As you are aware by now, Orange County has been hit with a tremendous amount of rain with more to come this week;

Here are some helpful signs to look for should you live in an area that could be affected by landslides.

As Reported by Kelli Hart with the OC Register:

It’s no secret that hilly Laguna Beach is subject to landslides, but do you know how to recognize the signs of an oncoming landslide before it happens?

Here are FEMA’s tips on how to anticipate an oncoming landslide and what to do after one happens:lblandslide

Signs of an oncoming landslide:

  • Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
  • Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.
  • New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
  • Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
  • Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
  • Underground utility lines break.
  • Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
  • Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
  • Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
  • A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
  • The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.
  • Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
  • Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

How to recover from a landslide:

  • Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
  • Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
  • Watch for associated dangers such as broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines and damaged roadways and railways.
  • Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.
  • Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.

Your thoughts and feedback on this topic are greatly appreciated. Please feel free to post your comments.

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