Mass Movements, Wind, and Glaciers
Mass movements such as landslides and avalanches are serious geologic hazards. The American Red Cross estimates that landslides alone cause $2 billion in damage and 25 to 50 deaths in the United
States each year. Organizations such as the Red Cross work with government agencies to develop safety plans in the event of a destructive mass movement. Would you know what to do if a natural hazard threatened
your area?
Mass movements may not be an overriding problem in your area. But according to the California Division of Mines and Geology (DMG), that situation could change. The DMG notes that mass movements can occur
without warning in places that have never experienced geologic hazards before. A stable hillside, for example, could become prone to slippage if it is developed for housing and vegetation is removed.
The best preventive measure against mass movements is to avoid building on steep slopes. However, if your house already exists on a slope, there are actions you and your family can take to reduce the
impact of destructive geologic forces.
Preventive Measures
Some businesses specialize in manufacturing protective barriers against mudflows, avalanches, and falling rocks. These barriers are commonly made of steel posts and reinforced wire nets. They act
like strong, flexible fences that stop the mud or snow from sliding down a hill. Drains and solid retaining walls are also effective barriers against most types of mass movements. The DMG recommends that
anyone building a house on potentially unstable ground consult an erosion-control specialist or geologic engineer for guidance.
Preparing for the Worse
In addition to reinforcing the ground around your house, you can make sure your family is prepared for a natural disaster—be it a landslide, tornado, flood, or hurricane. The American Red Cross points
out that following such disasters, basic services such as phone, water, and electricity can be disrupted. You may also have to leave your home on short notice. That’s why the Red Cross advises that all
families should prepare a disaster supply kit in the event of an emergency.
According to the Red Cross, a basic supply kit should include a battery-powered radio and flashlight, first aid kit, credit card and/or cash, personal ID, extra set of house and car keys, matches in
a waterproof container, signal flare, prescription medicines, maps, and other special items such as diapers or spare glasses. The first aid kit should contain the items listed in the table below.
| First Aid Kit |
| First aid manual |
| Sterile adhesive and roll bandages |
| Safety pins |
| Soap |
| Latex gloves |
| Sunscreen |
| Sterile gauze pads |
| Nonprescription drugs |
| Scissors |
| Tweezers |
| Needle |
| Antiseptic |
| Moistened towelettes |
| Thermometer |
| Tongue depressors |
| Petroleum jelly |
LINK-UP: Find out more information about preparing
for natural disasters.
Warning Systems
Keep in mind that some natural disasters strike with little warning. In the case of mass movements, scientists are working hard to develop technology that can pick up vibrations from rock and snow,
and thus allow warnings to be issued before landslides and avalanches occur. In 1999, scientists at the University of Arizona’s Geological Engineering Department developed a computer model that can detect
areas at particular risk for mudflows and predict the probable size of the flow. By studying variables such as weather patterns, terrain, and the extent of deforestation, the scientists plan to produce
hazard maps of threatened areas. Their goal is to develop a warning system similar to that used for forest fires so that people can evacuate the area, and loss of life and property can be avoided or reduced.
Emergency systems are available to help emergency managers put evacuation plans into action. Such a system helps emergency planners reroute traffic flow in potentially hazardous areas.
Activity
As a group, discuss which natural disasters are most likely to affect your area. Then develop an evacuation plan for your town. For example, if your area is prone to flooding, your evacuation route
should steer residents away from rivers and streams. Share your plan with the class.
