Surviving a Landslide in Your Car

By now, you're probably aware of the landslide occurrences in different parts of the country brought on by the recent storms that passed through the Philippines. While these events are sad and tragic, there's no denying that they can potentially happen to anyone at any time. And yes, it could happen to you as well.

A landslide is a natural disaster that should be taken seriously, because depending on the angle of the slope or the condition of the land, a beautiful landscape can turn into a raging avalanche of earth, mud, and debris in a flash. Landslides can travel several kilometers from the source, and obliterate everything in their warpath, so the risk to life, limb, and property cannot be overstated. In case of a landslide, keep the following tips in mind to increase your chances of survival.

Stay alert

The best way to survive a landslide is to avoid getting caught in one. This means being alert at all times. Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands behind the wheel so you can react quickly to any dangerous situation. If you're in an area with damaged soil, be wary of warning signs of a landslide, such as the following:

• Unusual loud sounds, such as huge rocks knocking together or trees cracking.
• Sunken road beds.
• Unusual bulges on the road, ground, street or sidewalks.
• If you're driving beside a body of water, look out for sudden changes in water levels.

Listen to forecasts

It is important to keep an ear out for forecasts on radio or TV. If you're driving in your car and you get an alert over the radio of a landslide in the area, seek a good shelter or cover immediately. Even a weak landslide can shove your car off the road and surround it in dirt and mud.

Stock up on the necessities

Carry tools that will help your car get free from mud if you slide off the road. This can include a sturdy wooden plank, crow bar, jack, wheel wrench, and maybe even a shovel. Add items such as tarp and duct tape to cover broken car windows. Make sure your spare tire is well inflated and in good condition. Above all else, always, always, always have an emergency kit in your car consisting of first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, flashlight, flares, cellphone charger, towing chains, tank of gas, gallon of anti-freeze, and jumper cables, among other items.

Don’t panic

If you're trapped in your car, try your best to remain calm. Panicking does nothing but slow down your ability to think sensibly. Keep the doors shut and the windows rolled up.  Keep in mind that your cabin is strong enough to protect you from all the mud, water, and debris. Take action quickly to protect yourself from harm. If you're trapped, wait for rescue and don't do anything drastic.