Dealing With Storm Alerts | Going Through Storms

Tips On Dealing With Storm Alerts | Going Through Storms

I often notice that heavy rainstorms are followed by the devastation of flooding, mudslides or landslides.

Recently I received from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross these tips on dealing with storm alerts.

Ministry opportunities are prevalent as we help people deal with the storms of life, both weather related as well as the storms of the spirit.

Note that even weather related terminology is used to describe traumatic personal events such as “stormy relationships”. Weather terminology even has applications referencing aspects of spiritual life, with such terms as “spiritual draught” or “showers of blessing”.

Meanwhile, back to the Red Cross Storm Alert Tips, there could even be spiritual applications for these weather related warnings. For the moment, I will leave the creation of those spiritual storm tips to you.

What Should You Do During an Intense Storm?

• Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow fatalities happen when people are sleeping. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, portable, battery-powered radio, or television for warnings about intense rainfall.


• Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of rain and damp weather. If you are in areas prone to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe for you to do so.


• Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous. If you stay at home, move to a second story if you can.


• Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate debris moving toward you, such as cracking trees or rumbling rocks and boulders. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can move quickly and without warning.


• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow, and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream from you. Be prepared to move quickly. Don’t delay! Save yourself, not your possessions.


• Be extremely alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, rocks, and other indicators of debris flow.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Immediate Landslide Danger?

• Contact local emergency authorities. Local police, fire, or public works officials are the best qualified people to assess possible danger.


• Inform your neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards. Advising them of a possible threat might help save lives. Help neighbors who need assistance to evacuate.


• Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.

What Should You Do During a Landslide?

• Quickly move out of the path of the landslide or debris flow. Moving out of the path to a stable area will reduce risk.


• If escape isn’t possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. A tight ball provides the best protection for your body.

What Should I Do After a Landslide?

• Stay away from the slide area.


• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Help rescuers find their locations.


• Help a neighbor who may need special assistance: infants, older people, and the disabled. People who care for others may also need extra assistance in an emergency situation.


• Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.


• Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides because they may both be started by the same event.


• Look for and report broken utility lines to authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.


• Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to the foundation, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.


• Replant damaged landscaping as soon as possible. Erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.


• Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating additional hazards.

Additional information on the Red Cross preparedness information with tips for preparing for and responding to natural and man-made emergencies is available online at www.sdarc.org (http://www.sdarc.org/)

The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross offers disaster preparedness education programs as part of its individual, family, and corporate membership program.