Do's and Don'ts-WPS Office
Do's and Don'ts-WPS Office
Do's and Don'ts-WPS Office
Become familiar with the land around you. Slopes, where landslides or debris flows have
occurred in the past, are likely to experience them in the future
Buildings should be located away from known landslides, debris flows, steep slopes, streams and
rivers, intermittent-stream channels, and the mouths of mountain channels
Observe the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and watch especially
the places were runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Observe the
hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris
flows or progressively tilting trees
Contact your local authorities to learn about the disaster management response, and develop
your own emergency plans for your family and business.
Be observant. Many landslide and debris flow casualties occur when people are sleeping. Listen
to radio for warnings of intense rainfall. Intense short bursts of rain may be particularly
dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking
together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Be alert for
any sudden increase or decrease in water flow in streams or channels. Such changes may
indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly
If you live in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do
so. If you remain at home, move to a part of the house farthest away from the source of the
landslide or debris flows, such as an upper floor, but keep an escape route open should it
become necessary to leave the house.
Be alert when on the roads. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to
landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of
possible landslides or debris flows.
Be alert for signs indicating land movement. Landslides can occur weeks or months after intense
storms
Things to Remember
Mudflows tend to flow in channels, but will often spread out over a floodplain. They generally
occur in places where they have occurred before
Landslides and mudflows usually strike without much appreciable warning. The force of rocks,
soil, or other debris moving down a slope can devastate anything in its path. Take the following
steps to be ready.
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
If inside a building:
Stay inside
Take cover under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture
If outdoors:
After Landslide
Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide area. Give first aid if trained.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people,
and people with disabilities.
Listen to a radio or television for the latest emergency information.
Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide area. Give first aid if trained.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people,
and people with disabilities.
Listen to a radio or television for the latest emergency information.
Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
Check for damaged utility lines. Report any damage to the utility company
Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage
Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can
lead to flash flooding.