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Emergency Preparedness and Response: Landslides and Mudslides

After a Landslide or Mudslide

After a landslide or mudslide has occurred, be sure to follow all special instructions from your local officials. Depending on the severity of the event, it may not be safe to return home if you were evacuated. The resources provided below will give you information on what actions to take after a landslide or mudslide.

Stay Safe After a Landslide or Mudslide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of directions for keeping yourself and your family safe after a landslide or mudslide. [url; CDC, 2024]

  • Stay away from the site. Flooding or additional slides may occur after a landslide or mudslide.
  • Check for injured or trapped people near the affected area, if it is possible to do so without entering the path of the landslide or mudflow.
  • Listen to the radio or TV for emergency information.
  • Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
  • Consult a geotechnical expert (a registered professional engineer with soils engineering expertise) for advice on reducing additional landslide problems and risks. Local authorities should be able to tell you how to contact a geotechnical expert.

Returning Home Safely

Inspect for hazards: Only return home when local authorities say it’s safe. Check for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and structural issues.

Assess damage carefully: Mudslides can leave homes unstable or filled with mud and debris. Have a geotechnical expert (a registered professional engineer with soils engineering expertise) check the safety of your home before entering.

Cleaning Up

Wear protective gear: Use gloves, masks, and boots when cleaning up mud and debris to avoid injuries and exposure to contaminants.

Check for water contamination: Mudslides can disrupt water supplies. Use bottled water or boil tap water until the local authorities confirm it’s safe.

Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim.

Note: This is not a complete or comprehensive list.

Additional Resources for Emergency Preparation

The resources below include more helpful information on preparing for landslides and mudslides using government websites, public health organization checklists, and mobile apps.

Landslides and Debris Flow 
The Ready national public service campaign provides a list of how to prepare for landslides, mudslides, and debris flows. [url; Ready, 2025]

Landslide Safety 
The American Red Cross provides instructions on what to do before, during, and after a landslide. [url; Red Cross]

Landslide Hazards 
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides protective actions for subcategories related to landslides. [pdf; USGS, 2000]

Be Prepared for a Landslide
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides instructions on how to prepare for a landslide, survive during a landslide, and stay safe after a landslide. [pdf; FEMA]

[Esp] Prepárate con Cruz Roja: Seguridad contra deslaves
The American Red Cross provides Spanish translation for instructions on what to do before, during, and after a landslide. [pdf; Red Cross]

[Esp] Deslizamientos de tierra e inundaciones de lodo
The Washington State Department of Health provides Spanish-language instructions on what to do before, during, and after a landslide. [url; WA DOH]

Emergency Information for Specific Groups 
The Washington State Department of Health provides tips on safety for children, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with medical needs, people with mobile and visual disabilities, pets, and people with psychological and emotional needs. [url; WA DOH]

Apps

FEMA – App 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency presents real-time weather alerts, guidance to local emergency shelters in your area, preparation for common hazards, and more. [url; FEMA]

CDC – App 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives 24/7 access to timely, vital health information, wherever you go. [url; CDC]

 

Latest page update: July 31, 2025.