bad question Other. Ask what your options are to take time off as you assess the damage to your home. Natural disasters like mudslides can often disrupt electricity, TV signal, and phone and internet service, so a radio may be your best bet for getting important updates. You can buy one online or in outdoors and camping stores. Article Summary X The best way to survive a mudslide is to head upstairs, crouch under a table and cover your head.

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