Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Stay Safe During A Landslide

Landslides are very serious geological phenomena caused by erosion, heavy rains, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. They can happen in all 50 states and cause 25 to 50 deaths and thousands of injuries each year. Being properly prepared could save your life. Read on to learn stay safe during a landslide.


Instructions


1. Contact the local police, fire and public works department. They will be able to send help to the affected area.


2. Stay indoors if already there. Take cover underneath a piece of sturdy furniture such as a table or a desk.


3. Move out of the path of the mudflow or landslide if outdoors during the landslide. Get to high ground immediately, moving in a direction away from the path of the landslide. Run for shelter if debris and rocks are coming. If no building is in sight, look for a group of trees to hide in. Curl into a tight ball, with your head covered if shelter is nowhere to be found.








4. Use a portable radio to listen to local radio stations. The stations will broadcast up to date emergency information.


5. Pay attention while driving. Embankments near the side of the road are very dangerous. Mud, falling rocks and collapsed roads are indications of a landslide. If driving during a landslide, quickly drive uphill and away from the path of the landslide.


6. Observe the area for fallen utility poles or electrical wires, and contact the authorities if this is the case. Avoid electric shock by not touching the wires or stepping in water near the wires.


7. Inform neighbors that may be affected by the landslide. They may not be aware of what's going on, especially if it's during the night. Letting the neighbors know of the danger may help save their lives. Also, help them evacuate their homes, if necessary.

Tags: during landslide, away from, away from path, from path, from path landslide, path landslide