DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Another major factor is the world’s growing population is sprawling out ofmajor cities and developing in high-risk areas. There are some warningsigns to indicate if you have a potential problem.BEFORE ALANDSLIDE OR MUDFLOW:Learn risks - Ask your local emergency management office (see Section 4for State & Provincial listing) if your property is a “landslide-prone” area.Recent fires? - Be aware that areas hit by wildfires have an increased riskof landslides and mudflows once the rainy season starts.Get insurance...? - Talk to your agent and find out more about the NationalFlood Insurance Program since mudflows are covered by NFIP’s floodpolicy. (Visit www.floodsmart.gov - also see FLOOD MITIGATION)Be prepared to evacuate - Listen to local authorities and leave if you aretold to evacuate. (see EVACUATION)Where would we go? - Decide in advance where you would go in case youcan’t return home for weeks or months .. or ever. If your home is damagedor destroyed or you’re forced to leave your home due to on-going threats(like mudslides or flooding), you’ll need to find temporary or permanentliving quarters. This could mean staying in a public shelter or hotel, livingwith friends or relatives, or renting a home or apartment in the middle of allthe chaos, so discuss several options now. Then, write down those optionsand share them with relatives and friends.Reduce risks - Plant ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls.Inspect - Look around home and property for landslide warning signs:• cracks or bumps appear on hill slopes, ground or roads• water or saturated ground in areas not normally wet• evidence of slow, downhill movement of rock and soil• tilted trees, poles, decks, patios, fences or walls• doors and windows stick or cracks appear on walls, etc.Call an expert...? - Consult a professional for advice. Or visit the NationalLandslide Information Center at http://landslides.usgs.gov/nlic/DURING A LANDSLIDE OR MUDFLOW:Strange sounds - Listen for trees cracking, rocks banging together or waterflowing rapidly (esp if near a stream or river) - debris flow may be close by.40 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325