Landslides and debris flows

What it is

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

A landslide is when masses of rock, mud, or debris move down a slope. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

"When a wildfire burns a slope, it increases the chance of landslides for several years." (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Evacuation is often the only way to protect lives from a debris flow or other fast-moving landslide. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Some slow landslides move no more than three feet a year. These damage property but rarely kill. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Before

Build a kit, and make a household plan that includes pets. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Sign up for local alerts; EAS and NOAA Weather Radio also carry them. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Leave if told to evacuate, or if you feel it's unsafe to stay. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Ask a qualified geotechnical professional or local guidance about protecting the property. "You can't stop or change the path of a debris flow." (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Talk to your insurance agent. Debris flow may be covered by National Flood Insurance Program policies. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Warning signs of a fast flow

Near a burn area: sign up for alerts and watch the forecast for the burn area. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Rushing water, mud, or unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

"A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears." (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Warning signs of a slow slide

(Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

• Doors or windows stick for the first time.
• New cracks in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Outside walls, walkways, or stairs pull away from the building.
• Widening cracks in the ground or pavement.
• Broken underground utility lines.
• Bulging ground at the base of a slope.
• Water breaking through the ground in new places.
• Tilting fences, poles, or trees.

During

Listen to a battery-powered radio; follow local emergency managers. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

"Stay alert and awake during a storm that could cause a landslide. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping." (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Never cross a road with water or mud flowing. Never cross a bridge if you see a flow approaching. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

If caught in the path, move uphill as quickly as possible. Avoid river valleys and low areas. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Near a stream, a sudden rise or drop in flow, or water turning from clear to muddy, can be a sign a landslide is coming. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

After

Stay away from the slide area; more slides can follow. Watch for flooding. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Check for injured or trapped people without entering the slide area; direct rescuers to them. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)

Report broken utility lines and damaged roads. Let trained professionals check the foundation, chimney, and land. (Ready.gov — Landslides & debris flow)