Landslide and Debris Flow Preparedness Guide
Quick answer: Know whether your property and routes are below steep slopes, burned areas, drainage channels, or previous slides. During warnings or unusual ground movement, follow local instructions and move away from the path of danger.
Understand local risk
Use local geological, emergency-management, planning, and road-agency information. Risk may rise during intense rain, rapid snowmelt, earthquakes, construction, erosion, or after wildfire. Conditions vary by slope and drainage; a general checklist cannot certify a property.
Watch for changes
Possible warning signs include new cracks, tilting trees or poles, bulging ground, unusual water flow, doors suddenly sticking, rumbling, or small rocks and soil moving downslope. Do not approach a moving slope to investigate.
Plan more than one route
Identify evacuation destinations away from steep slopes, channels, and slide paths. Roads may close, so keep offline maps and alternatives. Include children, older adults, disabilities, pets, livestock, medications, and transportation limits.
During dangerous conditions
Follow evacuation orders early. If driving, never cross flowing debris or a closed road. Stay alert for flooding because landslides and debris flows can accompany heavy rain. Call emergency services for immediate threats where service is available.
After the event
Stay away from the slide area until officials permit return. Additional slides can occur. Report broken utilities without touching damaged lines, document damage safely, and use qualified professionals for structural, slope, drainage, and utility assessment.
Quick checklist
- Follow current official alerts and local instructions.
- Include medications, accessibility, children, older adults, pets, and transport needs.
- Keep essential contacts and records available offline.
- Review supplies and plans after every major change or event.
Frequently asked questions
Can landscaping prove a slope is safe?
No. Only appropriate local professionals can evaluate a specific slope, structure, or drainage system.
Are burned hillsides higher risk?
They can be more vulnerable to fast debris flows during rain; follow local post-fire warnings and evacuation information.
Official sources
- Ready.gov — Landslides and Debris Flow: https://www.ready.gov/landslides-debris-flow
- USGS Landslide Hazards Program: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards
This guide provides general preparedness education. Current local instructions, product labels, and qualified professional guidance take priority.