Landslide Safety

LANDSLIDE SAFETY

If your home or property was damaged by a landslide from Hurricane Helene, be aware of the warning signs of future landslide activity

WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS

Signs a landslide may be moving include:

• Cracks forming at the top of the scar
• New springs of water on the landslide scar
• Increased dirt, sand, and rocks tumbling down the slope

If you see one or more of these warning signs, talk to a local geotechnical consultant.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER

Future storms or sometimes even spring snowmelt may cause dirt, sand, and rocks to wash off landslide scars to areas already damaged downhill.

HOW TO KNOW A LANDSLIDE IS COMING

• FEEL
  • Landslides are noisy and can cause the ground to shake and feel like a freight train is passing.
• HEAR
  • CRACKING WOOD
  • FALLING TREES
  • SHAKING BRUSH
  • KNOCKING ROCKS
  • SOUNDS LIKE A
  • LOW-FLYING JET
• SEE
  • MUDDY WATERS - If a creek suddenly becomes muddier it could mean a large amount of dirt and new material has entered upstream.
  • NO STREAMFLOW - If a stream stops flowing it could mean the channel was blocked by debris, creating a natural dam. If the dam fails, all the stored material could rush downstream.

LANDSLIDE THREAT - TAKE ACTION

• AT HOME - If you are in a single-story house, climb onto a kitchen counter, desk, or sturdy table and hold on. If there is a second story to your home, go upstairs. Move toward the downhill side of the house. The landslide could push through windows on the uphill side.
• OUTSIDE - If outdoors, run away from the sound to the right or left, avoid going uphill or downhill. Landslides quickly travel downhill and are much faster than you.