Landslides and mudflows are often a secondary effect from earthquakes or floods, but they are a serious concern on their own. They usually strike without warning. The force of rocks, soil or other debris moving down a slope can devastate anything in its path, and are a force to be reckoned with.
Before a Landslide
Your county government is often a good source of risk assessment. You can often ask them if your property is vulnerable to mudslides. Also, especially in areas most prone to them (such as my native Southern California) experts exist specifically consult on these issues and advise you on what to do if you are at risk.
Insurance is covered by flood insurance policies via the National Flood Insurance Program. You can purchase it from your local insurance agency. for more information about flood insurance, read Insuring Against Floods.
To minimize the hazards of mudslides your efforts are best directed toward stabilizing your land on slopes and finding a way to divert water and runoff. Special care needs to be made as the where that run off goes, especially since it may impact a neighbor. Planting ground cover on the slopes does much to keep the ground firm. Retaining walls also work well. For diverting the overflow, you want to build special drainage ditches and deflection walls to keep the flow away from any building. A good contractor can really help, but remember to look for one that specializes in mudflow prevention.
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Evacuation plans are a must, and anyway...you should already have them for other emergencies, fire especially. I won't go into evacuation plans here, but strongly recommend reading Creating a Family Disaster Plan, even if you already have one.
The next thing you will need to do is recognize the warning signs of a landslide or mudslide.
- Door or windows sticking or jamming when they did not before.
- Outside walls or stairs starting to pull away from the home.
- Underground gas or electric lines breaking.
- Slowly widening crack showing up on the ground or paved areas.
- Water breaking through the ground.
- Bulging ground poking out at the base of a slope.
- Tall things starting to lean: look out for poles, fences, or trees starting to reorient themselves.
During a Potential Mudflow or Landslide
If you are inside, treat it as you would an earthquake. Stay inside and if you can, get under something sturdy, like a heavy table or doorway.
If outside, head for high ground, and think like a running back. If rocks or mud and debris are headed at you, look for shelter to block for you, like a group of trees or a building. If escape isn't a possibility, protect your head and extremities by curling in a ball and covering your head with your hands.
After an Event
Be on the lookout for flooding after the ground has changed shape. Gravity and flood paths are good friends. Stay clear of the slide area. The worst may not yet be over. If it isn't, no risk is worth finding out the hard way. There are however people who may be trapped in the slide area and may require your help. If you are qualified to give first aid, be sure to avail yourself, and be especially concerned with those with special needs, especially those that may have mobility issues, are at increased risk in a mudslide.
Right after an event, once you sure you and your neighbors are safe, you'll want to use your battery-operated radio or television to receive more information. To secure your property and assist local authorities, look for damaged utility lines and report them immediately. It may be prudent to shut off your gas and electricity mains as well.
In the medium term, you should check your foundation, and chimneys for damage, and replant damaged ground if possible. The loss of cover can lead to a flash flood.
While residents in Malibu are aware of their risks, the unfortunate souls in suburban Atlanta were not, and found themselves on the wrong side of mudslides in the wake of the city's recent downpour. Make sure you understand the risks involved with mudslides and make all necessary preparations to prevent them.
