Other events

LANDSLIDE

WHAT IS A LANDSLIDE?

A landslide is the movement of a mass of rock, debris or earth down a slope. Landslides can vary in size from a single boulder in a rock fall to tens of millions of cubic metres of material in an avalanche. Landslides can be caused by a saturation of slope material from rainfall or seepage, vibrations caused by earthquakes, waves undercutting cliffs or by human activity.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Consider whether you are in an ‘at risk’ area: • Are you near a steep slope? • What is the structural integrity of your home? • Is your home located in a cut and fill site? • Have an action plan in your home that all household members are aware of.

Stay alert to changes in the weather, particularly high amounts of rainfall in the area. Be aware of the following signs: • Changes to the typical landscape, for example, storm water drainage deviating from the normal path, progressively leaning tree or small slides. • Doors and windows jamming. • New cracks, pulling away or widening of existing cracks appearing in the property, for example in concrete paths, retaining walls, foundations and walls. • Exposure of underground systems such as phone lines and water pipes. • Unusual sounds such as trees cracking, water trickling or falling mud and debris. • Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other debris flow.

If you notice any signs of a landslide occurring, move quickly out of the path of the flow. Save yourself and don’t worry about your belongings. The mud and debris can flow quickly and with great force that can swallow a vehicle in its path. Get away from the area as soon as possible and stay clear as it will be unstable and further slides could happen. If you cannot escape, curl up into a tight ball and protect your head.

For more information on what to do before, during and after disasters, visit the Emergency Management Australia website.

EARTHQUAKE

Earthquakes are a shaking or trembling of the Earth’s crust caused by the release of huge stresses due to underground volcanic forces, the breaking of rock beneath the surface, or by sudden movement along an existing fault line. Most earthquake casualties result from falling objects or debris when shocks damage or demolish buildings and other structures. Other dangers are landslides, ground displacement (faulting), subsidence and tsunamis. Electricity and telephone lines, as well as gas, sewer and water mains can also be damaged.

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

THE ROLE OF THE SES

The State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer organisation designed to help the Queensland community in times of emergencies and disasters.

Each year the SES receive thousands of calls for assistance. The SES is involved in preparing for, and responding to, many different types of disasters and emergencies including: • Cyclones • Storms • Floods • Crime scene/forensics searches • Public events • Body recovery • Earthquakes • Cliff rescues • Transportation incidents (road/rail/air) • Landslides • Searches for missing persons, and • Animal disease outbreaks.

THE SES PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS IN THE ABOVE EMERGENCIES

• Search and rescue • Help injured persons • Protect persons or property from danger or potential danger associated with an emergency, and • Other activities to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster events.

WHEN TO CALL THE SES

SES volunteers have limited resources to respond to emergencies. Please ensure that your situation is an emergency before you call. You can call the SES for the following assistance during emergencies: • Trees and branches down and access to your home is blocked • Major flooding and temporary repairs/covering of damaged or leaking roof • Access to tarpaulins for homes • Information on where to access sandbags.

The SES is not available to undertake general maintenance on leaking roofs or cleaning blocked gutters during rain or cyclone events. If you rent your property please contact the property owner or manager for maintenance issues. This should be done prior to the wet season.

The SES must have the owner’s permission to enter a property or access a roof. Power must be turned off before SES access a roof. You will need to have a licensed electrician or Energex turn it back on.