AZEINCollection

Heavy rains can turn Arizona terrain unstable and cause occasional land and mudslides. Debris flows be incredibly destructive, but you can take precautions ahead of time.

BE prepared

Before a landslide or mudslide, you can take to improve your safety:

·          Do not build near steep slopes, mountain edges, drainage ways or natural erosion valleys.

·          Get a ground assessment of your property.

BE informed

There are often warning signs before a landslide.  Be mindful of visible and unseen changes, including:

• Changes occur in your landscape.
• Outside walls, walks or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
• Slowly widening cracks in the ground or on paved areas.
• 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.
• Faint rumbling sounds that are noticed and increase in volume.
• Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, etc. on roadside embankments.

After the slide has passed, there are several safety guidelines to keep in mind:

·          Stay away from the slide area.

·          Without entering the area, check for injured and trapped persons near the slide.

·          Beware of unseen damage.

·          Replant damaged ground as soon as possible.

·          Do not enter the area until you have been told to do so by officials.

BE curious

For additional information on preparing for a landslide or mudslide, visit:

·          Just in Case Arizona

·          Ready.gov

·          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention