EXPERIENCE > SCIENCE TOOLS > DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES
Oregon’s geography and weather mean that landslides are a common hazard. In many cases, landslides occur in wilderness areas and do not affect people directly. Other times, they may block or destroy roads or damage buildings, especially during the winter months when there’s high rainfall or as a result of earthquake. There’s no perfect way to predict a landslide, but if you’re out hiking there are some precautions you can take to stay out of hazardous areas.
Check with risk assessment authorities. Historical landslide areas are often known and publicized by local and state governments, so see if you’ll be hiking in a hazardous area before you go. If you are, choose another route.
Consider the rain. Landslides are more common during periods of high rainfall when the ground becomes saturated with water. Don’t hike in high-risk areas during or directly after long periods of rainfall.
Consider the ground. Looking at the path ahead will help you avoid areas that may be unstable and prone to landslides. If you see wide cracks in the ground, bulging areas at the base of slopes or tall items (such as trees, fences or poles) which appear to be leaning over, turn around and go back the way you came.
Seek shelter. As with tsunami, heading to high ground is your first, best option during a landslide. If you’re actually caught in the slide, remember that the force of that liquified earth can be enough to cause injury or death. But chances are heavy rock and woody debris will also be mixed into the mud. Look for something you can take shelter behind, such as a group of trees or a rocky outcrop. Curl into a ball, covering your head with your arms.
After it’s over. Landslides can be successive in nature, so another may occur after the first event is over. Continue to move to higher ground away from the event site, altering your path as needed to avoid potential slide areas. If your escape route is cut off, find a safe place to sit and call for help. Stay put until rescue personnel can reach you. See Getting Lost for additional tips on how to survive an emergency.
Oregon’s geography and weather mean that landslides are a common hazard. In many cases, landslides occur in wilderness areas and do not affect people directly. Other times, they may block or destroy roads or damage buildings, especially during the winter months when there’s high rainfall or as a result of earthquake. There’s no perfect way to predict a landslide, but if you’re out hiking there are some precautions you can take to stay out of hazardous areas.
Check with risk assessment authorities. Historical landslide areas are often known and publicized by local and state governments, so see if you’ll be hiking in a hazardous area before you go. If you are, choose another route.
Consider the rain. Landslides are more common during periods of high rainfall when the ground becomes saturated with water. Don’t hike in high-risk areas during or directly after long periods of rainfall.
Consider the ground. Looking at the path ahead will help you avoid areas that may be unstable and prone to landslides. If you see wide cracks in the ground, bulging areas at the base of slopes or tall items (such as trees, fences or poles) which appear to be leaning over, turn around and go back the way you came.
Seek shelter. As with tsunami, heading to high ground is your first, best option during a landslide. If you’re actually caught in the slide, remember that the force of that liquified earth can be enough to cause injury or death. But chances are heavy rock and woody debris will also be mixed into the mud. Look for something you can take shelter behind, such as a group of trees or a rocky outcrop. Curl into a ball, covering your head with your arms.
After it’s over. Landslides can be successive in nature, so another may occur after the first event is over. Continue to move to higher ground away from the event site, altering your path as needed to avoid potential slide areas. If your escape route is cut off, find a safe place to sit and call for help. Stay put until rescue personnel can reach you. See Getting Lost for additional tips on how to survive an emergency.