How do landslips affect our community?

This is a mountainous area of the Northern Rivers, being on the southerns side of the Mt Warning (Wollumbin) Caldera. We do have some roads and dwellings on fairly steep terrain, so landslips are not uncommon after heavy rain events.

Landslips often occur during other disasters like Floods or Bushfires, so refer to those for more information on before, during and after these disasters.

BEFORE

What can you do to prepare for landslips?

You can protect yourself, your family and your property by doing the following:

• • • Before occupying a building, check with Council and neighbours for the area’s history of landslip or instability.
      
• • • In steep areas, look for the tell-tale signs of ground movement, such as trees tilting (down-slope), water seepage and breaks in the ground.
• • • If outdoors, always heed warning signs and avoid the tops and bases of cliffs and embankments, especially where there are signs of loose rocks or debris.
• • • Never stand or sit on rock overhangs unless you are sure they can bear your weight.

DURING A LANDSLIP

How to stay safe during a landslip?

You can protect yourself and your family by doing the following:

• If indoors, shelter at the least-affected end of the building under a strong table or bench (if possible use a mattress for extra protection). Hold on firmly and stay put until all land movement has stopped.

• If outdoors and a landslide threatens, move quickly from its path and keep clear of banks, trees, power lines and pole.

• Don’t walk across a landslip (in the case of it having obstructed a road)

AFTER

Reporting a landslip

You can report a landslip emergency to Triple Zero (000) 

Post about road closures on The Channon Hookups, as often locals with equipment can clear small-scale landslips with their own equipment before the council has a chance to send someone out to clear it.