-City to host Twitter Q&A about landslide preparedness
Did you know that most landslides occur between the months of October and April? And that 86 percent of landslides are caused to some extent by human activity? Landslide season is upon us and the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides.
Heavy rains are likely this year for the Pacific Northwest. As the rainfall continues to increase throughout the fall, the threat of landslides will continue to rise in the winter. Experts agree there is no one single factor that contributes to landslides in the area. However, in most cases there are steps that property owners can take to reduce that risk.
With 20,000 Seattle properties, most of which are residential, in landslide-prone areas, DPD encourages property owners to protect themselves from landslides. Learn how by participating in our Twitter Landslide Q&A event.
When:
November 18
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Where:
@SeattleDPD on Twitter
#seattlelandslides
Follow @SeattleDPD for more details in the next couple of weeks.
Our Q&A event will let you talk directly to our landslide expert, and learn simple preventive measures to help you protect yourself from future landslides. Preventive measures include:
- Checking downspouts; making sure they are functioning and routed to a safe location
- Inspecting sloped areas for indications of soil movement and erosion
- Keeping fill and yard waste off slopes
- Shutting off your sprinkler system and inspecting it seasonally
- Leaving tree stumps in the ground on slopes
- Knowing when to seek professional help for hillside projects
Can’t participate in the event? Don’t worry; you can find several helpful resources on our Emergency Management page to help you find out if you’re at risk and how to be prepared.
If a landslide damages your property and you have an immediate concern for your safety, leave the premises and call 9-1-1. If you have a structure that may be affected by or endangered by a landslide, you should contact a geotechnical professional for evaluation.