Winter is coming, and in Western states its not just bringing snow, skiing, and hot toddies.
Some Left Coasters are bracing forterrifying mudslidesthat could carry away or crush buildings, vehicles, and people.
Amazingly, you might increase your chances of surviving a landslide with a few simple actions.
In between 1 and 6 meters, though, survival seemed to depend on previous planning and quick thinking.
Just dashing upstairs, for example, can increase your chance of surviving 12 times over.
Once heavy rains arrive, those burned soils can turn to fast-moving,exceptionally dangerous landslides.
If you live downhill from a high risk area, be prepared.
Emergency services may warn you to evacuate ahead of a big storm, and you should.
But what if, for whatever reason, you havent evacuated?
There you are in bed; you hear branches cracking and a rumbling like a freight train.
Dont just lie there!Move.
Move your bedroom upstairs and to the downhill side of the house.
At minimum, move beds away from exterior walls.
Remove furniture that could crush you.
One landslidesurvivordove into a closet and survived for nearly 5 hours under 9 meters of debris.
During the landslide
Be alert to thesounds a landslide makesa rumbling or snapping of branches and trees.
You might have 40 to 60 seconds before it arrives.
Those on an upper floor, attic, or roof survive 95% of the time.
And, like we said, getting upstairs increases survival 12 times.
Take cover in that closet.
Meanwhile, heres whatnotto do:
Dont go outside.
Dont open a door out of curiosity.
You want to be one who makes it.
But, of those who were rescued, only 11% were found by first responders.
Your neighbors are your best bet.
Wave objects and make noise to attract attention so theyll find you.
Shout, whistle, or bang on debris.
Jennie is a freelance science writer.
She has been writing about science and medicine for nearly four decades, including several books.
In her youth, she rebuilt a 1973 Norton Commando motorcycle.
