How to Prepare

• Stay informed. If you live anywhere near a steep slope, mountain edge, drainage ways, or natural erosion valley, be aware of the potential for landslides.

• Verify and update official contact information in the Marine Corps Enterprise Mass Notification System (eMNS), and register all cell phones, home phone, email addresses, etc. in eMNS. 

• Make a written family evacuation plan.

• Make a written family communication plan in case family members are separated.

• Have flexible drainage pipes installed to minimize the risk of leaks.

• Consult your insurance agent and make sure you are covered. Debris flow may be covered by flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) www.floodsmart.gov.

• Build retaining walls to divert flow. Make sure the flow is not diverted into someone else’s property.

• Plant ground cover on slopes to diminish the momentum of flow.

• Build an emergency kit

Know the Warning Signs

• Changes in your landscape such as patterns of storm water drainage on slopes, land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.

• Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.

• New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.

• Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.

• Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.

• Underground utility lines break.

• Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.

• Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.

• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.

• A faint rumbling sound that increas­es in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.

• The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.

• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.

• Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving.

What to do if there is a Landslide

• If you suspect a landslide is imminent:

• Stay tuned to the radio and TV or call the local emergency departments to determine the risk and get further instructions.

• Evacuate (if it is safe to do so) to ensure that you are out of the path of the landslide.

• During a landslide, if you have not already evacuated, try to get as far away from the path of the landslide as possible.

• If you are unable to move out of the path of the landslide, curl into a tight ball and cover your head to provide the best protection for your body.

• Once you are in a safe place, muster with your command if you are military or civilian personnel or a member of the selective reserves.

What to do after a Landslide

• Stay away from the slide area, as there may be danger of additional slides.

• Stay tuned to radio, TV, and eMNS alerts for further information and instructions.

• Be aware of the possibility of and report to authorities any flooding, broken utility lines, and damaged roads or railways.

• Check for injured or trapped people near the slide, but do not enter the slide to help.

• Direct rescue personnel to those trapped in the slide area.

• When you are told it is safe to return to the slide area, check buildings for structural damage before entering.

• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible.