Natural disasters like landslides can demolish infrastructure, houses, structures and harm living beings like humans, pets, wildlife, forests, etc. Keep reading to find out more information on Landslide safety tips and ways of prevention. 

What is a Landslide

A landslide occurs when large volumes of rock, soil, or debris slip down a slope. Debris and mudflows are water-saturated rivers of rock, soil, and other debris. They form when water quickly accumulates in the ground, such as after heavy rainfall or fast snowmelt, turning the land into a mudslide or "slurry" river. 

At avalanche rates, they may flow quickly and strike with little or no notice. They may also continue many miles from their origin, expanding in size as they take up trees, stones, automobiles, and other debris.

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Landslides can be caused by a number of different things, such as the pressure of water from underground, rainfall, earthquakes, human activity, and other things. 

When to get prepared for Landslide

While landslides may strike without notice, there are warning indicators to look for, particularly if you live in a landslide-prone location or where landslides have occurred before. 

Changes in the landscape, such as the flow of precipitation, new fissures in a building's foundation or in paved areas, skewed trees, fences, and utility poles, and the noises of moving material are all symptoms of a landslide. Watch out for those signs and take the necessary cautions to be safe.

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How to prepare for Landslide

Landslides may also happen rapidly and without warning, so being knowledgeable about changes in and around your property that might indicate a landslide is imminent is the best way to prepare.

Safety Plan

Establish an emergency plan for your family or company that is in line with local emergency response and evacuation strategies. Make sure you have the correct insurance. Landslides may be insured by different Flood Insurance Programs in certain places.

The gathering of information is the first thing you should do in order to ensure your safety in the event of a landslide. Find out whether and how often landslides and mudslides have occurred in your town, and locate the evacuation routes and shelters in your region. 

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As is the case with the majority of emergency preparations, you should design a household emergency plan that accounts for the chance that your family would be split apart in the event of a landslide. Prepare a portable emergency stockpiling kit that you are able to carry with you in the event that you are forced to evacuate.

Domestic Animal and Pet Safety

Develop a buddy system. If you are unable to care for or evacuate your pets yourself, make arrangements with nearby residents, neighbours, and family members to ensure that someone will be available to do so.

Make sure your pet has a microchip. Be sure to maintain an up-to-date address and phone number, and also include the contact information for a person who is located outside of your local region who can assist you in case of an emergency.

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If you are unclear how to care for your pet in the event of an emergency, it is recommended that you get in touch with your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control agency for extra guidance and information.

Consider the fundamentals for survival, such as food and water, just like you would with your family's emergency supplies box. Have two kits on hand: one bigger kit for sheltering in place and one lighter one in case you need to leave. Check your kits on a frequent basis to check that the contents, particularly meals and medications, are still fresh.

Property Protection

If you want to protect your home and property from being damaged by landslides, you should think about erecting nets, retaining walls, and cultivating sturdy vegetation. This is highly important on slopes and in regions where wildfires have decimated the surrounding plants and trees. It is not appropriate to destroy vegetation that has the potential to help prevent erosion.

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Proper Shelter

If you are unable to escape, relocate to a higher level of your house and remain vigilant while listening to the weather radio or watching the weather on television. If you're in your car, be vigilant and keep an eye out for running water, which might signal the start of a landslide.

Do's and Don’ts During Landslide

In the event of a landslide, it is imperative that you safeguard yourself and your community by adhering to certain fundamental dos and don'ts until official aid comes. 

What You Should Do

- If you are staying in a landslide-prone region, attempt to leave as soon as possible.

- Be wary of large stones that are unusually cracking or rolling.

- Keep an eye on the stream or channel's water. A change in colour from clear to muddy or an increase in water level might be concerning.

- Keep yourself out of the way of falling rubble or landslides.

- Keep an eye out for mudslides or debris overflow on the road.

- Contact the local government for assistance or aid.

- Notify your neighbours about the disaster.

- Simply bring your essential papers and valuables.

- Make your life a higher priority than your house furnishings or automobiles on the road.

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What You Shouldn’t Do

- During the Landslide, avoid driving.

- Crossing a stream or a flooded river is not a good idea.

- Try to follow the government's directions and do not disobey them.

- Do not disregard moist places or any signs of a road or building fractures.

How to prevent the human causes of Landslide

Though a landslide is a natural disaster, human activities can influence the process. Land mismanagement may produce landslides, especially in mountainous canyons and coastal areas. Lower precipitation thresholds may cause landslides in regions burnt by forest and brush fires. Many landslides, mudflow, and debris flow hazards may be avoided through land-use zoning, competent inspections, and good design.

Conclusion

Landslides may be produced for a multitude of reasons, including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire, and human land alteration. So far we have mentioned how to stay prepared for landslides. If the people of a community follow a comprehensive landslide safety plan, the harm to life and property can be minimised.

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