What to do in a Landslide

A landslide is the movement of rock and soil down a slope. Landslides can range in size from a single boulder in a rock fall to a very large avalanche of debris with huge quantities of rock and soil that can be spread across many kilometres.

Heavy rain and floods or earthquake shaking can cause a landslide. Human activity, such as removal of trees and vegetation, steep roadside cuttings or leaking water pipes can also cause landslides.

Before a landslide

Getting ready before a landslide will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.

• Find out from your council if there have been landslides in your area before and where they might occur again
• Check for signs that the ground may be moving. These signs include:
  • Sticking doors and window frames
  • Gaps where frames are not fitting properly
  • Decks and verandahs moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road or footpath
  • Leaning trees, retaining walls or fences
  • Water springs, seeps or waterlogged ground in areas that are not usually wet

If you think a landslide is about to happen

You will need to know how to respond immediately

• Evacuate and take your Getaway Kit with you
• Contact your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Office
• Warn neighbours who might be affected

After a landslide

• Do not return to a site that has been affected by a landslide until it has been properly inspected
• Take photographs and notes for insurance purposes when it is safe to do so