Right now
Move away from the path. Now.
Get to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the slide. Do not try to outrun it downhill. Landslides travel faster than you.
Where you are right now
Your situation determines what you do
If you are at home
If a landslide is approaching, get to the highest floor. Stay away from the uphill side of the building where debris may push through windows. Climb onto a sturdy counter, desk, or table and hold on. If you have time to leave safely, do so and move to higher ground away from the slide path.
If you are outdoors
Move away from the path of the slide to the right or left. Do not go uphill or downhill. Landslides travel downhill rapidly and are much faster than a person on foot. Get to the nearest high ground. If you cannot get out of the path in time, curl into a tight ball and protect your head with your arms.
If you are driving
Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, and fallen rocks. If you see debris on the road, do not drive through it. Turn around if possible. If caught, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you cannot safely exit.
Warning signs
Sounds like cracking trees, knocking boulders, or a low rumble like a freight train. A sudden change in stream flow, from clear to muddy, or a sudden stop in flow. New cracks in the ground or in walls. The ground shifting under your feet. If you notice any of these, move immediately. The risk is far greater on or below a recent wildfire burn scar, where even moderate rain can send a debris flow downhill within minutes. In those areas, leave early when heavy rain is forecast rather than waiting for these signs. Many landslide deaths happen at night, so stay alert and ready to move during a storm.
After the immediate danger
What to do next
Stay away from the slide area
More slides can follow, especially during continued rainfall. Do not enter the slide area to retrieve belongings. Stay away from the head and edges of the slide.
Check for injured or trapped people
Direct rescuers to their locations without entering the slide area yourself. Report any broken utility lines or damaged roads.
Watch for flooding
Landslides can dam streams, creating temporary lakes that may release suddenly. If water is building up behind debris, move away from the drainage path.
Sources: USGS Landslide Safety, USGS Landslide Hazards Program, CDC Landslide/Mudslide Safety, Ready.gov Landslides, New York DHSES Landslide Warning Signs, Sonoma County Emergency Preparedness. All safety claims verified against primary sources. Last reviewed August 30, 2026.
This guide is not professional emergency management advice. It is a plain-language starting point for someone in an active hazard right now.