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Mudslide
What are the threats to public health during a mudslide?
Mudslides disrupt electric, water, sewer and gas lines. They wash out roads and create
health problems when sewage or flood water spills down hillsides, often contaminating
drinking water. Power lines and fallen tree limbs can be dangerous and can cause electric
shock. Alternate heat sources used improperly can lead to death or illness from fire or
carbon monoxide poisoning. Mudslides are also associated with volcanoes and earthquakes
and can result in respiratory problems due to breathing of ash, fumes, heat or gases.
How can I stay safe during a mudslide?
- If you are told to evacuate, do so quickly. Wait until you know it is safe before
returning.
- If you are inside, stay in the house and take cover.
- If you are outside, get to higher ground.
- Leave telephone lines open for emergency communications.
- If the area is flooded, call your health department to find out if your water is safe to
drink.
- Don’t drive unless it is absolutely necessary.
- If a fire or volcanic eruption has occurred, close windows, doors and dampers to reduce
breathing hazards. Outside, use goggles to protect your eyes, and cover your nose and
mouth with a dust mask or damp cloth.
- Listen to local news updates.
What emergency supplies will I need?
- Flashlights, extra batteries and matches. Keep them where you can find them in the dark.
- Battery-powered radio and wind-up clock.
- Canned or dried non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
- A safe alternate source of heat and extra fuel (wood, kerosene).
- Extra blankets and warm clothes.
- One gallon of bottled drinking water per person per day.
- A gallon of liquid chlorine bleach for sanitizing utensils and dishes.
- A regular (not cordless) phone.
- Goggles
- Dust masks or damp towels.
Will my gas heater work if the mudslide causes a power outage?
No. Thermostats, furnace fans, and furnace blowers all run on electricity.
If the mudslide causes a power outage, what should I do ?
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions on alternative heating or cooking sources. Never
use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, hibachis, and most portable or propane heaters for
indoor heating. These burn oxygen, create deadly carbon monoxide and may cause fire.
- Know how to open the electric garage door manually.
- Use portable generators only as independent sources of power, do not connect them to
your home’s main service panels. This may result in serious injury or death to
utility workers trying to restore power. Use generators outside and run a cord into the
house.
- Turn off all lights and appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. It is
important that switches or buttons be in the "off" position. Turn one lamp on so
you know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before
turning on other appliances.
How can I stay warm during a power outage?
Wear extra layers of clothes and use several layers of blankets. Don’t get wet if
you can’t get dry. Be sure to eat. Food provides calories
that maintain body heat. Heat only the area of your home that you are using. Close doors
or drape a blanket over the entrance to unused areas. Cover windows and doors with
blankets. Close curtains, shades or drapes.
Are there special considerations for people with chronic health problems?
Yes. Talk to your doctor about an emergency supply of prescription medicine. Keep a 30
supply in your emergency kit. Be aware of the expiration date on the medication and rotate
a fresh supply into the kit an a regular basis. If you are on life support, register with
your utility company, and have a backup power supply on hand.
How can I prepare in advance for a mudslide?
- Have emergency supplies.
- Review evacuation plans with your household. Plan at least two evacuation routes.
- Keep your gas tank full. You will be unable to refill the tank if the power goes out.
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy. Establish an out of state contact to reach in an
emergency should you be separated.
- Know the warning signs — faint rumbling sounds; ground shifts under your feet;
doors or windows that stick for the first time; new cracks in walls, ground, driveways or
pavement.
How can I help after the mudslide?
- Listen to local news updates to find out when it is safe to go out.
- Notify the utility company about broken gas or power lines.
- Call the police or local authorities about any potential hazards.
- Check on neighbors, particularly elderly or disabled persons, to make sure they are all
right.
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