How to Hide From Landslides

Landslides and mudslides are natural disasters that can occur in at-risk areas throughout the United States. Cliffs, some blasting zones, coast lines, volcanoes and mountain passes are examples of landslide-susceptible areas. Landslides can start with little to no warning, but there are a few red flags you can take into account to help you hide from and avoid a landslide. If you find yourself in a landslide's path, you can follow a few procedures to stay as safe as possible until the disaster has ended.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Emergency food and water supply
• Battery-powered radio and flashlight/lantern
• Emergency medical kit
• Cloth or dust mask

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Instructions

• 1

  Head for higher ground. If you know a landslide is coming, go to the highest point in the area that is farthest from the landslide's path and source.

• 2

  If you're trapped outside, hide behind a tall building or structure. The building may obstruct some of the landslide's flow, protecting you from the brunt of its force.

• 3

  A building is safe to hide in only if it's structurally sound.

  If you're inside a building, move to its top floors. If you remain in the basement or lower floors, the building may be engulfed in the landslide's debris. However, if the building is in any danger of collapse, it is best to evacuate the building.

• 4

  If you are trapped outside and away from buildings, hide under a large, sturdy object to protect yourself from the flowing debris. Any object that could redirect or obstruct the flow will be better to hide behind, such as a dividing wall, sturdy fence or large boulder. However, if there is any danger of the structure collapsing under the landslide's force, avoid it completely, to avoid being trapped beneath it.

• 5

  If you cannot escape the landslide's path and are left with no other option, curl into a ball and cover your head with your arms. Hold your shirt or other cloth to your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling debris. If possible, keep hold of a long, sturdy object, which you can use later to help dig yourself out if you become buried under debris, or to raise as a flag to rescue crews if you are trapped or too injured to move.

• 6

  Distant rumbling, cracking sounds are a major landslide red flag.

  If at all possible, leave the area before the landslide starts or hits. Warning signs that a landslide is imminent include intense rainfall, especially repeated, short bursts; normally clear waterways polluted with mud; sudden increase or decrease in waterways' intensity; or rumbling sounds, often of boulders colliding and tree limbs cracking, indicating that debris is already on the move.