Landslides - Ready and Able

There are several steps that you can take to ensure that you are in a safe place, should a landslide occur.

Some steps to take to protect yourself from a landslide are:

Trees hanging on to the side of a
hill, a sign of unstable ground

Before occupying a home, consult local emergency services about the history of landslides or unstable areas in your community, especially if your home will be on or at the foot of a slope.
If the trees are tilting down the slope, it is highly likely that the ground is unstable, and you should avoid walking or living in that area.
In steep areas, look for sign of unstable ground. You can determine this by observing the positioning of the trees, water seepage and breaks in the ground.

If you are inside during a landslide:

Shelter in the least affected area of the house and shelter under a strong table and if possible use mattresses for extra protection.

If you are outside during a landslide:

If a landslide threatens or occurs, try your best to move out of its path, away from embankments, power lines and poles.
Keep clear of areas that have loose rocks, the edge of cliffs that have been weathered and the bases of cliff, where loose rocks are likely to fall.

Building on Stable Ground

Local governments have also begun taking steps in ensuring that the land is stable before construction takes place.

New technologies are beginning to emerge to promote the stability of rock and sediments to minimise the frequency and severity of a rock fall or landslide.

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