Landslides and Mudflows

Landslides and mudflows can do tremendous damage to property, as well as cause loss of life.

If you want to ensure that your home is not vulnerable to landslides, get a ground assessment of your property.

Your county geologist or county planning department may have specific information on areas vulnerable to landslides.

Here are some other tips:

Plant ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls – but remember:  if you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor’s property, you may be liable for damages.

• Learn landslide warning signs, such as:  doors or windows sticking or jamming for the first time; new cracks in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations; outside walls, walks, or stairs pulling away from the building.
• Have an evacuation plan; include at least two different routes since roads may become blocked or closed.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance – and there’s less chance this contact has been affected by the same disaster.
• If a landslide or mudflow happens while you’re inside, stay inside and take cover under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture.
• If a landslide or mudflow happens while you’re outside, try to get out of its path. Run to the nearest high ground as long as it’s not in that path. The next-best bet is a group of trees or a building. If no escape is possible, curl into a ball and protect your head.
• Afterward, stay away from the slide area. There may be additional slides.
• Flooding may also follow a mudflow or a landslide.
• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.