Contra Costa County Fire Provides Mudslide Safety Tips

As a series of storms approaches the San Francisco Bay Area, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District released information on mudslide safety.

Here is a copy of their release:

MUDSLIDE SAFETY:
Mudslides occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt. They usually start on steep hillsides, liquefy and accelerate down the hill. The debris flow ranges from watery mud to thick, rocky mud that can carry large items such as boulders, trees and cars. Always listen to the radio, television, or check your local weather websites, for the latest information and instructions for your area.

Before Severe Storms:

• Have a disaster plan ready, and discuss with your family.
• Have emergency supplies on hand, food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
• Become familiar with the land around you. Find out if you’re in a mudslide prone area.
  

During Severe Storms:

• Stay alert, and keep a watchful out eye throughout the night.
• Listen to the radio or watch TV for warnings about intense rainfall or for information and instructions from local officials
• If you live in mudslide prone areas, consider leaving if it safe to do so. If you can’t, go to the highest level of your home.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking each other. These may indicate an approaching landslide or mudslide.
• Be aware of any sudden increase or decrease in water level on a stream or creek.
• Be alert, especially if you have to go out and drive. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of a possible debris flow.
• If you see a landslide or mudslide starting, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Getting out of a mudslide is your best protection. Move to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and debris are approaching, go to the nearest shelter and take cover (under a desk, tale, or other piece of sturdy furniture.

During Mudslides:

• Quickly move out of the path of the mudslide.
  

After Mudslides:

• Stay away from mudslide areas. Flooding or additional slides may occur after a landslide or mudslide.
• Listen to the radio, TV or internet for emergency information.
• Check for injured or trapped people near the affected area, if it is possible to do so without entering the path of the landslide or mudslide.
• Watch out for flooding which can happen after a mudslide.
• Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
• Check the foundation of your home, chimney and surrounding land for damage.