How can I reduce my risk?

Debris flows cannot be prevented, but landslide disasters can. Risk is a combination of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. When hazard is elevated, decreasing exposure (by moving out of areas where landslides are likely to happen) is the best way to decrease your risk.

• If you live or work in an area that could be susceptible to landslide hazard, make a plan for a place to go when risk is elevated. For some, a buddy system for tsunami/landslide hazards works well. Plainly stated, go uphill for tsunami and downhill for landslides. When a tsunami warning is active, those involved go to the home uphill and outside of tsunami inundation. When landslide risk is elevated, they go to the home downhill and outside of landslide-susceptible areas.
• Review landslide preparedness recommendations and assemble a “go bag” with emergency supplies
• Make an emergency plan with people in your home and/or workplace. Consider If possible, include notifying or helping vulnerable neighbors and friends in your plan.
• Emergency Plans for Individuals with Disabilities
• Emergency Plans for Seniors

Recommended actions

Preparing for high risk

• If you are in an area at risk, leave if it is safe to do so; staying out of the path of a landslide saves lives
• Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous; leave areas at risk before intense rainfall if possible
• Follow Emergency Management recommendations; Public Service Announcements will be posted on the City of Sitka Facebook Page
• Review landslide preparedness recommendations and assemble a “go bag” with emergency supplies.
• Communicate with household members and neighbors about landslide potential
• Tune into local radio broadcasts such as KCAW (104.7 FM) and KIFW (1230 AM), as landslides may affect roads and other infrastructure
• Check back for current conditions

Preparing for medium risk

• Consider leaving areas at risk
• Review landslide preparedness recommendations and assemble a “go bag” with emergency supplies
• Determine if you live or work in an area with elevated landslide risk on landslide maps
• Make a plan to leave or avoid areas at risk
• Check back for current conditions