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If you live in California, you’re probably familiar with mudslides, but that’s not the only place this dangerous natural disaster can occur.

A mudslide occurs in steep areas that usually have hills and mountains, and occurs because of heavy rains, and a flash flood that can also trigger a rockslide. When this dangerous concoction happens and the ground becomes saturated, it can trigger a wall of mud, trees, rocks, and get up to surprisingly fast speeds upwards of 35 miles per hour and take out houses, cars, pets, and humans. Mudslides are so dangerous because of the sheer weight that’s being moved at a fast rate of speed. It can turn trees and houses into cannons and destroy a neighborhood in minutes.

The end result of everything that was in its way is now buried in thick, heavy mud–and with devastating effects.

Mudslides kill about 50 people in the United States each year, and thousands worldwide as well as ensuing billions of dollars in property damage. Mudslides can be very serious. In 2004, 1500 Philippinos were killed in a devastating mudslide and in 2004; Venezuela was hit by a severe mudslide that took close to 30,000 people.

States that border the Cascade Mountain Range (Washington, Oregon, California are the hardest hit in the U.S., but don’t think that just because you don’t live in California or Oregon that you’re safe–any steep area that prone to flood is at risk.

If you live in an area prone to mudslides, then be prepared. Consider where you live, or purchase your home and avoid steep inclines.

The most important mudslide tip:

If you are caught in a mudslide, and are unable to escape, be sure to curl up your body, and protect your head.

Other Helpful Safety Tips:

Evacuate as quickly as you can if your house is in the path of a mudslide. Take only what is necessary and see to your safety first. Time is crucial. Don’t wait because once it starts, you won’t have time to get out. Consider a mudslide as dangerous as a tornado.

Pack your first aid kit and food supplies since you may be displaced for days or weeks. If you can prepare, pack your house insurance information, and any medical insurance or prescriptions you may need.

Always have clean drinking water on hand, and pack masks, towels and eye goggles for protection.

Be sure to keep your cell phone on you and consider purchasing a portable weather radio in case power lines go down.

If you believe you’re safe, but your home may incur damage, then tape blankets, towels and extra clothing in doorways and at the base of windows–but make sure you really are safe to stay. It’s better to leave, if there’s any doubt.

Treat a mudslide like a flood or volcano eruption and try to get to higher ground.

It’s best to evacuate in a car since that gives you a little more protection. Pack your supplies in the car and get out quickly.

Warning Sights and Sounds of a Mudslide:

Torrential rains

A past history of mudslides in your area

You live in or near a steep/mountainous terrain, and your area has been stripped of its natural ground cover–trees, bushes, and underbrush.

You hear a rumbling sound. Remember earthquakes can trigger mudslides, so it’s possible to get hit with both.

Cracks in the walls of your home (increased pressure).

The best way to avoid a mudslide is to choose wisely where to build your home.

Avoid cutting into a hill or mountain since this destabilizes the area.

Don’t take out all the natural plants in order to avoid a wildfire–it too, destabilizes the area. Instead, choose fire resistant plants such as: hollies, oak, holly-leaf cherry, and currant.

Create a good drainage system in your yard, and consider digging a drainage ditch that will give the water a natural place to flow.

Hepful Sites:

ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/CA/programs/EWP/MudslideHazards.pdf
www.theatlantic.com/issues/99jan/mudslide.htm
www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/information/publications/cgs_notes/note_33/Pages/Index.aspx
www.redcross.org/static/file_cont211_lang0_96.pdf