A properly trained dog can search an area of over 100 square metres in as little as 20-30 minutes. Dogs are used to search for people buried by avalanches Also important after an avalanche is the clearing of roads. This is necessary to allow rescue services and supplies to reach the effected area quickly, as many people will be left out in the cold and open without food or shelter. Roads need to be cleared in order for emergency services to reach those who need help Perceptions of avalanches depend upon the location of the person's home. For those living in alpine and mountainous areas the threat of avalanches is real through most of the year and people living here are very aware of their existence.
People here appreciate the destructive powers of an avalanche.
However in recent times tourism has boomed in mountain area, and as the popularity of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing and other alpine sports has increased, more outsiders are brought into avalanche risk areas. These people do not appreciate the need for caution when on slopes as much, or at all, as those living nearby. It is these people that put others in danger and who must be educated of the power of avalanches. Hazard Prevention Avalanches are one natural hazard that can be relatively well prevented through the use of many techniques. As mentioned above many ski runs are closed when there is the danger of an avalanche.