To report landslide indicators contact your local fire, police or public works department or the 24-hour provincial toll-free number at 1.800.663.3456.
Landslides
Landslide are the down-slope movement of rock, earth or debris. These flows can develop rapidly, striking with little or no warning. Storms, earthquakes, fires, erosion and human modification can trigger landslides. Slides can also occur when heavy rain or rapidly melting snow saturates and destabilizes the ground.
Preparing for a Landslide
Understand if your home is located in a landslide hazard area; are you at the base of a slope, or located on a slope that may be at risk? Are there any landslide or flood control structures protecting your property? And understand your insurance coverage and potential exclusions.
Be aware of the signs that could signal a landslide:
- Changes in your landscape such as patterns of storm water drainage on slopes, small slides, or progressively leaning trees.
- New cracks appearing in plaster, tile, brick or foundations.
- Outside walls, walks or stairs pulling away from the building.
- Cracks developing over time on the ground or on paved areas.
- Tilting or movement in fences, retaining walls, utility poles or trees.
- Sudden changes in stream flow.
- Abnormally dirty water.
- Accumulation of large logs or debris.
- Rapid accumulation of sediment along a flat section of creek channel.
- Tension cracks near the top of a slope.
- Falling rocks or boulders.
During a Landslide
Be ready to act
Leave the area immediately and move to a safe location if you observe the following:
- A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume.
- Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
If you are caught in a landslide, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.