Learn and be alert to early warning signs in the natural and built environment around you. Have landslides happened before? Can you see bulging ground at the base of slopes, are trees becoming more and more tilted and are you noticing an increase in water flow or muddy water? Stay informed about the weather and learn about, and participate in, early warning systems in your area.

Seek expert advice before any construction to avoid building in landslide prone areas and to understand how to minimize their potential impacts. Avoid building on steep slopes, close to mountain edges and at the mouth of steep ravines. Protect your property by planting ground cover on slopes and building retaining walls. And work together with your neighbours or community to build channels that direct flow around buildings.

Be alert to unusual sights and sounds such as faint rumbling or shifting ground. Board up windows and doors and place sandbags to divert water flow. When a landslide happens, or is about to happen, get out of its path as quickly as possible, informing neighbours and local officials if you suspect imminent danger. If evacuation is not possible, find your closest shelter and protect yourself by curling up tight into a ball and protecting your head.