Reduce slide risks Do's & Don'ts.   Do research Learn about the geology and the history of your property. Talk to local officials, your neighbors, or visit the local library. Review geologic or slope stability maps of your area. Do get advice Get advice from a qualified geologist or geological engineer before buying a potentially unstable site or building your home. Although waterfront lots can be attractive sites, they often have severe natural limitations. They may also be subject to strict environmental and safety regulations. Do leave a safe setback Build a prudent distance from the top or bottom of steep slopes. Avoid sites that are too small to allow a safe setback from the slope. Allow adequate room for drainfields and driveways. Local setback requirements should be viewed as absolute minimums. Resist the urge to trade safety for a view. Do keep plants Maintain existing vegetation, both above and on steep slopes. Trees, shrubs, and groundcovers help anchor soils and absorb excess water. Get expert advice identifying and removing weeds. Do maintain drainage Collect runoff from roofs and improved areas and convey water away from the steep slope or to the beach in a carefully designed pipe system. Regularly inspect and maintain drainage systems.   Don't irrigate or put drainfields on a bluff Avoid placing septic system drainfields or irrigation systems between a home and the edge of a bluff, where excess water or leakage could exacerbate slope instability. Don't dump on a slope Do not place clearing debris, yard waste, or fill material on a steep slope. Even small accumulations of debris can become saturated and precipitate a larger slide. Don't change natural drainage Avoid modifications of the ground that disrupt or alter natural drainage, unless based on the recommendations of a qualified geologist or engineer. Don't cut into the slope toe. Don't cut into a steep slope or excavate the toe of slope. Don't overlook slide hazards Do not be lulled into complacency by the lack of recent slides. Landslides typically only occur every few decades on a given site, and in some cases are even less frequent, but may remain a serious risk when heavy rains occur.     Types of slides Causes of slides Slide signs What to do Prevention FAQs Getting help Slide maps Slide show Shallow slides Deep slides Large slides Benches Geology Insurance Links Hiring experts Engineering Drainage Bulkheads Retaining walls Slope modification Toe buttresses Defensive approach   What to look for during and after heavy rains, USGS. Where landslides occur, warning signs, and what to do. Landslides and Mudflows, FEMA. Landslide danger signs, what to do.
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