Are You Prepared To Survive A Landslide?

Landslides are the sudden, massive and ominous fall of mud, rocks and debris from a higher area down to settle in lower levels. The massive land movements are usually triggered by heavy rain fall resulting in the softening of the soil. But, landslides have also happened with very light or no rain at all.

Depending on its origin and the path it takes, a landslide that begins from a higher level land mass carries mud, rocks, uprooted trees, garbage and other debris it collects on its way down. A landslide falling off a mountain might contain lots of trees and logs, while one that passes through an urban community could pile up garbage, sewage and even small vehicles.

Regardless of their origin, landslides are extremely dangerous. They destroy everything that crosses their path and bury property, animals and people under the massive pile of debris and mud.

Disaster Preparedness for Landslides

Properly assess the area where you are living. Overlooking cliffs can offer spectacular views, but they are also prone to landslides. The worst location to build a house is directly on the slopes of mountains and hills. If your property is located in these areas, be more alert for signs of landslides and if possible have a professional inspector regularly check your land and the surrounding properties to see how the soil is holding and access the possibility of disaster.

Be wary of any cracks in the floor or walls of your house. Whether it was created by an earthquake of not. Shifting and soft soil is also indicative of an impending landslide. Quakes can also create cracks and weak points in the land that could easily break when saturated with water.

A good sign of land shifting is soft spots where there is no rain. These spots were created by the changes in the underground soil. Land movements can cause quakes and cracks in the upper crust of the earth. You have to actively look for the signs. They are too subtle to be readily noticed. Disaster preparedness depends a lot on your being attuned to your surroundings.

During a landslide, your priority is to stay away from the path. Don't stop to think of something you can salvage, it's probably not worth the danger of getting buried alive under the pile of mud and debris brought about by the landslide. You do not stand a chance against that, so just run as fast as you can away from it.

It is advisable when possible that you run uphill where the mud onslaught is less. If the worst happens and you get caught up by the landslide, try to look for something to grab onto or go behind something strong that can shield you from a direct hit. Curling into a ball is the best defensive position for the human body. Do that and wait for the rush to subside.

Be aware that the path of a landslide can twist and turn unexpectedly. Again, the best way for you to go is up, where the flow of debris will never go.


Article Source: Sophia Fallin