Warning Signs of Mud/Debris Flow

Landslides are a common occurrence in the United States especially during extreme weather conditions. Other causes of landslides include fire, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and even human interference. If the landslide is accompanied by mud or debris, this can be even more devastating to property, livestock, and even human life. If you have been a victim of mud slide and debris flow, it is advisable to contact  experts in flood damage remediation in St. Augustine.

We have all seen the damage of mud or debris flow in our televisions and newspapers. Sometimes, we even experienced it ourselves. You can always look for water damage restoration services in St. Augustine after it happens. But when it comes to unexpected events such as this one, how can you know the tell-tale signs if it is about to flood and create mud or debris in your area? 

Here are some warning signs of mud/debris flow that you must watch out for:

1. If you are experiencing a wildfire burn area, use your radios, televisions, or smartphones to follow up on news regarding the burn area. Take heed of the weather forecast since this might affect the spread of the fire. Remember, extreme fire conditions can also trigger landslides and massive fire extermination using water can also cause mud flow. 

2. Carefully listen if there are rushing water sounds or any unusual sound around. 

3. Trees cracking or sounds of boulders knocking together can give an indication that there is moving debris. 

4. You will know that a landslide is nearby when you can hear rumbling sounds that increase as time goes by.

5. Observe movements in fences, walls, streetlights and other poles, trees and boulders.

6. If you can observe big boulders in an area, that can be an indication of previous debris flow.

There are also other slow-moving landslides that you must watch out for. If you are in your home, you might want to take note of the following:

1. Check if there is a change in your landscape. During storms, you might observe leaning trees and plants. Pay attention to storm-water drainage slopes or other areas where runoff water flows and converges.

2. Windows jamming or sticking for the first time during a rainstorm may indicate underground movements.

3. Also see if there are cracks in tiles, foundations, walls, and bricks in your home or in the surrounding area.

4. If you can see sidewalls, cement roads, or stairs pulling away from an infrastructure, you can be sure that there is serious ground movement.

5. Slow widening cracks on the ground or pavement are also an indication of slow-moving mud/debris flow.

6. Underground utilities malfunction and may even break.

7. Uneven ground especially on the base of a sloping area.

8. Water breaks from the ground show up in different/new areas.

9. You must also check for tilting trees, utility poles, and walls.

10. Check for shifts in direction of ground slopes.

11. Sudden decrease in water flow or change from clear to muddy can also be a warning sign that a mud or debris flow is coming.

Now if you are experiencing a flow of mud and debris, you must also know how to protect yourself while it is happening. The first thing that you have to do is not to panic. Calm yourself and your other family members first before anything else. Then remember the following:

· During a landslide, stay tuned to news. During extreme weather, having a battery-powered radio is very handy to monitor news.

· If there are warnings and evacuation notices made by the local government, follow them as much as possible. Leave your house. You can always get water damage restoration services in St. Augustine  after, but you cannot replace a lost life.

· Stay alert during storms especially if you are in landslide prone areas or if you see any warning signs. Sleeping the night out despite warning signs may lead to worse scenarios.

· It is important that you study the signs or take heed of evacuation warnings. That is because when the mud and debris arrive, it might be too late for you to get to safety. 

· Never cross a road if there is mud or debris flow. You might not know when it will swell.

· If you are stuck in the path of a landslide, try to go up hill as soon as possible.

· Avoid low-lying areas.

Looking for experts in flood damage remediation in St. Augustine? Try calling ServiceMaster by PWF at (866) 599-0871 for residents of St. Augustine and other parts of St. Johns County.